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Alderley wins, Bramhall loses whilst Cheadle v Cheadle Hulme abandon play

Published: 23rd August 2010 18:44

RAIN prevented Saturday's clash of top clubs Hyde and Nantwich becoming the possible title decider in the ECB Premier League.

Cricket ball

Nantwich held the upper hand almost throughout at Werneth Low, recovering from a 24-3 shock to pile up a massive 306-6 declared in 51 overs, highlighted by a thrilling innings of 160 off 150 balls by former New Zealand Test batsman Lou Vincent. He hit 12 fours and 11 sixes and together with George Cairns (60), put on 182 for the fourth wicket. Hyde had reached a modest 141-3 in reply off 34 overs and were way behind the clock when rain ended play, Nantwich having to settle for 14 points to Hyde's seven.

With three weeks remaining, this result leaves Hyde still top on 323 points, followed by Nantwich, closer now on 321, while reigning champions Oulton Park re-enter the picture with 307 points thanks to a maximum return at Chester Boughton Hall. Chester were bowled out for 125, Warren Goodwin becoming the first league batsman to pass 1,000 runs with a top-scoring 43, while Robin Taylor, Nathan Dumelow and Guy Emmett all claimed three wickets. After being 47-5, Oulton reached 126-8, Ben Gough (28) and especially Nick James (34 not out) playing match-winning innings, while Ajit Ranjan claimed 4-55.

Neston's title bid is not yet lost in fourth place on 303 points after they almost managed a notable victory over Alderley Edge in a tight finale at Parkgate. After being set to better Alderley's 180-5 (Richard Wilkinson 49, Jason Whittaker 45), Neston closed six runs short on 174-8, Sam McPherson scoring a fine 66 and Andy Roberts 44.

Chester are West Midlands T20 champions

CHESTER Boughton Hall did the League proud when they beat the North Wales Premier and North Staffs & South Cheshire Premier winners at Wood Lane on Sunday in the Area finals of the ECB Cockspur T20 before a large crowd, many of whom were their own supporters.

Jim Gillson's team beat Mochdre by seven wickets, then Wood Lane by six runs in a high-scoring thriller and now take on Bootle in the Regional Finals at Filkins Lane on Sunday, September 5^th the last stage before the National Finals at Southampton Rose Bowl on Thursday, September 23rd

ANDY BIRLEY HAT-TRICK:

OXTON moved into the top half of the table with an impressive bowling performance against struggling Urmston at Townfield Lane. Oxton mustered only 113 in 59 overs, Mark Rowland 40, ex-Indian Test bowler Samit Panda 5-35. But Urmston were skittled for 46, the Premiership's lowest tally of the season, paceman Andy Birley including a hat-trick in his 6-27 return. What's more, Birley took two further wickets with the last two balls of the match and stands to complete another hat-trick with his first delivery at Oulton Park next Saturday. Gary Dixon with whom Birley bowled unchanged, gave valuable support with 3-17.

After being promoted last September, Bramhall became the first club to be relegated from the Premiership after losing for the 15^th time in 19 games at home to Toft, themselves badly needing the points. Aussie leg-spinner Jeremy Hart claimed 6-25 off 16 lethal overs to dismiss Bramhall for 114. Teenager Ed Stubbs then hit a lusty 70 to pilot Toft home by six wickets.

Bowdon's dismal season continued when they were bowled out for 63 at lowly Didsbury, for whom medium pacer Nick Anderson claimed a career-best 8-20 off 13 virtually unplayable overs. Earlier Didsbury had mustered only 122, Greg Dixon 37, Pat Moore 35, Carl Hey taking 5-48 and Gareth Edwards

DIVISION 1

Fairbrother ton lifts Grappenhall

A WEEK after making his first senior appearance for Grappenhall in 27 years, former Lancashire and England batsman Neil Fairbrother scored 110 to help his home village club beat Irby and move into second place in the First Division.

Fairbrother's innings was described by umpire Jon Hacking as "brilliant - he seemed to score off every ball". Grappers declared on 249-5, Fairbrother and another former Red Rose player Rick Green (58) putting on 148 for the second wicket. Bottom of the table Irby who had been reviving recently, were all out for 96, Ian Hall 5-32.

Alert umpire Hacking also noted that the Irby team contained three Newmans, David, Mike and Mark and the Grappenhall side had three McCoys, stand-in keeper Tony, James and Luke.

