COUNTY LEAGUE NEWS on behalf of Cheshire Clubs Cricket Committee (4 Cs)

AUG 31 / SEPTEMBER 2019 Champion Chester! National finals for Nantwich & Toft Oxton and Congleton win Divs 1 & 2 Haslington & Ashton on Mersey in the CCCL

PLUS News from 2nd & 3rd XI cricket 2019 1st XI Stats Hyde win the Cheshire Cup UK Fast T20 Finals

CCCL PREMIER LEAGUE IN SEPTEMBER A quick word with In complete contrast to the that saw Marple’s relegation final day drama of 2018, the back to Division 1 confirmed RICK MOORE 2019 Premier League season after a heavy defeat at Nant- was effectively concluded at wich. Marple also lost their Although he admits that there is the (soggy) end of August, with local derby with Hyde but not a sadness when another season two match days still to play. It before Andrew Greasley re- comes to an end, Rick has was on Aug 31st that Chester turned 7-48. Nantwich them- thoroughly enjoyed his first Boughton Hall secured a sec- selves recovered their league season as captain of Chester in his fifth year ond title in three years, an 8 form well after a poor run, no there, finishing with the Premier League title and wicket win over already rele- mean feat considering the reaching the final of two cup competitions. “Yes, gated Grappenhall - set up by amount of cricket their 1st XI we were naturally disappointed to lose out in a 104 opening partnership have played in 2019. Their those finals but I had no complaints, Toft & Hyde between Rick Moore and War- last day 10 run win over Wid- played better than us and deserved it. But other- ren Goodwin - meant that nes featured a spectacular wise we have enjoyed lots of success this season, Neston’s failure to take the hundred from no. 9 Oliver Chester is a big club but everyone pulls in the last Hyde wicket in a rain- Griffiths, as Nantwich recov- same direction, which makes my job easier. It’s affected match at Werneth ered from 66-8 to reach 216. also been pleasing to contribute with bat and Low assured CBH of top spot. The week before, Widnes had ball.” Rick considers their win over Alderley Edge After a second wicket stand of in August as a key moment. “The pitch was offer- taken all 10 Cheadle wickets ing a fair bit for the bowlers and we faced a good 130, Neston were always in for 46 at Kingsway as the attack including Stephen Parry, we had injuries to control, but Hyde’s last pair hosts went from 75-0 to 121 cope with, we were chasing 233, then I got a held out valiantly and the visi- all out, Majid Majeed continu- duck...but we got over the line with younger play- tors had to settle for a highly ing his fantastic form with 6- ers and debutants doing the bulk of the work, I creditable runners-up spot, 9, and finishing as leading was thrilled to bits with that.” What does Rick feel with Will Evans topping the run wicket taker in the Premier about the on-going debate about win/lose crick- scoring table in all three divi- Division. Cheadle and Toft et? “Perhaps a combination of win/lose games sions. Subsequent victories both managed just two victo- and timed games, like other leagues have done, over Hyde and OP made it 15 ries in their last 11 games is a way forward. Personally I get a lot of satisfac- wins out of 22 in the season but did enough to survive, as tion from winning games where we take 10 wick- for CBH and a final margin to did OP who rallied well after a ets bowling second, we’ve done that 7 times this second spot of 77 points. It slow start and won three of year and it is a very satisfying way to win a game.” was also the 31st of August their last five to make sure. FINAL PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE, AND THE FINAL FORM GUIDE TEAM PTS FORM GUIDE AUG 31 & SEPT PTS AUG 31 & SEPT HONOURS BOARD

C CHESTER B.H. 432 CHESTER B.H. 75 Centurions: NESTON 355 TIMPERLEY 75 Sam Perry 130, AE v Cheadle, 14.9 TIMPERLEY 338 ALDERLEY EDGE 57 Oliver Griffiths 110, Nant v Wid, 14.9

NANTWICH 330 NANTWICH 52 ALDERLEY EDGE 327 NESTON 45 Bowling: HYDE 316 WIDNES 44 Andrew Greasley 7-48, Marp v Hyde, 14.9 WIDNES 274 OULTON PARK 40 Majid Majeed 6-9, Wid v Chead, 7.9 Dom Ashling 6-56, Timp v Nest, 14.9 CHEADLE 242 HYDE 34 Jimmy Lomas 6-83, Toft v Grapp, 14.9 OULTON PARK 238 GRAPPENHALL 30 Stephen Parry 5-24, AE v Toft, 7.9 TOFT 226 TOFT 21 Richard Wilkinson 5-46, AE v Chead, 14.9 Harry Newton 5-68, OP v Grapp, 7.9 R MARPLE 165 GRAPPENHALL 15 R GRAPPENHALL 131 MARPLE 7 CCCL PREMIER DIVISION 2019 STATS & FACTS

