Ma THE Trinity complete record chase, while Chester’s good form continues … Wistaston DAZZLER 160 finally secure first division 2 win in cross-divisional games … Clarification on kit, balls and scorecard web entries … Chester and Trinity well placed in T20 divisions … Didsbury and Oxton into senior KO last four … Georgians into Development KO Final … Dawn Prestidge to League XI v MCC, match to return to Ashton-on-Mersey, and club nominations invited … Cheshire win one and lose one on T20 home matchday

CHESHIRE WOMEN’S LEAGUE

Division One / Two Cross Divisional – June 18:

Ashton -on-Mersey 187 (39; Vicki Dean 63, Mary Priestner 45, Mina Khatun 24, Georgia Bath 3-21, Hannah Wicks 3-30, Jennie Kitzinger 2-16) (8pts) Stockport Trinity 190-6 (37.5; Sarah McCann 70*, Kate Harvey 33, Gaby McKeever 32, Sarah Sutcliffe 2-27) (25pts)

• Sarah McCann’s second successive half-century led the way as Trinity smashed the league record for the highest successful run chase.

June 25:

Wistaston Village 164-4 (40; Katie Haszeldine 64, Alison Smith 48*, Katie Bennett 20) (25pts) Did sbury 86 (32.3; Rosie Davies 23, Abbie Adams 4-5, Kara Townsend 2-6, Smith 2-9, Christine Lawson 2-32) (4pts)

• Wistaston recorded the first win by a division two side in the cross-divisional programme so far this season, led by Katie Haszeldine with the bat and Abbie Adams with the ball, while Alison Smith continued her own consistent season by contributing in both disciplines. As the only division two team with more than one win to their name, this result extends the Crewe-based side’s lead.

Leigh 164-5 (40; Amelia McKeown 84, Nicky Deane 59*, Sammi Short 4-9) (5pts) Chester Boughton Hall 166-0 (34.5; Nic Capes 66*, Short 62*) (25pts)

• At halfway, a shock result looked more than possible, after 13 year-old Amelia McKeown made 84 for Leigh, backed up by another half century from Nicky Deane. However, Chester ultimately completed a ten- win, Sammi Short putting the seal on a superb day for her.

• ECB website article spotlighting the role Leigh manager Karen Brereton has made to women’s and girls’ at the club.

Division Three – June 11:

Woodley 99-5 (20: Vicky Downes 29, Sophia Wade 3-29) (25pts) Chester Boughton Hall 23-8 (15; Georgie Morton 4-2, Alex Wilson 2-4) (3pts) (Woodley winners on faster scoring rate after rain brought an early conclusion)

• A more experienced Woodley side comfortably beat a young Chester Academy side who were playing their first competitive match. Woodley can draw level with leaders Stockport Georgians by winning their two games in hand.

June 18:

Didsbury 2nd XI 101-4 (20; Carrie Ellwood 30ret) (25pts) Chester Boughton Hall 2nd XI 53-4 (20) (3pts) (Two batters were retired out in the Didsbury innings, as per division 3 rules these do not count when ascertaining the bonus points to be awarded).

• Another small slice of history for the league with the first match between two women’s second teams, and Didsbury’s total proved too much for Chester.

June 19:

Didsbury 2nd XI 176-4 (20; Laura Griffiths 85, Tasneem Akram 31, A Bourtoure 2-24) (25pts) Lymm Oughtrington Park 86-9 (20; Kerry Knight 30*, Claire Moloney 3-18) (7pts)

• Laura Griffiths led the way to a massive Didsbury score. Didsbury could also draw level with Stockport Georgians by winning their game in hand, so at present it looks like a three-way title race.

Fixtures in division 3 awaiting possible re-arrangement:

Chester Boughton Hall 2nd XI v Woodley

Following an EGM on June 14, the League has clarified its position regarding use of coloured clothing and balls in League and T20 competitions. Please read this guidance carefully.