Macclesfield slipped six points behind into third spot when they were held to a 16-9 draw at Heaton Mersey when 10 vital overs were lost to rain. Macc declared on 252-6, Ben Morrison 96, Khalid Sawas 65 and ‘Mersey replied with 170-8, Mark Bennett 61.

WIDNES MARCH ON

There seems nothing will stop Widnes in their march to the title, Middlewich becoming their 13^th victims in a nine wickets battering at Beaconsfield road. Facing the reality of relegation after being promoted with such high hopes last September, Middlewich mustered just 114, Peter Roberts taking 7-55 and Danny Moore 3-44 before Widnes coasted home with Tony Hurdley 56 not out.

Poynton stay fourth after a rain-ruined draw at home to Christleton, posting 195-9, Paul Gould 67. Christleton had got to 94-3 off 33 overs after tea.

The same situation bedevilled points-seeking Upton at Bollington, the home side scoring 153, Ged McKernan 47, Ian Sharrock 5-48, George Earl 5-62. Upton were poised on 95-5, Earl 41, when play ended early.

Draw experts Cheadle Hulme shared for the 11th time at home to Cheadle in another premature finish which went like this: Cheadle 125 (Rana Malook 64, Damien Stringer 4-60); Cheadle Hulme 94-4 (Stringer 36 not out). Could have gone either way.

Division 2

WHO'S FOR THE DROP?

WHILE the top two places in Division Two seem certain to go to Marple and Sale - who meet on the last day of the season - the relegation plot thickens.

Ashton on Mersey are favourites for a rapid return to the Meller Braggins Cheshire League as they are now 55 points below the safety line after losing at home to Warrington by 49 runs. Warrington plodded to 145-5 in 55 overs, Dan Pascoe 43 not out, following which Ashton mustered just 96.

There was allegedly a serious incident during this game at Little Ees Lane involving a player and a spectator. Umpires Trevor Burnett and Liam Spires will be making a detailed report to the League Disciplinary committee.

Currently in 11^th place, Stockport Georgians collected 11 points from a home draw with rivals Mobberley which lost 10 overs to mid-afternoon rain. Mobberley (13 points) were all out for 182, Mohammed Saeed 59, Ifti Hussain 5-57 and Georgians replied with 161-6, Simon Normanton 56.

Birkenhead Park also remain in the frame for the drop after losing by two wickets at Brooklands off the last ball of an exciting game. Park batted 55 overs to post 170-7, Chris Stenhouse 86 and Brooklands edged home at 171-8, David Madden 59, Alex Fuller 47, Carl Ainsworth 5-60.

Chris Wood 7-39 outbowls Mark Maddocks

Bredbury St. Mark's continued their impressive season with a 16 runs win in a bowlers' day at Timperley after posting a modest 133-9, Peter Zybrands 35. Mark Maddocks had a remarkable return of 19-15-21-4, at one time bowling eight consecutive maidens when his figures were 3-0. Nathan Brown, 4-53, also bowled well. When they batted, Timperley could make nothing of Chris Wood, who took 7-39 to skittle the hosts for 117.

At the top, meanwhile, Marple ploughed on with a 22 points win at Tattenhall after being restricted to 129, Jo Cash 38, Craig Williamson 5-55. Looking good at 70-2, Tatters were bowled out for 111 .....by none other than Andy Greasley, 5-39 and his spin junior Jo Cash, 4-55, to win by 18 runs.

Sale closed up and now trail by only eight points after beating Congleton by 122 runs at Dane road: Sale declared on 222-5, Hassan Khan 52, then Congleton were all out for 120, Khan 4-35.

Should be some finish.

What Saturday's phone-in revealed.....

ECB PREMIER LEAGUE

BRAMHALL (won toss, 2 pts.) lost to TOFT (25 pts.) by 6 wickets:

Bramhall 114 (60 overs: A. Hall 40, K. O'Connor 39, J. Hart 6-25);

Toft 118-4 (27 overs: E. Stubbs 70).

CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL (toss, 6 pts.) lost to OULTON PARK (25 pts.) by 2 wickets:

Chester 125 (51 overs: W. Goodwin 43, N. Dumelow 3-24, R. Taylor 3-33m G. Emmett 3-49);

Oulton Park 126-8 (43 overs: N. James 34no, B. Gough 28, A. Ranjit 4-55).

DIDSBURY (21 pts.) beat BOWDON (toss, 5 pts.) by 69 runs:

Didsbury 122 (55 overs: G. Dixon 37, P. Moors 35, C. Hey 5-48, G. Edwards 4-43);

Bowdon 63 (27 overs: J. Gray 19, N. Anderson 8-20).