TOP 10 HIGHEST SCORES TOP 5 MOST RUNS DATE SCORE PLAYER FOR OPP PLAYER RUNS TEAM 25.5 181 WILL EVANS NESTON TOFT WILL EVANS 932 NEST 18.5 153* WARREN GOODWIN CBH MARPLE RICK MOORE 845 CBH 4.5 152 WILL EVANS NESTON GRAPP WARREN GOODWIN 768 CBH 24.8 150* LUKE ROBINSON NANT NEST JOHNATHAN CAMPBELL 659 WID 20.4 133 RICK MOORE CBH TOFT SAM PERRY 588 AE 14.9 130 SAM PERRY AE CHEAD 18.5 117 STEVE RIMMER NANT TOFT TOP 5 AVERAGES 22.6 117 WILL EVANS NEST MARP (MIN 11 INNS) 1.6 116* MICHAEL ECKARD NEST CHEAD PLAYER AV. TEAM 20.4 116 JAMES MORGAN MARP TIMP WARREN GOODWIN 54.86 CBH 10.8 116 JOHNATHAN CAMPBELL WID GRAPP WILL EVANS 51.78 NEST There was a total of 21 centuries in the Premier league this year; as well RICK MOORE 49.71 CBH as Will Evans’ three, Warren Goodwin, Rick Moore, Robert Sehmi, Sam GRANT HODNETT 45.82 TIMP Perry and Johnathan Campbell hit two each. Tom Forster, Luke Young, Abhishek Kulkarni and Oliver Griffiths hit a century apiece. LUKE CAMDEN 44.23 NEST TOP 5 TOTALS (BEST & WORST!) DATE TOTAL TEAM OPP DATE TOTAL TEAM OPP 18.5 306-1 CBH MARP 2.6 56 NANT HYDE 25.5 298 NEST TOFT 3.8 62 CHEAD HYDE 4.5 293-5 NEST GRAPP 13.7 66 MARP WID 20.4 284-8 TOFT CBH 4.5 67 OP CHEAD 20.4 283-5 CBH TOFT 31.8 70 MARP NANT Only one total of 300 or more in 2019, compared to 10 in 2018 (plus 3 others of 290+). There were 18 totals of less than 100 (completed innings) compared to 15 such totals in 2018. TOP 10 BEST BOWLING TOP 5 MOST WICKETS DATE PLAYER FIGURES FOR OPP PLAYER WKTS TEAM 25.5 MAJID MAJEED 8-26 WID GRAPP MAJID MAJEED 50 WID 25.5 JOSH DOOLER 8-48 CHEAD NANT ASH DAVIS 47 NEST 1.6 BEN GIBBON 8-59 OP TIMP JACK WILLIAMS 45 CBH 15.6 SCOTT JOHNSTON 7-27 TIMP CHEAD SCOTT JOHNSTON 40 TIMP 20.4 ASH DAVIS 7-35 NEST WID LLOYD ASPIN 38 CBH 20.4 WILL HOLMES 7-39 CHEAD GRAPP GLENN HANNAH 38 HYDE 14.9 ANDREW GREASLEY 7-48 MARP HYDE (MIN 20 WKTS) 7.9 MAJID MAJEED 6-9 WID CHEAD TOP 5 AVERAGES 17.8 WILL DUNKERLEY 6-10 TOFT MARP PLAYER AV. TEAM STEPHEN PARRY 8.50 AE 4.5 COLE TURNER 6-19 HYDE TOFT MAJID MAJEED 13.44 WID There were 55 five wicket hauls in the Premier Division this season, with Majid Majeed, Ben Gibbon, Ash Davis, Daniel RICHARD WILKINSON 13.56 AE Cranmer (Hyde) and Stephen Parry (OP) all achieving this three TOM HYSLOP 14.12 OP times. ASH DAVIS 14.19 NEST CCCL DIVISION ONE IN SEPTEMBER A quick word with The first match day of Septem- giving them real hope - and ber was the crucial day in Divi- when news came through of MATT GREGSON sion 1, as Oxton secured the no play at Romiley, Urmston title and Didsbury an immedi- suddenly had a 20 point “Absolutely delighted!” Matt can ate return to the Premier cushion going into their final sum up his feelings very easily League after their relegation in fixture, which despite losing after leading Didsbury back to 2018. At the bottom, Upton’s at Davenham, they did not let the Premier Division at the first drop into Division 2 was con- slip, surviving by 4 points. attempt, in his second year as firmed, as Sale (dramatically) The umpires at Romiley on captain. “2018 in the Prem was a real wake-up and Macclesfield (comfortably) the 7th were not convinced for us, and having achieved our aim of an imme- sealed victories which secured that the landing areas for the diate return, we are looking to be more competi- their Div 1 status. Macc had bowlers at one end were go- tive for longer in more games. We seemed to find received confirmation of an 11 ing to be fit, and allied to con- ways to lose matches in the Prem, whereas this point deduction for a slow over cerns over parts of the out- year we have found ways to win them.” It was a rate earlier in the season, field, the match was called slow start from Didsbury, losing three of their first which sucked them right into off (Bramhall’s fifth cancella- five games before suffering only one further re- the mire for a second succes- tion in 7 matches, incidental- verse. “We were putting a lot of pressure on our- sive year. However, two five ly). It was a desperate blow selves at the start of the season and it showed in wicket hauls from Craig Mel- some poor results. We had a chat and decided to for Romiley, whose demoli- rose in consecutive home enjoy what we were doing more; we went out and tion of Bollington on the last hit 378 in a cup match at Georgians which gave matches meant they could day was to no avail. For us a great lift, and that enjoyment factor really breathe easily, Melrose adding champions Oxton, it was a made a difference. Our bowling quality this year an unbeaten half century in well deserved triumph after has given us an edge, we have defended some their last day win at Sale for six wins in their last seven low totals and bowled sides out for double figures good measure. Sale’s nerve- games. They effectively four or five times.” Matt makes a particular men- jangling four run win at Bolly bowled Bramhall out for 34 tion of spinner Steve Green. “Yes, he has been on the 7th, getting to 104 (45-0 to 79 all out) before an brilliant for us, a fantastic acquisition. But all the from 35-5, saw them to safety. 8 wicket win over Bowdon, lads have been great to work with and all contrib- After 14 games without a win, for whom Jack Tipton had a uted at different times, we want to see each other Urmston picked up 50 points remarkable performance in doing well and make a thing of celebrating each in successive matches, their their match with Brooklands, other’s successes. We can’t wait for 2020.” 32 run triumph over Didsbury taking 5-22 and scoring 84*. FINAL DIVISION ONE LEAGUE TABLE, AND THE FINAL FORM GUIDE TEAM PTS FORM GUIDE AUG 31 & SEPT PTS SEPTEMBER HONOURS BOARD

C OXTON 394 OXTON 75 Centurions: none P DIDSBURY 358 URMSTON 59 BOWDON 328 MACCLESFIELD 57 Bowling: Glen Batticciotto 6-16, Oxt v Bram, 31.8 DAVENHAM 277 DIDSBURY 54 Andrew Humphries 6-16, Rom v Boll, 14.9 BOLLINGTON 269 SALE 43 Darren Leach 6-42, Upt v Brook, 7.9 BRAMHALL 268 ROMILEY 39 Michael Taylor 5-16, Dids v Macc, 31.8 MACCLESFIELD 256 DAVENHAM 37 Jack Tipton 5-22, Bowd v Brook, 31.8 Gaz Burns 5-33, Urms v Dids, 7.9 BROOKLANDS 255 BOWDON 34 Craig Melrose 5-35, Macc v Dav, 7.9 SALE 245 UPTON 34 Tom Horsfield 5-40, Boll v Sale, 7.9 URMSTON 233 BOLLINGTON 30 Ali Barrowman 5-46, Sale v Boll, 7.9 Chris Ashling 5-49, Bowd v Bram, 14.9 R ROMILEY 229 BROOKLANDS 19 Ryan Macciocchi 5-58, Bram v Bowd, 14.9 R UPTON 184 BRAMHALL 13 CCCL DIVISION ONE 2019 STATS & FACTS

