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Russell Miller and Max Stokoe sent shock waves through Manx Cricket on Sunday.

They played a big part in knocking out favourites Castletown and St Johns from the semi-finals of the Standard Bank League Cup.

The Saints were at home to Cronkbourne who batted steadily during a damp day at Mullen-e-Cloie. Max, who opened the innings with Pete Richards, struggled at first but gradually got on top of the bowling.

At 140 for 2 the Tromode club were in a good position, but Greg Hawke struck back and wickets began to fall. The side ended on 189 for 8 with Stokoe having made a very good 68. Steve Slack hit 36 and Richards scored 21.

Greg Hawke was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 35, but the Cronkbourne total looked in reach of the St John’s batsmen. Breaks for rain disrupted their innings and a revised target of 132 from 32 overs was set.

At 60 for 3 all seemed set for the Saints to go through to the final. Nick Hawke and Scott Pearce were in fine form, but then Scott fell to a catch off Neil Holmes.

Stokoe then took control. Roaring in from the Tynwald end, he broke through the middle order. Nick Hawke carried on scoring as wickets tumbled around him, but he finally went for a well-struck 39.

St Johns were dismissed for 102 and Max ended a great match with 6 for 21. This was a top team effort by Cronkbourne who never gave up, even when it looked certain they would lose.

In the other semi, Castletown travelled up to Ramsey and were put in to bat by Ollie Webster who was skippering the side in the absence of Rob Webber. After the loss of a quick wicket, Mark Williams and Gareth Morris had a good stand.

They had taken the total to a comfortable 69 for 1 before their side was blown away by Russell Miller. Coming on second change, he bowled Williams for 25 and then ripped through the rest of the team.

Russell finished with the amazing figures of 8 wickets for just 7 runs from eight overs. Morris fell to Brian Arnold for an excellent 34, but the side ended on 89 all out.

Ramsey had problems getting the runs, thanks mainly to a fiery spell from Garreth Roome. He took 4 for 28 and Andy Sewell claimed another two wickets.

However skipper Webster cracked 37 and Jamie Moffatt made 27 to end the Southerner’s hopes. The northerners won by four wickets and go to Tromode next Sunday to meet Cronkbourne in the final.

This will be the last game of the season and a clash few people forecast. Ramsey have a poor record against the Douglas side and probably start as the under-dogs. But as everybody found out last week, cricket can be very unpredictable! 

ISLE OF MAN BANK CRICKET RESULTS

Standard Bank League Cup – Semi Finals

Castletown 89 (Gareth Morris 34, Mark Williams 25 : Russell Miller 8 -7, Chris McConnell 1 -8) Ramsey 90 for 6 (Ollie Webster 37, Jamie Moffatt 27 : Garreth Roome 4 -28, Andy Sewell 2 -45) Ramsey won by 4 wickets

Cronkbourne 189 for 8 (Max Stokoe 68, Steve Slack 36 : Greg Hawke 4 -35, Arne van der Berg 1 -32) St Johns 102 (Nick Hawke 39, Scott Pearce 15 : Max Stokoe 6 -21, Neil Holmes 2 -32) Cronkbourne won by 30 runs (rain affected match)

ISLE OF MAN BANK CRICKET FIXTURES DIARY

Sunday 9 September

Standard Bank League Cup –  Final  (11.00am)

Ramsey Crookall v Manx Telecom Cronkbourne

At Tromode