This result was not telephoned.

HYDE (7 pts.) v NANTWICH (14 pts.) match abandoned as draw:

Nantwich 306-6 dec. (51 overs: L. Vincent 160, G. Cairns 60, N. Ahmed 47no, R. Woolley 4-91);

Hyde 141-3 (34 overs: D. Leech 38no, Extras 30).

NESTON (toss, 8 pts.) drew with ALDERLEY EGE (8 pts.):

Alderley Edge 180-5 innings closed (60 overs: R. Wilkinson 49, J. Whittaker 45, A.Worrall 37);

Neston 174-8 (50 overs: S. McPherson 66, A. Roberts 44, E. Harding 3-54).

OXTON (20 pts.) beat URMSTON (toss, 5 pts.) by 67 runs:

Oxton 113 (59 overs: M. Rowland 40, S. Patel 5-35, I. Grindley 3-29);

Urmston 46 (27 overs: A. Birley 6-27 including hat-trick, G. Dixon 3-17).

FIRST DIVISION

BOLLINGTON (won toss, 9 pts.) v UPTON (7 pts.) match abandoned as draw:

Bollington 153 (50 overs: G. McKernan 47, I. Sharrock 5-48, G. Earl 5-62);

Upton 95-5 (34 overs: G. Earl 41).

CHEADLE HULME (7 pts.) v CHEADLE (toss, 13 pts.) match abandoned as draw:

Cheadle 185 (50 overs: R. Malook 64, M. Roberts 36, D. Stringer 4-60);

Cheadle Hulme 89-4 (34 overs: D. Stringer 36no, A. Punja 3-36).

GRAPPENHALL (toss, 25 pts.) beat IRBY (2 pts.) by 153 runs:

Grappenhall 249-4 dec. (50 overs: N. Fairbrother 110, R. Green 58);

Irby 96 (38 overs: I. Hall 5-32, S.Titchard 4-20).

HEATON MERSEY 9 pts.) drew with MACCLESFIELD (toss, 16 pts.):

Macclesfield 252-6 dec. (48 overs: B. Morrison 90, K. Sawas 65, P. Barron 39no, H. Rashid 3-65);

Heaton Mersey 170-8 (52 overs: M. Bennett 61, R. Porter 3-32, I. Tait 3-53).

Ten overs were lost to rain.

POYNTON (10 pts.) v CHRISTLETON (7 pts.) abandoned as draw:

Poynton 195-9 dec. (50 overs: P. Gould 67, M. Heathcote 45no, J. Hutter 40, P. Allen 3-51, I. de Silva 3-70);

Christleton 94-3 (33 overs: N. O'Connell 30no, K. Hallam 3-33).

WIDNES (25 pts.) beat MIDDLEWICH (toss, 3 pts.) by 9 wickets:

Middlewich 114 (45 overs: P. Roberts 7-55, D. Moore 3-44;

Widnes 115-1 (25 overs: A. Hurdley 56no, S. Henry 29no, D. Naughton 28).

DIVISION TWO

ASHTON on MERSEY (3 pts.) lost to WARRINGTON (won toss, 20 pts.) by 49 runs:

Warrington 145-5 innings closed (55 overs: D. Pascoe 43no, M. Roberts 3-27);

Ashton on Mersey 96 (38 overs: G. Gyves 34, D. Pascoe 3-12, M.Adams 3-21, S. Heydon 3-25).

BROOKLANDS (toss, 20 pts.) beat BIRKENHEAD PARK (5 pts.) bv 2 wickets:

Birkenhead Park 170-67 innings closed (55 overs: C. Stenhouse 86);

Brooklands 172-8 (45 overs, last ball: D. Madden 59, A. Fuller 47no, C. Ainsworth 5-60).

SALE (25 pts.) beat CONGLETON (toss, 5 pts.) by 102 runs:

Sale 222-5 dec. (50 overs: H Khan 52, R. Booth 3-42);

Congleton 120 (44 overs: J. Lamb 36, T. Blease 36, H. Khan 4-39, R. Halkon 3-19).

STOCKPORT GEORGIANS (11 pts.) v MOBBERLEY toss, 13 pts.) abandoned as draw:

Mobberley 182 (48 overs: M. Saeed 59, A. Aqeel 32, I. Hassan 5-57);

Georgians 161-6 (42 overs: S. M. Normanton 56, N. Tyers 35, A. Aqeel 4-60).