TOP 10 HIGHEST SCORES TOP 5 MOST RUNS DATE SCORE PLAYER FOR OPP PLAYER RUNS TEAM 1.6 191 CALEB ZIEBELL BOLL UPT CALEB ZIEBELL 713 BOLL 20.4 151 GLEN BATTICCIOTTO OXT DIDS GLEN BATTICCIOTTO 649 OXT 22.6 131* TIM HUGHES DIDS URMS PATRICK ASHLING 607 BOWD 13.7 125 CALEB ZIEBELL BOLL MACC TIM HUGHES 569 DIDS 17.8 117* JACK SMITH OXTON URMS CALUM TURNER 525 URMS 1.6 115 GLEN BATTICCIOTTO OXT URMS 1.6 114 CALUM TURNER URMS OXT TOP 5 AVERAGES 15.6 105* TIM HUGHES DIDS MACC (MIN 11 INNS) 18.5 104* JACK SMITH OXT BOLL PLAYER AV. TEAM 17.8 102 LUKE FILER OXT URMS GLEN BATTICCIOTTO 49.92 OXT The only other centurion in Division 1 in 2019 was Bramhall’s CALEB ZIEBELL 41.94 BOLL Adam Wilde who hit 100* (carrying his bat) against Brooklands on NATHAN OLIVIER 37.64 BOWD June 1st. This compares to a total of 24 Div 1 centuries in 2018. CRAIG MELROSE 35.75 MACC TIM HUGHES 35.56 DIDS

TOP 5 TOTALS (BEST & WORST!) DATE TOTAL TEAM OPP DATE TOTAL TEAM OPP 14.9 315 DIDS BROOK 29.6 33 BROOK DIDS 20.4 280 OXTON DIDS 11.5 36 SALE BOWD 22.6 275-6 DIDS URMS 15.6 54 OXTON BRAM 2.6 267-4 BOLL UPTON 25.5 59 MACC OXTON 20.4 253-9 DIDS OXTON 11.5 62 BOLL ROM Didsbury became the only team to top 300 on the last day of the season, overtaking Oxton’s total against them on the opening day. There were 21 totals of less than 100 (completed innings) (18 in 2018). TOP 10 BEST BOWLING TOP 5 MOST WICKETS DATE PLAYER FIGURES FOR OPP PLAYER WKTS TEAM 18.5 CHRIS ASHLING 8-28 BOWD ROM CHRIS ASHLING 51 BOWD 29.6 LIAM BOOTH 7-10 DIDS BROOK CHRIS STENHOUSE 46 OXT 18.5 RICHARD HALKON 7-41 SALE UPT ANDREW HUMPHRIES 44 ROM 4.5 CHRIS STENHOUSE 7-45 OXT SALE STUART PLANT 42 BOLL 31.8 GLEN BATTICCIOTTO 6-16 OXT BRAM NICK ANDERSON 40 DIDS 14.9 ANDREW HUMPHRIES 6-16 ROM BOLL 15.6 ALEX HOOTON 6-21 ROM SALE TOP 5 AVERAGES (MIN 20 WKTS) 15.6 MATTHEW HIGGINBOTTOM 6-21 BRAM OXT 6.7 MATTHEW TULLY 6-22 BOWD UPT PLAYER AV. TEAM A.J. HART 11.39 BROOK 29.6 STUART PLANT 6-26 BOLL ROM RYAN MACCIOCCHI 11.42 BRAM There were 47 five wicket hauls in Division 1, with Chris Ashling and Craig Melrose (Macclesfield) claiming four each. Liam MATTHEW GREGSON 11.94 DIDS Sundve (Upton) and Chris Stenhouse had three such hauls SIMON WILKINSON 12.36 BRAM apiece, while seven other players managed it twice. CHRIS ASHLING 12.47 BOWD CCCL DIVISION TWO IN SEPTEMBER A quick word with In an enthralling finale, Divi- ence, Congleton travelled to sion 2 saw Congleton take the Moss Farm on the last day JOE COOPER title on the final day, Warring- and made no mistake, a Tom ton finishing runners up after Blease ton helping them rack In his third season back at losing to Lindow, who missed up 232 before dispatching Hale Barns, it’s been another out on promotion by just 12 the hosts for 59, the tenth productive one for Joe who points as a result of being in- time this season Northwich finished with 461 runs and volved in the shock of the sea- had been dismissed for dou- 58 wickets, including six five son the week before. Bottom ble figures. Having never wicket hauls, as HB completed a pleasing second club Northwich pulled off an been top in 2019, Congleton season in Div 2. “Yes, it was a shame we let our- astonishing and thoroughly thus claimed the title and selves down on the last day, but it’s been a good deserved 56 run win at Upcast successive promotions, while year for us. For me personally, definitely my best, Lane which really put the fox Lindow’s four wicket win at it’s only my second year as a front line bowler so amongst the pigeons at the Walton Lea was to prove not that has been good for me.” What performances top of the table. This totally enough. Losing two of their stick in his mind? “Myself, I had a good one at unimaginable result in turn last four games proved to be Lindow which gave me a lot of pleasure (47 and very costly and tough on a 5-26) but I was as pleased with our draw at meant Warrington’s 7 wicket Christleton - I was out cheaply but watching two win over Barrow ensured their Lindow team that had been of our young players, Sam Smith & Ben Stan- promotion. It was also a key either first or second all sea- iforth, both get 60s and bat really well, good pa- result for Congleton, whose son - there cannot be many, if tience - that was one of the highlights for me. Alt- fifth straight win (over Tatten- any, instances where a team hough we lost the Shield final this year, having hall, which was notable partic- amassing over 400 points won it the year before, that’s another great ularly for Tatt opener Muham- didn’t get promoted at least. achievement for us as a club, as so many of the mad Umer nonchalantly clip- There was a 116 point gap to team had come through our juniors system. Un- ping the first ball of the match fourth place, where Geor- fortunately because of schools cricket we don’t out of the ground for a soaring gians finished after a great see much of the younger players until mid-season six) meant they were elevated end to the season and a though.” Already a Level 2 coach, Joe is also into second spot, with 12 pleasing first year back, with learning the dark arts of pitch preparation and points needed from their final 47 points separating seven groundsman's work. “That has been a real eyeo- fixture to make it successive clubs who all had up and pener for me! I am learning all the time about promotions. No doubt fore- down seasons but no con- how much goes into creating a good pitch.” warned by Lindow’s experi- sistent run of form. FINAL DIVISION TWO TABLE, AND THE FINAL FORM GUIDE SEPTEMBER HONOURS BOARD TEAM PTS FORM GUIDE AUG 31 & SEPT PTS

