Top three teams Nantwich, Bowdon and Oulton Park win to set up exciting climax to Cheshire County League’s Premier Division season

Aug 26 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NANTWICH, Bowdon and Oulton Park, the top three clubs in the ECB Premier Division of the Chapel Press Cheshire County League all won on Saturday and only 14 points divides them with just three games remaining.

Leaders Nantwich bowled Widnes out for 66 at Beaconsfield Road, with Barrington Browne taking 5-35 and Jimmy Warrington 3-18, before going on to win by nine wickets.

Bowdon were too strong for Toft at Knutsford, their Lancashire all-rounder Gareth Cross making 110 and Stephen Ball 78 in a reply of 222-3 after they were set to top Toft’s 221-6. Adam Carolan hit 77 and Shaun Mudalige 46 not out for Toft.

Oulton Park were the highest scorers, amassing 318-5 against Chester Boughton Hall’s toiling bowlers.

Neston skipper Jack Smith became the first league batsman to top 1,000 runs for the season with 68 which helped his side beat Hyde at Parkgate.

Hyde were dismissed for 164, Chris Tipper 60, Tom Twiney 55, David Hurst 5-45, Phil Stimson 3-43. Neston responded with 165-5, Smith being helped by teenager Andy Murphy with 48.

Macclesfield showed their fighting qualities with a 69 runs home win against Oxton after posting 227-5, Tom Parfett 83, James Hawley 52 not out, Khalid Sawas 50. Apart from 70 by Simon Stokes, Oxton’s batsmen had an off-day and were all out for 159.