TATTENHALL (6 pts.) lost to MARPLE (toss, 22 pts.) by 18 runs:

Marple 129 (50 overs: J. Cash 38, C. Williamson 5-55);

Tattenhall 111 (43 overs: J. Hope 39, A. Greasley 5-39, J. Cash 4-55).

TIMPERLEY toss, 6 pts.) lost to BREDBURY ST. MARK's (21 pts.) by 17 runs:

Bredbury St. Mark's 133-9 innings closed (55 overs: P. Zybrands 45, B. Green 32, M. Maddocks 4-21, N. Brown 4-53); Timperley 117 (35 overs: C. Wood 7-37).

This result was not telephoned

PICK OF WEEK

ECB Premier League:

Batting: oLou Vincent (Nantwich) 160 v Hyde

Bowling: Nick Anderson (Didsbury) 8-20 v Bowdon

All-rounder: none recorded

Division One:

Batting: Neil Fairbrother (Grappenhall) 110 v Irby

Bowling: Pete Roberts (Widnes) 7-55 v Middlewich

All-rounder: oGeorge Earl (Upton) 41 and 5-62 v Bollington

Division Two:

Batting: Chris Stenhouse (Birkenhead Park) 86 v Brooklands

Bowling: Chris Wood (Bredbury St. Mark's) 7-37 v Timperley

All-rounder: Hassan Khan (Sale) 52 and 4-39 v Congleton

Tell tale tables after 19 games - three to go

View tables here

Boughton Hall shine in Staffordshire

FOLLOWING their triumph in the Red Insure T20 on August 8^th, Chester Boughton Hall went on to win the ECB Cockspur Cup West Midlands Area Final at Wood Lane, Staffordshire in a thrilling day's cricket on Sunday.

They will now host North-West Area champions Bootle in the Regional Final on Sunday, September 5^th. Bootle beat Netherfield by 122 runs to 78 in the one-off North-West final at Wadham Road. The winners of the next round go through to the National finals at Southampton's Rose Bowl on Thursday, September 23^rd which is to be televised live on Sky.

Sunday's tournament at Wood Lane started an hour late due to heavy overnight rain with the semi-finals reduced to 15 overs each. Wood Lane made the most of the home conditions to run up 159-5 and restrict the favourites, Birmingham League champions Moseley to 153-9, winning by six runs.

Boughton Hall suffered a blow minutes before their semi-final when they learned that their Overseas player, Indian spinner Ajit Ranjan was not eligible. Undeterred , they bowled and fielded well to hold North Wales premiership reps Mochdre (Colwyn Bay) to a modest 120-8. Boughton Hall replied with 123-3 in just seven overs, Warren Goodwin pasting their bowling with a breath-taking 80.

The 20 overs final against hosts Wood Lane saw Chester win the toss and go into six-hit overdrive with a total of 208-5, Goodwin 77, Ollie Law 43, Trevor Fabian 31 - after otherwise inspirational wicket-keeper Steve Ogilby had been dismissed first ball. Wood Lane profited from a second half-century from Staffs left-hander Danny Brierley, but he was out to one of several fine outfield catches on 121-3 at the half-way mark. Former Nantwich player Jeff Maynard could not get on top of the bowling and was not out 25 at the end when Wood Lane closed at 202-4, six runs short.

The presentation of two bottles of Famous Grouse whisky by former Leicestershire batsman Carl Crowe went to Chester captain Jim Gillson and to Man of the Match Goodwin, who enjoyed another outstanding day in a wonderful season. During the week, Goodwin had scored his seventh century in 25 days, 133 for Lancashire 2^nd against Derbyshire at Old Trafford.

Chester chairman and scorer Jim Law said afterwards: "Until recently, we have never seen ourselves as Twenty 20 experts, but some of the boys have learned fast and some old dogs have learned new tricks. I was proud of them - and the many supporters who made the journey - plus the Editor of Newsletter and his wife. Now for some more hard work on September 5th !"

STAFFS RETAIN PRESIDENT'S TROPHY

NORTH Staffs and South-Cheshire Premier League retained the League Cricket Conference's President's Trophy when they beat the Notts Premier League by 52 runs in the final at Audley on Sunday, August 15^th.

Winners in 2009 when they beat North Yorks & South Durham League also at Audley, Staffs totalled 175, thanks l to 71 from Danny Brierley (Wood Lane). Notts were bowled out for 134, Michael Brown taking 4-32.