- In division 1/2, all matches must be played with a red ball and the players must all wear traditional white cricket clothing - In the T20 Divisional Competition, Senior Knockout Cup and Development Knockout Cup, all matches must be played with a pink ball. This will allow teams to wear coloured clothing should they wish to. However, if teams decide to do so, the entire team must wear either the same coloured shirt, or the same coloured shirt and trousers. If this is not possible, then the entire team must wear traditional white cricket clothing. - In division 3, any team wishing to propose that a match is played with a pink ball must contact their opponents in advance of the day of the match. Unless both teams agree to use a pink ball for both innings, then a red ball must be used throughout the match – a match should not be played with a pink ball for one innings and a red ball for the other innings. If a match is played with a red ball, then the players must all wear traditional white cricket clothing. If a match is played with a pink ball, teams are permitted to wear coloured clothing should they wish to. However, if teams decide to do so, the entire team must wear either the same coloured shirt, or the same coloured shirt and trousers. If this is not possible, then the entire team must wear traditional white cricket clothing. - Division 3 teams aspiring to be promoted in the near future should note that, for the present at least, all matches in division 1/2 are played with a red ball, and that they are therefore advised to ensure that their players have plenty of experience of red-ball cricket. - Clubs should also note that all balls used in League competitions – whether they are pink or red – must meet the specifications for women’s cricket as set out in Law 5.6 (i), i.e. a weight of between 4 15/16 and 5 5/16 ounces (140 and 151 grams) and a circumference of between 8 ¼ and 8 7/8 inches (21 and 22.5 centimetres).

Clubs should also note that they are now expected to upload full scorecards of all their home matches in all League competitions via their club’s Play-Cricket site. Clubs should also review the entries on Play-Cricket for matches already played this season, and update these as required if they are incomplete. For information, a complete scorecard means:

- The result is selected from the drop-down box on the first page - The total runs, , overs and bonus points for each team are entered - All players on both sides are listed, including those who did not bat - The captain and wicketkeeper are highlighted in the team list – important for ensuring the ‘keeping award goes to the correct person - All batsmen’s scores are listed, together with their modes of dismissal and the names of the bowlers who claimed the wicket (if applicable) - The number of extras is stated - The names of fielders recording catches and run outs are recorded – here clubs are encouraged to review their scorebooks and other match records and fill in any entries on Play-Cricket where the fielder is currently given as ‘Unsure’. Failing to have complete records of this could deprive a deserving candidate of a fielding award come the end of the season. For the record, the fielder recorded for a run out should be the player who made the last throw during the fielding sequence, not the player who removed the bails. - A full bowling analysis of overs, maidens, runs and wickets is given for each bowler

The following information is considered to be ‘optional extras’ when entering a scorecard:

- The names of the umpires and scorers - The numbers of fours, sixes and balls faced for each batsman - The fall of wickets section - The numbers of no balls and wides delivered by individual bowlers

I am pleased to report that, barring a few entries of Unsure (see above), clubs have now entered full scorecards for all division 1/2 matches played up to June 18. Many thanks to all for their co-operation. However, a number of cards remain missing from division 3 and T20 matches.

I am pleased to report that, barring a few entries of Unsure (see above), clubs have now entered full scorecards for all division 1/2 matches played up to June 18. Many thanks to all for their co-operation. However, a number of cards remain missing from division 3 and T20 matches.

Based on the information entered, here is the latest position regarding the race for the individual performance awards, as of June 18:

Division 1 : 1st Kerry Hartnett (Oakmere) 203 – two matches played, scored hundreds in both. 2nd Laura Jackson (Appleton) 199 – only dismissed once so far. 3rd Sarah McCann (Stockport Trinity) 187. 4th Hannah Jones (Didsbury) 164. 5th Emma Barlow (Appleton) 163. Division 1 Bowling: 1st Gillian Spragg (Stockport Trinity) 10. 2nd Katy Hart (Stockport Trinity) 9. 3rd (Chester Boughton Hall) 8. 4th Abby Nicholson (Didsbury), Nathalie Long (Appleton) 7. I am pleased to report that, barring a few entries of Unsure (see above), clubs have now entered full scorecards for all division 1/2 matches played up to June 18. Many thanks to all for their co-operation. However, a number of cards remain missing from division 3 and T20 matches.

