Va va Vincent fires up Nantwich
Rain prevented Saturday’s clash of top clubs Hyde and Nantwich from becoming the potential title decider in the Chapel Press Cheshire Cricket League.
Nantwich held the upper hand almost throughout at Werneth Low, recovering from their 24 for three calamity to pile up a massive 306 for six 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 with George Cairns (60) put on 182 for the fourth wicket.
Hyde had reached a modest 141 for three 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 for five, Oulton reached 126 for eight, 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 however. They lie 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 for five (Richard Wilkinson 49, Jason Whittaker 45), Neston closed six runs short on 174 for eight, Sam McPherson scoring a fine 66 and Andy Roberts 44.
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 after Mark Rowland made 40 and ex-Indian Test bowler Samit Panda took 5-35. But Urmston were skittled for 46, the Premiership’s lowest tally of the season after paceman Andy Birley scooped 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 15th 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 4-43.