OVER 40s PLAY-OFFS

THE Over 40s play-offs will take place at Warrington on Bank Holiday Monday, August 30^th when the order of play is as follows:

12 noon - 2.40 p.m. Semi-final One West Group winners NESTON v Central Group winners TOFT on main ground.

12 noon to 2.40 p.m. Semi-final Two North-East Group winners SALE SILVERBACKS v South-West Group winners MARPLE on top ground.

3.20 - 6 p.m. Final on main ground. Presentations at 6.10 p.m.

The League will provide balls and pay for umpires' expenses and teas. Coloured clothing may be worn.

A Special end of season meeting for Over 40s club representatives will be held at Warrington on Thursday, October 14^th (8 p.m.). Clubs are asked to indicate before or at the meeting whether or not they wish to compete in 2011. New applications can also be considered together with proposals for rule changes.

No relegation for Cheshire Women

BY beating Worcestershire at Pershore, Cheshire virtually assured themselves against relegation from the Second Division of the Liverpool Victoria Women's County championship (writes PR officer Martin Saxon).

Cheshire scored 146 (Jenny Kitzinger 58), then routed Worcester for 58 (Kate Coppack 2-6). Next match is against Surrey at Mobberley on Sunday, August 29^th (11 a.m.).

Appleton Tigers have won the League Division One title for the first time after beating outgoing champions Poynton by 172 runs.

The T20 Finals Day is at Macclesfield on Bank Holiday Sunday. The Plate final is between Oakmere Kats and Trafford at 12 noon, followed by the main final between Appleton and Poynton or Chester Boughton Hall at 3 p.m.

International T20 at Cheadle

CHEADLE are staging an International T20 tournament at Kingsway on Sunday, August 29^th from 12 noon.

Three teams taking part will be an Indian Premier League XI; Cheshire/Australian XI and a Cheadle Select XI.

Among players who have confirmed are Shabbir Ahmed (Pakistan Test fast bowler); Sohail Rauf (ex-Alderley Edge all-rounder), Rajiv Kumar (scorer of 5,000 first class runs in Indian provincial cricket); Peter Manser (ex-Cheadle and Didsbury and Victoria squad player). Lancashire coach Peter Moores will present the awards.

League News in Brief

ROB WOOLLEY IS PERFORMER of MONTH

O HYDE's speedster Rob Woolley has won the League sponsors' Performance of the Month award for July with his magnificent spell of 8-49 in an ECB Premier League game against Toft at Werneth Low on July 24th.

Rob, who began the season playing first-class cricket for Cambridge UCCE and March Town in the Cambridge League, is now a regular in the Lancashire 2^nd XI attack. He took 8-56 in a match earlier in the season, against Neston on June 19^th.

His reward will be a framed certificate and bottle of champagne, kindly provided by Chapel Press

O FORMER Hyde batsman Chris Tipper, recently badly hurt in a car smash in Worcestershire en route to play for Lancashire 2nd, was a popular onlooker at Hyde's match against Nantwich on Saturday. Looking pale, but better than most people expected considering his injuries, Chris has been allowed to leave hospital and live at home with his parents. Now at Northern, Chris told Newsletter he fully expects to be playing cricket again next season.

O .PRESENTATION dinner organiser John Bygate has despatched coloured posters to all clubs and asks them to display prominently.

The League's principal event of the year is at Mere Golf & Country Club on Friday, October 1^st when the guest speaker will be Glamorgan and England all-rounder Robert Croft, with Sky tv's John Gwynne the MC.

O THE use of lap tops by ECB Premier League scorers is being considered for the 2011 season.

Cheshire Cup semi-final

O NESTON take on holders Alderley Edge in the second Cheshire Cup semi-final at Parkgate on Sunday (1 p.m.). The winners will be at home against North Staffs. & South-Cheshire League premiership club Elworth - who have already beaten Bowdon - in the final on Sunday, September 5^th.

O FINAL of the 2^nd XI Taylor Insurances Trophy is on Sunday, September 5^th between Hyde and Didsbury at Werneth Low (1 p.m.). There are no plans for this competition to change from its present 45 overs format.

O THIRD XI Sunday fixtures have been granted an extension to Sunday, September 19^th because of a heavy backlog .

O POSSIBLE new entrants to Third XI cricket in 2011 are Woodley (D&CL) and Knutsford (Cheshire Alliance).

O JACK GARDNER 3^rd XI Trophy final is on Sunday, September 12^th between Bramhall and Didsbury at Bramhall (1 p.m.). This competition is likely to become a T20 in 2011.