Based on the information entered, here is the latest position regarding the race for the individual performance awards, as of June 18:

Division 1 Batting: 1st Kerry Hartnett (Oakmere) 203 – two matches played, scored hundreds in both. 2nd Laura Jackson (Appleton) 199 – only dismissed once so far. 3rd Sarah McCann (Stockport Trinity) 187. 4th Hannah Jones (Didsbury) 164. 5th Emma Barlow (Appleton) 163. Division 1 Bowling: 1st Gillian Spragg (Stockport Trinity) 10. 2nd Katy Hart (Stockport Trinity) 9. 3rd Kate Coppack (Chester Boughton Hall) 8. 4th Abby Nicholson (Didsbury), Nathalie Long (Appleton) 7. Division 1 Fielding: 1st Hannah Jones (Didsbury) 5, 2nd Dawn Prestidge (Oakmere), Sami Fowler (Appleton) 4. Division 1 Wicketkeeping: 1st Gaby McKeever (Stockport Trinity) 6. 2nd Nic Capes (Chester Boughton Hall), Dawn Prestidge (Oakmere) 4. Division 2 Batting: 1st Nicky Deane (Leigh) 154. 2nd Alison Smith (Wistaston Village) 138. 3rd Daisy Mullan (Leigh) 130. 4th Amanda Gettins (Ashton-on-Mersey) 129. 5th Alexa Harrison (Oxton) 120. Division 2 Bowling: 1st Hannah Bratt (Wistaston Village) 11. 2nd Alison Smith (Wistaston Village) 10. 3rd Kasey Bentham (Leigh) 8. 4th Alexa Harrison (Oxton) 7. 5th Amanda Gettins (Ashton-on-Mersey), Ellie Grisedale (Oxton) 6. Division 2 Fielding:1st Megan Cureton (Oxton) 4, 2nd Emily James (Leigh), Abbie Adams (Wistaston Village), Kara Townsend (Wistaston Village) 2. Division 2 Wicketkeeping: 1st Katie Bennett (Wistaston Village) 4, others all on 1.

Warrington CC are seeking teams to play their new women’s team in friendly matches, although it should be noted that at present the Warrington team is only playing softball cricket.

T20 DIVISIONAL COMPETITION Western Division – June 19:

Chester Boughton Hall Deemons 117-6 (20; Kate Coppack 26ret, Ali Cutler 26ret, Charlotte Cross 3-10) Appleton Tigers 49-5 (20; Sami Fowler 14, Annette Axon 2-14)

• Chester decisively recorded their second win in this division. The Deemons have reached the final of this competition in eight of the last nine years, and are now just one win away from booking their place in this year’s final – to be played on their own ground on August 20. However, Oakmere will provide the not inconsiderable opposition for their third and final group match, so there could still be some twists and turns in the quest to win the Western Division. • Chester Boughton Hall are the Club of the Month on the CricketHer blog site.

June 23:

Wistaston Swans 88-5 (20; Hannah Bratt 26ret, Katie Haszeldine 25ret, Sarah Worsdale 2-16, Rachel Tidd 2-22) Oakmere Kats 92-4 (15.3; Phoebe Cottam 28ret, Christine Lawson 2-28)

• From the Western Division ‘Group of Death’, we now know that Wistaston cannot top the group as they fell to a second defeat. Oakmere must beat Chester if they are to finish top, and may also need to win their other remaining match against Appleton.

Eastern Division – June 22: Stockport Trinity Fire 139-3 (20; Carys White 28ret, Gaby McKeever 28ret, Sarah McCann 25ret, Hattie Roberts 21*) Ashton-on-Mersey 86-3 (20; Azure Wilkinson 27*)

• A score of almost seven per over comprehensively gave Trinity their second win in this division. Only Woodley now stand in their way of the divisional title, and a place in the final against the Western champions. If Trinity get there, it will be their first appearance in the final of this competition since 2011, when they beat Oakmere by one run in an amazing match that yielded almost 300 runs.