C CONGLETON 418 CONGLETON 75 Centurions: P WARRINGTON 416 STO.GEORGIANS 75 Tom Blease 114*, Cong v North, 14.9 LINDOW 404 WARRINGTON 56 Bowling: STO.GEORGIANS 288 LINDOW 55 Simon Normanton 6-17, MOBBERLEY 286 ALVANLEY 37 Sto Geo v Mobb, 31.8 HALE BARNS 275 MOBBERLEY 36 Arslan Dar 6-26, Chris v Alv, 14.9 BARROW 267 HALE BARNS 34 Mike Eley 5-18, Stock v Tatt, 14.9 STOCKPORT 259 NORTHWICH 32 Nick Mumford 5-46, Barr v Mobb, 14.9 ALVANLEY 251 STOCKPORT 26 Abdul Aqeel 5-49, Mobb v Alv, 7.9 CHRISTLETON 241 BARROW 22

R TATTENHALL 158 CHRISTLETON 19 R NORTHWICH 129 TATTENHALL 8 CCCL DIVISION TWO 2019 STATS & FACTS

TOP 10 HIGHEST SCORES TOP 5 MOST RUNS DATE SCORE PLAYER FOR OPP PLAYER RUNS TEAM 4.5 155* JONATHAN FLETCHER WARR NORTH JONATHAN FLETCHER 679 WARR 20.4 116* JARRYD BASSON BARR CHRIS ADAM KEENE 673 ST GEO 11.5 116 MUBASHIR HASSAN CHRIS TATT TOM LEESE 585 CONG 14.9 114* TOM BLEASE CONG NORTH TIM AFFLECK 582 LIND 20.4 113 ADAM KEENE STO GEO STOCK MUSHABIR HASSAN 539 CHRIS 10.8 112 ATIQ UZ-ZAMAN LIND BARR 17.8 107* JOE COOPER HB WARR TOP 5 AVERAGES 20.4 105* TIM AFFLECK LIND MOBB (MIN 11 INNS) 20.4 101 ZAFAR JATOI STOCK ST GEO PLAYER AV. TEAM 3.8 100 ZENOL JAYASENA NORTH CHRIS JONATHAN FLETCHER 52.23 WARR From 22 centuries in 2018, a difficult year for batting saw just 10 TOM LEESE 41.79 CONG centuries in the division a year later, with four of them recorded on TIM AFFLECK 41.57 LIND the opening day. ADAM KEENE 39.59 ST GEO JARRYD BASSON 37.08 BARR

TOP 5 TOTALS (BEST & WORST!) DATE TOTAL TEAM OPP DATE TOTAL TEAM OPP 4.5 285-5 WARR NORTH 4.5 14 TATT MOBB 1.6 278-7 STO GEO NORTH 20.7 26 NORTH WARR 6.7 260-7 LIND MOBB 20.4 27 NORTH TATT 31.8 260-7 CHRIS HB 28.6 28 STOCK CONG 4.5 253-6 CHRIS CONG 11.5 32 NORTH MOBB There were six totals of 250 or more in 2019, compared to 13 in 2018. There were 32 totals of less than 100 (completed innings) compared to 24 such totals in 2018. TOP 10 BEST BOWLING TOP 5 MOST WICKETS DATE PLAYER FIGURES FOR OPP PLAYER WKTS TEAM 22.6 JACK GOODE 8-17 CONG TATT JOE COOPER 58 HB 8.6 MICHAEL ROWLANDS 8-33 ALV NORTH MIKE ELEY 56 STOCK 22.6 ARSLAN DAR 8-39 CHRIS ST GEO IROSHAN DE SILVA 56 BARR 11.5 ABDUL AQEEL 7-16 MOBB NORTH SULTAN RAJA 48 LIND 17.8 ALEX MATTHEWS 7-18 LIND STOCK HANK SCHLAGHECKE 47 MOBB 22.6 GARY FORSTER 7-20 TATT CONG 6.7 AAMIR AFZAL 7-27 TATT NORTH TOP 5 AVERAGES (MIN 20 WKTS) 24.8 ALEX MATTHEWS 7-28 LIND CONG 10.8 ASHLEY SCHOLES 7-33 WARR CHRIS PLAYER AV. TEAM JONATHAN FLETCHER 8.67 WARR 3.8 JOE COOPER 7-36 HB TATT IROSHAN DE SILVA 10.30 BARR There were 54 five wicket hauls in Division 2 in 2019; Mike Eley of Stockport, and HB’s Joe Cooper had 6 such returns each. JOE COOPER 10.66 HB Abdul Aqeel and Iroshan de Silva (Barr) had four each; Jack SULTAN RAJA 11.00 LIND Goode, Sultan Raja and Steve Charles (Alv) three apiece. JAMES LOCKE 11.03 STO GEO 2ND XI SEASON STATS

Premier Division

Highest score: 132 CCCL 2ND XI Luke Young, Hyde v Toft

Most runs: 542 CHESTER TAKE THE TITLE ON LAST DAY SHOWDOWN Johnny Scurrah, AE An intriguing climax to the their last three, but sadly also gained promotion Best bowling: 7-37 Premier Division saw for them, the other strug- even though they lost at Tony Whiteley, Chead v AE Chester BH win the title gling clubs managed to Sale, who survived at Most wickets: 50 (and do the double) after pull further clear. Hyde Bramhall’s expense. In Div Dan Riley, CBH they produced their A beat Marple (who had 2, Davenham and Lindow First Division game to see off the chal- themselves got a crucial were already assured of

Highest score: 143* lenge of Oulton Park. 14 win the week before) on promotion before the last Sam Battersby, Sale v Upt points clear at the start of the last day, meaning both day fixtures, Davenham

Most runs: 677 the day, CBH made no were safe while Alderley claiming the title by just 3 Jason Coad, Timperley mistake when they were Edge survived an alarming points after both clubs won

Best bowling: 8-24 surprisingly asked to bat, run of four straight de- their last matches. Alvan- Mo Rizvi, Timp v Brook racking up 258 with An- feats to stay up. Thus it ley were all but down be- was that both Upton and Most wickets: 36 drew Metcalf leading the fore the last day started, Hassnain Shah, H.Mersey way, hitting 88 off 62 Grappenhall 2s shared the but three other clubs were (and ending just shy of same fate as their 1st XI separated by three points Second Division counterparts. In Div 1, de- 700 runs for the season). in the battle to avoid the Highest score: 113 OP were well short, all out spite bowling Warrington other relegation spot. De- Farhan Ghous, Sto v CH 146, and finished as run- out for 48 on the 7th Sept, spite losing, Bollington and

Most runs: 475 ners-up, almost 100 Urmston left it too late to Ashton both garnered one Waqas Ashraf, CH v Dav points clear of third place escape. Bramhall dropped more point than Stockport,

Best bowling: 8-31 Nantwich. At the bottom, with them after a hefty who probably spent more Julian McGovern, Boll v AoM Upton put in a big effort to 106 run loss at Bowdon, time travelling than playing

Most wickets: 42 climb out of the relegation who claimed the Div 1 title at Tattenhall. 44 all out Rowan Day, Lindow places, winning two of as a result. Macclesfield meant the drop for them.