O SEPTEMBER 12^th is the date of the League's First & Second Division XI match in the Mullaney Trophy against the Derbyshire & Cheshire League at Hawk Green (12.30 p.m.).More suspensions

O LATEST list of suspensions under the League's Disciplinary Code of Conduct:

Andy Cole (Middlewich) one week for abuse of equipment v Irby on July 17;

Matthew Parkinson (Christleton) one week for abuse of equipment v Irby on July 24;

David Dooler (Cheadle) three weeks for abuse of umpire v Bollington on July 31;

Ian Linwood (Upton) for abuse of opponent v Heaton Mersey on July 31^st.

O THE League are hoping to form a 2nd XI Premier League umpires panel in 2011.

O AN MCC booklet dealing with up-dated Laws of Cricket is to purchased by the League for 70 members of the Umpires & Scorers Association at £3 each.

Juniors prize night

O THE League Junior Presentation Evening is at Warrington Sports Club on Sunday, September 26^th (5 p.m.). Trophies will be presented to the winning teams in each age group and Player of the Year awards will be announced followed by a free buffet. For further information contact david.vallance@btinternet.com

O LEADERS of the League Pitch table compiled by Grounds chairman John Bygate for games up to and including Saturday, August 14^th were Grappenhall (17.75) and Congleton (17.30). Bottom two: Didsbury (13) and Bowdon (12.89).

Top of the Outfields table: Irby (18.22) and Cheadle (18). Bottom: Macclesfield (14.22) and Didsbury (14).

Cheshire end with innings victory

CHESHIRE wound up their Minor Counties championship Western group programme with a nine wickets victory inside two days against Shropshire at Alderley Edge on Sunday and Monday, August 15^th and 16^th.

Cheshire piled up 308-8 in 90 overs on the opening day, skipper Andrew Hall defying a knee injury to top-score with 66, while Lee Dixon hit 62, Ben Spendlove 40 and James Duffy 35.

Missing six of the players who had won the Knock-out Cup final for the first time against Lincolnshire a few days earlier, Shropshire were in deep trouble at 90-6 by the end of the day. They did not recover next morning, being bowled out for 143, professional paceman Richard Logan taking 5-51 and spinner Nathan Dumelow 4-35.

Shropshire followed on and did little better, totalling 207 to avoid an innings defeat, Logan again leading the way with 3-51, spinner Jonny Fawcett 3-60 and debutant Richard Wilkinson playing on home ground, 2-32. Needing 44 to win, Cheshire knocked off the runs for the loss of Wilkinson's wicket inside seven overs, Spendlove hitting out lustily for an unbeaten 34. Cheshire took 23 points to Shropshire's three to wind up in fourth place behind champions Dorset, who beat them at Bournemouth, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

Commented skipper Hall: "We couldn't expect to win the group again after losing that second game against Devon. We have blooded a number of good, young players this season and they'll the better for it in 2011".

Lincolnshire won the Eastern Division and will visit Dorset at Bournemouth in the 4-day play-off starting on Sunday, September 5^th.

WESTERN DIVISION FINAL TABLE

View table here

In the Eastern group, Lincolnshire finished top with 107 points, followed by Suffolk, 98.

Sixties make it to semi-finals

MOST successful Cheshire team of the season are the Super Vets who reached the semi-finals of the Spitfire 60 Plus County championship with a superb 118 runs victory over holders Norfolk at Old Buckenham on Tuesday last week.

Their match-winners were batsman Alan Hitchmough (125) and skipper Andy Hurworth (84) who put on 205 for the second wicket in a tally of 232-4. Norfolk were bowled out for 114, Chris Lees enjoying figures of 9-4-12-3 and Ken Crofton 9-0-20-3, while Hitchmough also did well with the ball, taking 2-15.

Cheshire now visit Hampshire at Hursley Park, neat Winchester on Tuesday, August 31^st. The other semi-final is between Yorkshire and Sussex.

Duffy leads League Conference team

SKIPPER James Duffy is one of seven County League players selected to play for the League Cricket Conference in their annual representative match against the Club Cricket Conference at Audley CC, North Staffs. on Wednesday this week (11 a.m.). The team is:

Duffy captain, Danny Berry, Danny Cranmer, Guy Emmett, Jonny Kettle, Calum Rowe, Richard Wilkinson (County League), James Dixon , James Cole wicket-keeper (Liverpool Competition), Sam Messih (Derbyshire & Cheshire League), Sam Sweeney (Lancashire County League). Team manager: John Richards (D&CL).