Fixtures in the T20 divisions awaiting possible re-arrangement:

Woodley v Ashton-on-Mersey Woodley v Didsbury Oakmere v Appleton

KNOCKOUT CUPS Knockout Cup Round One – June 12:

Oakmere Kats 76-6 (20; Natalie Lyons 25, Helen Smith 25ret, Georgia Heath 3-10) Appleton Tigers 71-6 (20; Kathryn Jackson 25ret, Emma Tarpey 2-14)

• One of these former competition winners was certain to exit at the first-round stage, having been paired together in the draw. After a low scoring encounter where three bowlers on each side conceded just three runs per over or less, it was Oakmere who narrowly prevailed to set up a home quarter-final with Stockport Trinity.

Quarter Final – June 16:

Wistaston Swans 100-4 (20; Hannah Bratt 26ret, Katie Bennett 26ret, Katie Haszeldine 22) Didsbury Swordettes 101-0 (14.2; Roshini Prince-Navaratnam 26ret, Leesa Mellon 25ret, Zara Matthews 24*, Hannah Marshall 21*)

• Didsbury stormed into the semi-finals, claiming in the process what is likely to be a competition record. The highest successful chase in the competition remains Poynton’s 122 against Trafford MV in 2010, but this effort by the Didsbury batsmen is the quickest time in which a three-figure target has been overhauled. At half-time, Wistaston may have felt they had created some scoreboard pressure, but things turned out very differently.

June 18:

Woodley 91-8 (20; Alex Wilson 35*, Clare Edwards 25ret, Ellie Grisedale 3-25, Alex Harrison 2-8) Oxton 92-4 (17.3; Hannah Kowalski 25ret, Wilson 2-11, Fiona Reeve 2-11)

• Didsbury’s semi-final opponents will be Oxton, after the North Wirral side survived a scare from division three opposition. Oxton were grateful to Alexa Harrison and Hannah Kowalski who led a recovery from 6-2 early in the reply. Woodley scored 51 in the first eight overs of the match, assisted by Alex Wilson’s initial blast.

Development Knockout Cup – June 25:

Stockport Georgians 87-5 (20) Woodley 77-5 (20)

• Georgians became the first team to definitely book their place in Finals Day at Chester Boughton Hall on August 20.

SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE CRICKET

The annual fixture between the Cheshire Women’s League XI and the MCC will take place on Friday August 4 at 1100. Unlike previous years, this match will not be a timed declaration match, and it will instead be played as 50 overs per side with just one interval. I am delighted to report that Ashton-on-Mersey CC have once again agreed to stage the match, and that new Cheshire captain Dawn Prestidge will captain the League XI.

A match between a Lancashire XI and the MCC will be played on the same ground on the previous day, and all members of the Cheshire cricket community are invited to attend that match as a spectator, and to partake of food from the barbecue that will take place at the end of the Thursday match.

Nominations are now sought from captains/coaches/managers of CWCL clubs for players who wish to be considered for the League team for this match. The MCC frequently field members of the England Academy squad, i.e. the national second team, in this match, and on occasions, full internationals have also turned out for the MCC. This means that the League XI will need to be a fairly strong side, but it is hoped that the team will still include players from all first division clubs, and that the second and third divisions will also be represented.

Club captains/coaches/managers are now invited to submit the names of up to four players who they wish to be considered for selection. All nominated players should play their regular weekend cricket in the CWCL. Clubs are welcome to include in their list of nominated players any members of Cheshire’s current senior squad, as well as any players who turn out for other counties.

In addition to the main XI, the League also selects two fielding reserves, who will not bat or bowl, but who will definitely get time on the field on the day. The purpose of this is twofold: to increase the number of League players who get to experience this fixture, and also to provide insurance against any late withdrawals from the main XI. Hence, clubs from all divisions should also consider whether they have anyone who they wish to put forward as a fielding reserve – the best candidates here might be players who are enthusiastic and who are good fielders, but who may otherwise be slightly below the ideal ability level for playing senior representative cricket.

