The latest on the Cheshire cricket scene

Jul 14 2010 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

DISMISSED for the season’s lowest Chapel Press Cheshire County League ECB Premier Division score of 58 and beaten by 104 runs by Wirral rivals Oxton, leaders Neston did not lose much ground in their championship bid as none of the five clubs immediately below them managed to win.

A fine innings of 73 from Sean Moore highlighted Oxton’s modest tally of 162 at Parkgate, Chris Fingan taking 5-62 and Jordan Free 3-22.

But Neston were all at sea against the twin pace attack of veteran Andy Birley, 4-27 and Waqar Ahmed, who claimed 5-30 on debut.

Alderley Edge moved into second spot still 33 points behind Neston with a winning draw at home to Toft in a game which realised 562 runs for the loss of only 13 wickets. A partnership of 190 between wicket-keeper Andy Worrall (101) and Richard Wilkinson (100) highlighted the Alderley innings of 310-4 compiled in just 50 overs. Toft responded with a spirited 252-9, Shaun Mudalige 46, Mark Warnes 3-36.

Oulton Park’s winning run came to an end at Bowdon, where Lancashire Academy batsman Jordan Clark proved a match-winner with a magnificent innings of 95 not out. Clark led the way as Bowdon replied with a rapid 201-4 from 42 overs after the 2009 champions had been bowled out for 197, Ben Spendlove 52. Bowdon off-spinner Gareth Edwards, producer of the BBC’s popular ‘Question of Sport’ programme bowled unchanged to return 6-80 off 27 overs.