Development team at Mobberley

CHESHIRE Development XII meet a Leicestershire XI in their final friendly match of the season on Thursday, August 26^th at Mobberley (11 a.m.).

Marple are Cheshire Shield winners

SECOND Division leaders Marple beat Cheadle of Division One by 44 runs in the final played at Bowden Lane on Sunday to win the Cheshire Shield for the first time.

Marple batsman Ryan Lindsay who has played in the 2^nd XI most of the season, was named Man of the Match for his fine innings of 93 as Marple totalled 219-9 in 45 overs Adam Wilde 4-25.

Holders Cheadle were bowled out for 175, Dan Brown 49 not out, Matt Shelton and Brendan Couchi both taking three wickets.

The trophy and awards were presented by Cheshire 4Cs Competition committee chairman Peter Davies, who thanked Marple for staging the event and Ian Greensmith for his organisation of the tournament.

FINAL SCORECARD

View here

KEY DATE PASSES

CLUBS should note that no player is allowed to make his first 1st or 2nd XI appearance of the season in the last five week-ends of the season except under special circumstances approved by the Cricket Committee in which case players must have had at least two years' membership. An appearance in Over 40s cricket does not qualify.

List of approvals to date:

Urmston: Craig Grindley; Stockport Georgians: Steve Mobley, Kasyn Wickmarasinghe, Bhinal Patel, coach Neil Henry, Sam Bailey, Rishi Jena, Daniel Box; Nantwich: Nick Massey ; Marple: Richard Major.

KEY DATE PASSES

List of approvals to date:

Urmston: Craig Grindley; Stockport Georgians: Steve Mobley, Kasyn Wickmarasinghe, Bhinal Patel, coach Neil Henry, Sam Bailey, Rishi Jena, Daniel Box; Nantwich: Nick Massey ; Marple: Richard Major.

Northwich top Meller Braggins League

AFTER Stockport were spectacularly bowled out for 66 at home by Hale Barns, Northwich regained top place in the First Division of the Meller Braggins Cheshire League with a winning draw against Weaverham at Moss Farm. Malpas are now a close third in the race for the top two places, which will earn those clubs promotion to the County League in 2011 should their facilities be considered suitable.

Saturday's results:

Alvanley 72-3 Winnington Park 71; Davenham 66 Ashley 67-3; Malpas 54-3 Trafford MV 52; Northwich 181-4 dec. Weaverham 143-5; Oakmere 179-8 dec. Mere 180-3; Stockport 66 Hale Barns 67-4.

Placings after 18 games (four remain): 1. Northwich 335 pts; 2. Stockport 330; 3. Malpas 325; 4. Alvanley 319; 5. Hale Barns 274; 6. Weaverham 266; 7. Oakmere 252; 8. Trafford MV 249; 9. Ashley 232; 10. Davenham 203; 11. Winnington Park 185; 12. Mere 181. .

Fixtures on Saturday, August 28^th (1 p.m.): Ashley v Stockport; Hale Barns v Northwich; Mere v Alvanley; Trafford MV v Davenham; Weaverham v Oakmere; Winnington Park v Malpas.

August 14th revisited .....

PREMIER LEAGUE umpires reports (pitch markings and outfield sections both carry a maximum of 20 pts.):

Alderley Edge 14-15; Bowdon 16-19; Nantwich 13-19; Oulton Park 13-15; Toft 15-18; Urmston 16-19.

Leading individual performances to date (stats taken from League website):

BATTING: Goodwin 977 runs (including six centuries); R. Wilkinson 921; L. Dixon 894; Currie 793; oVincent 792.

BOWLING: Warrington 52 wickets; Edwards 45 and Whittaker both 45; Hawley 43; Young 32.

WICKET- KEEPERS: Worrall (Alderley Edge) 25c + 7 st = 32.

In Hyde's two wickets win at Bowdon, wicket-keeper Mark Makin hit a six off the third ball of the last over, thus ending Gareth Edwards' marathon 27 over spell in a violent manner.

Nantwich v Neston was the only match in any division of the day reduced in overs due to morning rain (to 96).

Jonny Kettle was on the field throughout Oulton Park's six wickets home win against Didsbury. Keeping wicket, he took 4 catches, then finished with 18 not out opening the batting.

FIRST DIVISION umpires reports:

Cheadle 9-19; Christleton 18-20; Irby 15-16; Macclesfield 14-14; Middlewich 17-20; Upton 13-12.

Top individual performances. BATTING: Wilde 715 runs; oHenry 663; Rowe 649; oPassas 631; Naughton (Widnes) 613.