2ND XI T20 FINALS DAY AT CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL, MON AUG 26TH

comfortable margin. The other cup double with a 31 run win semi provided a similar type of re- on a splendidly organised day Captain Dan sult, with Nantwich having three which was well supported by all Riley overs unused chasing 124 against the clubs. Congratulations to lifts the Timperley, for whom Muhammad Chester and commiserations to 2nd XI T20 trophy from Rizvi made 50. In the final itself, all the other finalists who had league Chester again chose to bat first battled hard to make the last President and again got past 160 after a four. Apologies also that the Peter Lawson fruitful powerplay which saw CBH names of other scorers on the score at ten an over. Matthew Grif- day were not available. fiths then made the key contribu- tion of 52 from 38 balls as 20 runs Semi Finals: Chester BH hosted 2nd XI finals day on a Chester BH (167-7) beat glorious August Bank Holiday and ended came off the last two overs. In re- Hyde (108-9) by 59 runs up claiming the trophy after two convinc- ply, Nantwich started well but Nantwich (161) beat Timperley ing wins. Chester played Hyde in the semi found themselves getting pegged (123-7) by 6 wickets final and set an imposing target of 168 back in the middle part of the in- Final: after 43 from Noah Vickery and a 16 ball nings as CBH applied pressure, Chester BH (161-6) beat Nantwich 33 from Alex Townend provided impetus fielded very keenly and forced the (130-8) by 31 runs at both ends of their innings. Robin Fisher run rate ever upwards. In the end UMPIRES: Gary Zimmer, Chris Rigg, then pegged Hyde right back with four they could only manage 50 from Martin Howe, Ged Kinsey wickets as they struggled to break free of the last ten overs as CBH complet- SCORERS: Elsa Vickery (Chester BH) Chester’s grip, CBH easing home by a ed the first part of their league and CCCL 3RD XI DIDSBURY DO THE DOUBLE DOUBLE Didsbury 3s retained the Premier slid right down the table but will Division title - their fourth in five be rightly pleased to have sur- seasons - with four successive wins vived their first year in the top taking them out of reach of the division. Sale’s Viraj Sorathia, chasing clubs after a hard fought who hit 90 in their splendid final campaign. The league was finely match victory over AE, was the balanced for much of the season stand out performer, with 806 but it was arguably Alderley Edge’s runs at an average of 100.75 on Didsbury 3rd XI, 2019 double winners two games with Didsbury - AE con- Sundays, including four scores ceded the first fixture and in the game was washed out, one of of 90 or more, plus two centu- second in July, needed 9 off the five such for them in 2019. Toft ries. New Brighton topped Div 1 last over with 5 wickets in hand but had been struggling for much of West, with Oxton second, in a could only draw - that were pivotal the early weeks but a remarka- season that saw 26 fixtures con- moments. AE finished runners-up ble upturn in form, which saw ceded, whilst in the East Divi- for the third time in four seasons, them go unbeaten from July sions, a two wicket win against with Nantwich in third place. The 21st onwards, took them clear Didsbury 4s on Sept 7th saw battle to avoid relegation went of danger. Their demolition of Romiley finish as Division 1 (technically) to the last day but it Georgians on Sept 1st included champions, winning promotion was Hyde’s defeat at Grappenhall an amazing bowling return of to the Premier Division. Heaton the week before that made their 10.1-5-10-9 from promising off Mersey finished second. North drop down with Cheadle all but in- -spinning prospect Nigel Muir- East Cheshire won Div 2 to com- evitable, which was confirmed head. After some hubris over plete a successful first season when Toft and Marple won their their unbeaten start, Georgians for them. Mobberley came top of final matches and Hyde’s last lost six of their last eight and a 14 team Division 3.

3RD XI T20 FINALS DAY AT TIMPERLEY, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST

five catches, Didsbury adding 90 lier chaotic time in the field that in their last 10 overs. When the proved decisive, conceding 42 Captain Tom Hyde innings eventually got un- extras and being docked two Bidwell derway, 8 off the first over was a overs after going way past their receives the promising start but a double allocated 75 mins. Given the rain 3rd XI T20 wicket maiden from Zain Ba- trophy from and the time of year, it was a league sharat helped apply the brakes relief to get the day concluded President as Hyde struggled to build any and credit to both finalists, the Peter Lawson momentum, Didsbury remaining umpires and groundstaff for their in control to claim the trophy. combined efforts on the day. Earlier, on the second ground, Semi Finals: Didsbury 3s won the Jack Gardner Trophy Hyde pulled off an impressive Didsbury (142-6) beat for the second year in succession, beat- chase of Nantwich’s 178 CH Ladybridge (112) by 30 runs ing Hyde by 57 runs in the final. On a rain (Connor O’Riordan 77*), winning Hyde (179-5) beat Nantwich (178-8) affected day at Timperley, both semi- their semi by five wickets, Josh by 5 wickets finals were played uninterrupted, but the Axon’s 44 off 26 balls anchoring Final: final was delayed mid-innings by over an the innings. Didsbury overcame Didsbury (158-6) beat Hyde (101-8) hour after a brief but heavy downpour left Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge in the by 57 runs a thoroughly sodden state of affairs in the other semi by 30 runs. Lady- UMPIRES: Keith Tysall, Graham Pugh, Jon Hacking, David Gane middle. Didsbury had just concluded their bridge were in with a chance af- innings, 158-6 featuring five scores over ter the powerplay saw them 52-2 SCORERS: James Emmerson (Didsbury), 20 as Hyde paid the price for dropping chasing 143, but it was their ear- Gary Koehler (Hyde) NANTWICH LOSE OUT AT LORDS It was a day of many great and tered well, and just before and left the lower order too precious memories for the play- drinks with the DLS target much to do. Phil Stockton ers, members and supporters of looking ominous, Brown pep- hit 2 fours from fine straight Nantwich, but sadly for them no pered the Mound Stand drives and Jimmy Warrington trophy as they lost to Swardeston boundary with 3 sixes in one got the crowd off their seats in the biggest club cricket game over. Drinks were taken at 20 with 2 further boundaries, there is to play at Lords on Mon- overs but this coincided with one of which was a 6 blasted day 16th. After an amazing sea- heavier rain, leaving the um- not over the 45 yard Mount son, the Dabbers chose to field pires with no choice but to Stand boundary, but over first against a powerful club side take the players from the long on in the general who have a list of achievements field with the score at 107-2, direction of St John’s Wood longer than a Steve Smith in- a great shame as Brown’s Station! This could not last nings. Swardeston maximised assault had arguably shifted though and Dabbers were all the shorter boundaries and the momentum. After a 65 out for 193, well short of the reached an imposing 280, a dev- minute delay, the loss of 5 revised target. Ironically the astating last 12 overs seeing overs left an overall target of closing presentations and them add 107 after Nantwich 253 off 35 overs, or put an- awards were made in the had contained them well to that other way, 146 off 90 balls. It best light of the day, and the Nantwich fol- point. In reply, two early wickets was Robinson’s dismissal lowers will have returned home wondering set Nantwich back, but Ryan that proved key, as four wick- what might have been, but proud of their Brown and Luke Robinson coun- ets went down for 28 runs team’s efforts after a marathon 2019.