Please ensure that any nominated players have consented to their names being put forward, and that they expect to be available on this day.

Please ensure that any nominated players have consented to their names being put forward, and that they expect to be available on this day.

Instructions have been issued elsewhere in this newsletter for clubs to update their Play-Cricket sites with full match scorecards. Those who have nominated players for this fixture should have an extra incentive to do this, as if data is not available online as to how a particular player has performed in recent matches, then it may be very difficult to select them for the League XI.

CHESHIRE SENIORS

NatWest Women’s County T20 Division Three – June 18:

Cheshire 147-5 (20; Dawn Prestidge 40, Ellie Mason 30, Kerry Hartnett 23, Hayley Jones 3-40) Lincolnshire 72-9 (20; Amelia Gardner 22, Kate Coppack 2-9, Emma Royle 2-14)

• With the return to the side of Dawn Prestidge – the new county captain – and Ali Cutler, alongside newcomers Kennedy Nuttall and Kerry Hartnett, there’s certainly more experience and more batting depth in the Cheshire team this year, and the campaign duly began with a comprehensive win over Lincolnshire, where Emma Royle also shone on debut.

Cheshire 134-4 (20; Ellie Mason 67) Shropshire 135-5 (18.3; Robyn Matthews 47, Lara Jones 24, Ria Fackrell 23*, Kate Coppack 2-12)

• Despite Ellie Mason’s half century, Cheshire could not make it a double in the second match of their home double header, played at Chester Boughton Hall.

Cheshire: Dawn Prestidge (captain), Ellie Mason, Kerry Hartnett, Kate Coppack, Ali Cutler, Hannah Snape, Carys White, Katie Bennett, Emma Royle, Kennedy Nuttall, Sami Fowler. Scorer: Steve Wright Debuts for Cheshire: Hartnett, Snape, Bennett, Royle, Nuttall

JUNIOR GIRLS CLUB CRICKET & SENIOR WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

There’s a clue in the name. Festivals are all about celebration. A women’s softball cricket festival is no different. It’s all about getting together to enjoy the game. The squidgy ball means no ouches! The colourful bats are perfect for smashing boundaries with. leaving you with pure cricketing fun: bowl, bat, catch, laugh! Festivals will be held at Timperley CC on July 2, Warrington CC on July 30 and Chester BH CC on August 6. It’s teams of eight players, and beginners are encouraged! It’s a free event with activities for all the family.

Marple CC will host a Prosecco Cricket event on July 21. £12 for a team of six, with two bottles of prosecco included in the entry fee. Places can be reserved via Jess Lewis at the Cheshire Cricket Board.

ENGLAND WOMEN

England Women lost to India in the opening match of the World Cup at Derby. India amassed a formidable total of 281-3, and England could only reply with 246, top scoring with 81.

England’s second match is against Pakistan on Tuesday, and contrary to some TV listings, the match will indeed be screened live on Sky Sports 2 and the free-to-air Sky Sports Mix from 1020. Brief video highlights of all matches are available on the BBC Sport website. Radio commentary on all England matches is also available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website.

CHESHIRE JUNIOR GIRLS’ TEAMS

Women's Under 15 County Championship A Division Group 1 – June 13: Lancashire 228-4 (40; Daisy Mullan 104*, Charlotte Scudder 2-29, Becky Jones 2-37) Cheshire 52 (25.4; Zara Matthews 2-5)

• A match against a full-strength Lancashire side often presents a challenge for any Cheshire side, and here it was no different. Leigh’s Daisy Mullan continued her excellent recent form with a century in the Lancashire innings, and Didsbury’s Zara Matthews was one of the Lancs bowlers amongst the wickets in the second innings.