BOWLING: D. Moore 63 wickets; Tait and M. Ali both 54; McCray 44; Mark Newman 43.

WICKET-KEEPER: Spencer 25 + 5 = 30.

Grappenhall scored 220-5 declared (not all out as reported) in their win against Cheadle.

That the Macclesfield v Cheadle Hulme game was able to start on schedule was down to the fine work of junior members Matthew Cross and James Griffiths who put in hours of work on the flooded ground after a torrential mid-week downpour. The two spirited youngsters removed many tons of water to enable the vital match to take place.

Macclesfield also report severe damage to their second ground where one sight-screen has been smashed, while their umpires' dressing room has been badly vandalised.

There was a misreading of the Middlewich v Poynton match on page 2 in last week's Newsletter. In fact, Poynton batted first to post 220-6, Middlewich replying spiritedly to close on 219-9, losing their ninth wicket off the final delivery. Poynton had no scorer.

The Newsletter Editor gave himself a treat by going to the splendid Christleton ground to watch the visit of Heaton Mersey. Two outstanding individual talents on display were those of Christleton all-rounder Iro de Silva, back to last season's form with a match-winning 71 not out and young 'Mersey wicket -keeper Philip August, whose glovework was immaculate. Groundsman Brian Wareing was still glowing from the praise bestowed upon him by none other than David Graveney during the recent Bunbury Festival match at Little Heath when he was told his pitch could be compared to the Oval's. Admiration also goes to Christleton secretary Val Dandy and her ‘Mersey counterpart Nicola Bennett - who was pounding the boundary - who show weekly that women secretaries can be even better than their male counterparts. .

Smartest result sheet of the week: Upton v Widnes (plaudits to scorer A. Robinson).

SECOND DIVISION umpires reports:

Birkenhead Park 17-18; Bredbury 13-18; Congleton 16-19; Marple 16-18; Mobberley 14-18; Warrington 17-15.

Leading performers. BATTING: oZybrands 767 runs; P. Wood 745; oHerrick 716; Din 646; Khan (Sale) 603.

BOWLING: Greasley 67 wickets; Williamson 65; J. Cash 54; Aqeel 51; R. Halkon 48.

WICKET-KEEPERS: Sandford (Tattenhall) 14 +13 = 27.

All out for 35 at home to Sale, Birkenhead Park's tally was the lowest in the league since Cheadle Hulme scored 29 against Bollington in 2008. No Park batsman reached double figures and the innings declined from 24-5 to 26-9. Earlier Sale had recovered from 75-6 to declare on 227-8.

Batting for Bredbury, beaten at home by Tattenhall, Aussie batsman Peter Zybrands scored 117 out of total of 165, or 154 runs off the bat.

Mobberley wicket-keeper W. Berisford-Ince snaffled 4 catches in his side's 51 runs home win against Brooklands. Mobberley result sheet was received on Saturday morning for the second time in two weeks.

After Marple had totalled 178, Stockport Georgians' reply declined from 113-4 to close on 114-9, five wickets falling for one run. Spinners Andy Greasley and Jo Cash have taken 121 wickets between them.

Timperley overseas player Peter Herrick, who top-scored with 48 in his side's defeat at Warrington, is a soccer fan. He was seen at the Altrincham v Darlington Conference match last Tuesday, together with Bowdon's Paul Sinclair and season ticket-holder Ken Spilsbury, coordinator of the League umpires reports.

MISSING UMPIRES ASSESSMENT CARDS FROM AUGUST 14th: Bowdon and Didsbury (Premier League); Widnes (Division One). Co-ordinator Ken Spilsbury reminds clubs that 10 a.m. Saturday is the absolute last time their returns to be received

MISSING RESULT SHEET: Middlewich v Warrington (T20, June 30)

Fixtures & umpires for Saturday, August 28th

ECB Premier League (12.30 p.m.)

ALDERLEY EDGE v HYDE Ged Kinsey & Geoff Wellsteed

BOWDON v CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL Barrie Burns & Ian Greensmith

NANTWICH v DIDSBURY Alistair Davies & Jon Hacking

NESTON v BRAMHALL Tom Park & Phil Prince

OULTON PARK v OXTON John Lofthouse & John Silver

URMSTON v TOFT David Moss & Chris Smith

First Division (1 p.m.)

CHEADLE v HEATON MERSEY Tony Morris & Peter Ogden

CHRISTLETON v WIDNES Don Speakman & David Williams