ECB ROYAL LONDON NATIONAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP LORDS CRICKET GROUND, 16 SEPT 2019

Swardeston 280-7 (40 overs) A.Cooper 61, P.Lambert 60, J.Warrington 3 -60, M.Spencer 3-62

Nantwich 193 (32.4 overs) R.Brown 59, L.Robinson 54

Swardeston won by 59 runs (DLS method) (Nantwich target: 253 off 35 overs) TOFT T20 TITLE HOPES THWARTED A magnificent effort by Toft fell just elling Toft support. The final, which short of T20 glory, with all conquer- started 45 mins behind schedule, was a full 20 overs, but sadly for Semi Finals: ing Swardeston holding off their spir- Swardeston (200-6) beat ited challenge in Sunday’s final to Toft, the powerful Swardeston side Cranleigh (153-8) by 47 runs had a bit too much for them. Toft win by 21 runs. Swardeston over- Toft (119-4, 12 os) beat whelmed a plucky Cranleigh effort in elected to field but a succession of Sheffield Collegiate (118-6, 12 os) the first semi final, putting 200 on effective innings, and a 63 run by 6 wickets the board and running out comforta- stand for the 5th wicket, left Toft a Final: ble winners. Rain then delayed Toft’s daunting 179 target. Despite some Swardeston (178-7) beat Toft (157) by 21 runs semi with Sheffield Collegiate, the valiant performances (stands of 44 match eventually starting at 4.45 as for the 3rd and 58 for the 5th), the a 12 overs a side affair. It turned run rate kept rising, with 56 needed into a thriller, with Sheffield reaching off the last 5 proving too much for 118, Toft then pretty much matching the lower order, and Toft being them shot for shot before being bowled out with 4 balls remaining. pegged back, with 24 needed off the No shame at all in defeat, having last two overs which became 14 off run the best club side in the country 1. Henry Hughes faced the last ball very close - Toft have had an amaz- with 4 still needed and creamed a ing T20 campaign and become the *Congratulations also to Cheshire cover drive to the boundary to spark latest side to fly the flag for Chesh- Umpire Trevor Burnett, who stood noisy celebrations amongst the trav- ire cricket on the national stage. in the first semi, and the final. CHESHIRE CUP FINAL Report from John Williams HYDE UPSET THE FORM BOOK TO CLAIM TROPHY Man of the Match adjudicator Chester B.H. 105 (25.2 os) (L.Aspin 29, G.Hannah 4-38) Hyde 109-5 (31.3 os) (L.Young 34) HYDE WON BY 5 WICKETS The culmination of an elongated with the score only at 70-7. A Cheshire Cup competition took recovery of sorts was accom- place at Filkins Lane on Sunday plished by Jack Williams and 15th, when Hyde comfortably Andrew Metcalf with some overcame hosts Chester BH on a sensible batting but it was all gloomy afternoon. Winners of the over casanova within 26 Cup six times in the past eight overs, CBH 105 all out, Han- seasons, it was not to be this nah and Whittaker taking 7- time for the Premier Division 69 between them. Hyde had champions who were again with- bowled and fielded extremely out injured captain Rick Moore. well and, after a typically MATCH OFFICIALS UMPIRES: Chester won the toss and chose hearty CBH tea, captain Tom Steve Walton (left) to bat, but quickly lost Warren Partridge and Luke Young put Martin Howe Goodwin. A spirited stand be- on 52 for the first wicket. tween Lloyd Aspin and Alex Mon- Hyde continued their path to SCORERS: ey steadied things, but when victory with few fireworks but Don Speakman (CBH) James Howe (Hyde) Money departed it was 43-2. At after 3 further wickets fell, that stage, opening bowlers giving CBH renewed hope, Presentations were made after the match by Glenn Hannah and Jason Whit- Elliot Young struck welcome David Humpage and Peter Davies, and CBH taker really turned the screw and boundaries to take Hyde to thanked for being excellent hosts. The Man by the time they completed their the brink of victory, a task of the Match Award was presented to Hyde’s respective quotas of overs, they completed by experienced opening bowler, Glenn Hannah, with honour- had taken 7 wickets and ripped campaigners Dave Fitzsim- able mentions for his bowling colleague the heart out of the CBH batting, mons and Danny Cranmer. Jason Whittaker, and opener Luke Young.

