Dreams of Edgbaston final over for Neston

Aug 22 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NESTON’S dream of playing in the National T20 finals day at Edgbaston came to an end as Northern comfortably beat them at Station Road.

Despite the rain, Northern chose to bat first and scored 18-0 in 3 overs before heavy rain forced a 2 hour rain break. On resumption, Northern accelerated to 145-7 in their 20 overs, opener Stephen Lucas scoring 57 in 49 balls. Pick of the bowlers was Jordan Free, who took 3-22.

Neston’s reply started well enough but when captain David Hurst was out in the third over with the score on 18 the wickets came, and quickly.

The main resistance was in a partnership of 30 between Chris Hackett and Chris Finegan for the sixth wicket. However the game was all over when Neston were all out for 97 off 18.5 overs.

We have exceeded expectations in winning the Cheshire T20, reaching the National T20 quarter finals and for reaching the last 16 of the National Knockout. We have beaten some strong sides and credit is due to captain David Hurst and the side for the success and the spirit they have shown in reaching this stage of the competition.

Neston can take consolation from their narrow victory over local rivals Oxton in the Cheshire County Cricket League Premier Division on Saturday. Batting first, Neston scored 211-8 with Hurst (86) and a maiden first XI 50 or Jonny Crick (52) the main contributors. Ross Dixon took 5-30.

Oxton relied heavily on former New Zealand test cricketer Lou Vincent in the reply; Vincent scored 83 in 78 balls in reply, but when 6 foot 4 veteran Chris Finegan dived forward at full stretch to catch him out, Oxton succumbed to 202 all out to see Neston win by just 9 runs.

A NEW BRIGHTON side still rueing their midweek Liverpool Echo Knockout semi-final defeat were beaten by Leigh on Saturday in the Premier Division of the Bridging Finance Solutions Liverpool and District Cricket Competition.

Batting first, Leigh were dismissed for 145, thanks mainly to an excellent spell from Ashraf Nawab (6-29). In reply, Paul Hale’s side fell just eight runs short as they lost their last seven wickets for 34 runs. Michael Baer (5-45) and Matthew McKiernan (3-27) did the damage for Leigh.

Wallasey are limping their way over the Division One finishing line after Formby went a long way to securing their safety following a brilliant win at Cricket Path.

Batting first, Formby compiled a massive 301-3 declared off 55 overs with 122 from opener Mark Baker the highlight. Jay Lenton (85no) and Elliot Ketteringham (54no) also contributed.

A half-century from opener Graham Reid (50) was as good as it got for the leaders who were undone by Mark O’Connor (4-59) and Jan Gadzina (3-27) as they were dismissed for 183.

Fleetwood Hesketh were left frustrated in second place and 36 points behind Wallasey after their match with Wigan had to be abandoned after a flash flood.

Division Two is reaching a thrilling climax after leaders Birkenhead Park fell to a shock defeat at St Helens Town.

Batting first, Town’s Stuart Lyon (53) top scored as his side were dismissed for 140 off 59.3 overs.

Park skipper Chris Stenhouse claimed 6-46 but that was as good as it got for the leaders whose batting collapsed.

Gary Freeman (3-5) and Matthew Fisher (3-27) posted the best figures as Park were bundled out for just 95.

Birkenhead Park’s defeat allowed Burscough to move level on points with the leaders following a vital 87 run win over promotion rivals Parkfield Liscard who fall to fourth.

Burscough declared on 160-8 off 55 overs with the target proving too much for Parkfield who were dismissed for just 73. Brendan Domigan picked up 6-31 in a pivotal victory for the School Lane side.