Women's Under 13 County Championship B Division Group 1 – June 15: Cheshire 90 (23.4; Tilly Arton 30, Madeline Hudson 28) Northumberland 68 (23; Arton 4-8, Phoebe Jones 3-5)

• An excellent all-round performance from Tilly Arton ensured victory for Cheshire. Women's Under 13 County Championship B Division Group 1 – June 15: Cheshire 90 (23.4; Tilly Arton 30, Madeline Hudson 28) Northumberland 68 (23; Arton 4-8, Phoebe Jones 3-5)

• An excellent all-round performance from Tilly Arton ensured victory for Cheshire.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

Monday June 26 Cheshire Women’s League (1830): Division Three: Woodley v Didsbury 2nd XI Senior Knockout Cup Quarter-Final (1830): Oakmere Kats v Stockport Trinity Fire

Tuesday June 27 Under 13 Friendly: Lancashire B v Cheshire (at Orrell Red Triangle)

Thursday June 29 Cheshire Women’s League (1830): Division Three: Lymm Oughtrington Park v Chester Boughton Hall 2nd XI Women’s Under 15 County Championship A Division Group 1: Yorkshire v Cheshire (at Undercliffe)

Sunday July 2 Cheshire Women’s League (1330): Division Three: Lymm Oughtrington Park v Stockport Georgians, Hawarden Park v Chester Boughton Hall 2nd XI Women’s County Championship T20 Division Three Group B (1030 & 1630): Cheshire v Lincolnshire & Cumbria (at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire)

Monday July 3 Women’s Under 17 County Championship A Division Group 1 (1100): Yorkshire v Cheshire (at Walton)

Thursday July 6 Women’s Under 17 County Championship A Division Group 1: Cheshire v Lancashire (at Wistaston Village) Women’s Under 13 County Championship B Division Group 1 (1300): Durham v Cheshire (at Burnopfield)

Friday July 7 Under 13 Friendlies (1000 & 1300): Cheshire v Northumberland & Durham (at Blagdon Park, Northumberland)

Sunday July 9 Cheshire Women’s League (1330): Division One: Oakmere v Chester Boughton Hall, Didsbury v Stockport Trinity Division Two: Leigh v Wistaston Village, Ashton-on-Mersey v Oxton Division Three: Lymm Oughtrington Park v Hawarden Park

T20 West p w l NRR Pts

Chester Boughton Hall Deemons 2 2 0 2.95 6

Oakmere Kats 1 1 0 1.54 3

Appleton Tigers 1 0 1 -3.4 0

Wistaston Swans 2 0 2 -2.06 0

The winners of the Western and Eastern Divisions will meet in the Final.

LEAGUE TABLES

Division 1 p w wcn l lcn BatP BowlP Pen NRR Pts

Oakmere 7 5 1 0 1 0 0 0 1.9 140

Chester Boughton Hall 6 4 0 2 0 7 3 0 0.3 110

Stockport Trinity 6 4 0 2 0 4 5 1 1.02 108

Didsbury 7 2 1 4 0 8 12 0 -0.14 95

Appleton 5 3 0 2 0 5 5 0 -0.29 85

Division 2 p w l lcn t BatP BowlP NRR Pts

Wistaston Village 6 3 2 0 1 2 7 -0.45 99

Ashton-on-Mersey 5 1 4 0 0 16 10 -0.59 51

Leigh 7 1 6 0 0 19 6 -0.81 50

Oxton 5 1 2 1 1 6 7 -1.02 43

Division 3 p w l BatP BowlP NRR Pts

Stockport Georgians 5 4 1 4 3 0.49 107

Didsbury 2nd XI 4 3 1 4 3 1.6 82

Woodley 3 2 1 2 5 1.62 57

Hawarden Park 3 1 2 5 4 -0.17 34

Lymm Oughtrington Park 3 0 3 11 3 -3.99 14

Chester Boughton Hall 2nd XI 2 0 2 2 4 -3.1 6

Each team in the top two divisions will play the others in their division at home and away, plus one fixture against each of the teams in the other division. Teams will play 12 matches in total in division one and 11 in division two. One up one down promotion and relegation will apply between the two divisions. p - Played, w - Won (25), l - Lost (0), c - Cancelled (8), a - Abandoned (8), lcn - Team Conceded (-10), wcn -