SEMI FINALS - Sunday 8th Sept

At Chester: CHESTER BH 273-8 (H.Killoran 106, A.Money 57, O.Law 50) bt NEW BRIGHTON 147 by 126 runs

At Hyde: HYDE 179-8 (T.Partridge 74) bt NESTON 99 (Dom Smith 53* - carried bat) by 80 runs CHESHIRE FINISH 2019 ON A HIGH After such a disappointing one day newly revamped competition next campaign for Cheshire in both 50 season. Jim Law’s report of the over and T20 format, and then the game described that Cheshire - championship side kicking off with with Alex Money and Tom Lawson successive defeats, it was shaping in the side due to injury - put to- up to be a pretty miserable 2019 gether an impressive first innings for Cheshire. However, back to of 338, batsman of the year Rob back innings victories turned things Sehmi (145) scoring his second and despite some tense moments right round, and a third straight win successive hundred, Sam Perry during their modest chase, Danny away at Oxfordshire meant Chesh- also making a ton as the pair add- Leech’s side scrambled home by 3 ire finished as runners up in the ed 210. After following on, Oxford- wickets and can look forward a West Division, and can thus look shire made Cheshire bat again as place at the top table and the new forward to Divison 1 cricket in the the last three wickets added 92, challenges of 2020. UK FAST CRICKET NEWS

Haslington’s arm-wrestle of a win Hulme just fell short, despite some in a low scoring game with promo- excellent form during the last few FINAL UK FAST DIV 1 TABLE PTS tion rivals Cheadle Hulme on the weeks, but their loss to Oakmere HASLINGTON 419 7th, where they defended 84, in early August proved very costly ASHTON ON MERSEY 375 was enough to secure promotion in the final run in. CH finished 79 CHEADLE HULME 369 to the County League, and a points clear of fourth, with a fur- KINGSLEY 290 league and cup double to boot. A ther 53 points separating all STOCKPORT TRINITY 285 7 wicket win over Runcorn on the teams bar Weaverham, whose dif- final Saturday confirmed the title. ficult season culminated in a third NORTH EAST CHESHIRE 279 Although they were frustrated by successive relegation. Despite a RUNCORN 262 Weaverham’s last pair on the pe- big last day win, Lymm OP went OAKMERE 262 nultimate Sat, Ashton on Mersey down to Div 2 with them, Port Sun- BARNTON 261 finished the job on the last day light pulling clear of danger. Ashley PORT SUNLIGHT 253 with a max draw points as they (as champions) and Hawk Green LYMM OUGHTRINGTON PK 237 had Trinity nine down, returning are the sides replacing them in Div WEAVERHAM 178 to the county league for the first 1, with Irby, Woodford and Prest- All UK Fast league info at ukfastccl.co.uk time in around a decade. Cheadle bury dropping out at the other end.

UK FAST T20 FINALS DAYS HASLINGTON & CHESTER BH 3RD XI THE VICTORS 1st XI T20 Final: Haslington (97-5) beat Haslington won the main T20 competi- Ashton on Mersey (96) by 5 wkts tion after a comfortable win at Oakmere UMPIRES: Rick Gleave, Paul Tyrell over promotion rivals Ashton on Mersey SCORERS: Adam White (Has) John Rishton (AoM), on Sept 1st. A man of the match perfor- mance from captain Ben Istead (4-16 2nd XI T20 Final: Chester BH 3rd XI (200-2) beat and 26*) was the key factor as Hasling- Timperley 2nd XI (142) by 58 runs ton won with almost four overs in hand, UMPIRES: Dave Lawson, Jeff Langham no Ashton batsman getting past 20 as SCORER: Archie Riley (CBH) their 96 always looked too few. The 2nd wicket in 17 overs as they XI Final followed on from this and provid- racked up a massive 200. It bravely, especially Raghu ed a fabulous batting display from CBH was clearly going to take Bhaskar (51 off 23), they were 3s, Ben Spaven (114* off 62) & Reg something incredible from always some way behind, Wyatt Wyatt (52 off 48) adding 179 for the 2nd Timpers and despite battling adding 3 wickets to his batting.

ASHLEY WIN UK FAST T20 PLATE Semi Finals: Ashley (165-8) beat Middlewich (164-7) by 2 wickets Ashley added the T20 plate to the Div 2 Winnington Park (145-8) beat championship with a comfortable win Bunbury (118) by 27 runs over a spirited Winnington Park side at Timperley on Sept 8th. Ashley were Final: Ashley (127-8) beat Winnington Park pushed all the way in their semi after (93) by 35 runs Middlewich set a challenging target UMPIRES: Ian Barber, John Wheater, thanks to some solid contributions. Ash- Chris Johnson, Andy Marsland (semis) up a final with Ashley, which Bill Curtis, Cliff Hall (final) ley set off well but were pegged back by a clatter of wickets, thankful that James turned out to be a low scoring SCORERS: Wendy Chaloner (WP), Guley’s unbeaten 53 got them over the affair. James Guley scored anoth- Qasim Baig (Ashley) line with two balls to spare in a tense er unbeaten half century to an- fours and a six as well as hav- finish. The other semi was more clear chor the Ashley innings, and WP ing a batsman retire nor out. cut, Winnington Park comfortably hold- never really got the impetus going Congratulations to Ashley on ing off the challenge of Bunbury to set in their reply, managing just two their successful season. END OF SEASON NEWS

2019 IN NUMBERS - 68 CANCELLED MATCHES (23 IN 2018) PREMIER DIVISION DIVISION ONE DIVISION TWO 132 matches 132 matches 132 matches

23 cancelled (2018 = 9) 24 cancelled (2018 = 6) 21 cancelled (2018 = 8)

19 drawn games 13 drawn games 13 drawn games (and one tie) (of which 3 were (of which 1 was a (of which 3 were rain-affected draws) rain-affected draw) rain-affected draws)

IAN GREENSMITH UMPIRES HIS FINAL MATCH

After 46 years as a popular and well-respected league umpire, Ian umpired his last match when he stood at Neston in the game against Marple on Sept 7th. Having umpired in Cheshire since 2000 (after spells in the North Yorks/South Durham league, and the old Manchester Associa- tion), a conservative estimate is that Ian has stood in over 1,500 matches! Ian said “my last match was a wonderful occasion for me, both sides were very kind. I have loved umpiring and shall miss it terribly, but I have to listen to my body and I know it’s time to stop.” Ian will remain Pat Sharp’s recent facebook post drew a lot of agree- heavily involved in Cheshire cricket and is look- ment. Although our 70’s sadly lost out by 21 runs in ing forward to visiting many grounds in 2020. the final, their achievement in getting there should be Left: Ian with fellow umpire applauded. News of all the Cheshire age groups can Ged Kinsey be found on the Cheshire Cricket Board website. Below: Ian is given a guard of honour by Neston & Neston’s Ash Davis won the League Cricket Marple players Conference performance award for his bowling achievements during the 2018 season, with 66 league and 25 cup wickets. Ash (pictured with his family) was presented with the award by League Chairman David Humpage. IT’S OFFICIAL(S) UMPIRES AND SCORERS As we move into the close season, there’s a chance for some down-time for the many officials that serve Cheshire cricket so well throughout the summer. But there’s little respite for the tutor team, for whom the focus is on recruitment and training, providing opportunities for those wanting either to take first steps in umpir- ing or scoring, or develop their skills further. Part of this is a course aimed at en- couraging women to take up umpiring. For more information about this and all oth- er courses available, Education Officer Geoff Young is the point of contact. The following courses are already available: INTRODUCTORY UMPIRING COURSES SCORING COURSES As in 2019, the complete beginners’ A number of different courses will be UMPIRING & SCORING course for umpires is in two stages. There available in the spring of 2020. COURSE is no obligation to do stage 2, but a dis- This course is offered by Cheshire ACO count applies if both stage 1 and 2 are CLUB SCORER COURSE booked at the same time. for all clubs that wish to provide some 22nd & 29th February basic ‘how to’ education for parents UMPIRE STAGE ONE & TWO at Toft C.C, 9.30am - 4.00pm (and players) involved in junior cricket, 15th March (Stage 1) and Suitable for beginners and/or to give them more confidence in under- 5th April (Stage 2). inexperienced scorers. taking these vital roles in junior games. Oakmere CC, 9.30am - 4.45pm ELECTRONIC SCORING MODULE Clubs request a course and then make UMPIRE STAGE THREE 8th March at Toft C.C. arrangements as to a suitable date etc. February 29th & March 14th A day for scorers to learn, or be-

Oakmere CC, 9.30am - 4.45pm come more familiar with, electronic The course is a lively, interactive and scoring on computer and on IPad. fun 2 hour session Course cost is £50. UMPIRE REFRESHER COURSES

January 18th & 25th, Oakmere CC

February 2nd & 9th, Toft CC

FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK CONTACT GEOFF YOUNG: CONTACT GEOFF YOUNG: CONTACT JAMES EMMERSON: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE CHRIS RIGG The 2019 season has seen a 50% reduction (approximately) in misconduct reports, which I firmly believe demon- strates that clubs are positively promoting the right messages as regards the Spirit of Cricket, and that umpires are using common sense, discretion and early intervention to diffuse potential incidents. However, it is disappointing that two players, and one club, were cautioned over the misuse of social media, which involved open or implied criticism of umpires. Clubs will no doubt be aware of a warning published on the league website and in the hand- book, and a post on the Cheshire Cricket News and Banter facebook group, as well as a circulation by the League Secretary in relation to the use of social media. Consequently the disciplinary committee will adopt a ‘zero toler- ance’ approach to any incidents, with immediate playing bans adopted as the default remedy. SCORERS AND SCORING Scorers have had a busy season but have been assisted by the develop- ments in both Play Cricket Scorer (app) and Play Cricket Scorer Pro (laptop), especially with live scoring. A dedicated scorers newsletter will be pub- lished shortly outlining specific items of interest - please get in touch if you would like to ensure you and/or your club receive a copy. BARROW TOP FAIR PLAY TABLE

John Lofthouse POS MARK CLUB 19 3.897 Cheadle reports that, for the first 1 3.987 BARROW 20 3.895 Didsbury time, he has had to go 2 3.986 Northwich 21= 3.882 Hale Barns & Toft to three decimal places 3 3.974 Oxton 23= 3.875 Hyde, Marple & Widnes to find the winner! It’s congratulations to Bar- 4= 3.972 Bollington & Romiley 26 3.859 Stockport row who have finished 6 3.971 Urmston 27 3.847 Upton at the top this year, 7= 3.967 Bramhall & Tattenhall 28 3.838 Christleton having been joint 24th 9= 3.961 Alvanley & Warrington 29 3.833 Oulton Park in 2018. Northwich are 11 3.947 Neston 30 3.829 Lindow up from joint 31st to 2nd, while Nantwich 12 3.944 Brooklands 31 3.750 Timperley (joint 11th) fell to the 13 3.938 Alderley Edge 32 3.736 Grappenhall foot of the table. Each 14 3.931 Bowdon 33 3.724 Congleton club is marked after 15 3.921 Macclesfield 34 3.662 Stockport Georgians every game by the um- 16 3.912 Mobberley 35 3.653 Davenham pires, with the standard mark being 4. 17= 3.908 Chester BH & Sale 36 3.632 Nantwich

PITCH & OUTFIELD MARKS POS CLUB REPORTS AVERAGE 1 GRAPPENHALL 7 17.6 2 CHRISTLETON 7 17.5 3 CHESTER B.H. 7 17.5 4 MACCLESFIELD 7 17.5 John Bygate has supplied the information which is 5 ALVANLEY 6 17.4 accurate to 2.9.19. The number of cancelled For the third successive year, Grappenhall have topped fixtures this season has had an impact on the number of reports received for each ground. The the table, with the other top four clubs the same as in 2018 full table is on the league website. (albeit in a different order). 10 YEARS AGO….12 September 2009 It was a tense final day of the CCCL season a decade ago. Oulton Park were in pole position in the Prem but Bowdon could pip them. However, a strong OP cantered home by 8 wickets at Nantwich, despite Lou Vincent’s best efforts. Bowdon lost to CBH and finished second. Macclesfield were relegated some weeks before, but their last day defeat to lowly Toft meant that Widnes, who had 60 points deducted, went down despite beating Didsbury. Urmston & Bramhall were promoted from Div 1 with Warrington and Timperley (just one win all season) relegated. Bollington won Div 2 a year after relegation; second place Middlewich frustrated Sale’s efforts to pinch their promotion spot by clinging on for 55 overs, ending 91-9 at Dane Rd despite chasing just 128. Oakmere & Burnage were relegated, the latter despite winning more games than third bottom Mobberley. PREM DIVISION DIVISION ONE DIVISION TWO HOME AWAY RES HOME AWAY RES HOME AWAY RES BOWDON CHESTER BH A CHEADLE URMSTON H BIRKENHEAD P MOBBERLEY H DIDSBURY WIDNES A GRAPPENHALL WARRINGTON H BREDBURY SM BURNAGE H HYDE ALDERLEY EDGE A HEATON MERSEY BRAMHALL A BROOKLANDS MARPLE D MACCLESFIELD TOFT A IRBY CHEADLE HULME H OAKMERE STO.GEORGIANS A NANTWICH OULTON PARK A POYNTON CHRISTLETON A SALE MIDDLEWICH D OXTON NESTON D TIMPERLEY UPTON H TATTENHALL BOLLINGTON A FROM THE EDITOR

stats just how Cheshire crick- clubs can enjoy positive a handful of clubs are et has suffered with the wet close seasons and build actively reporting on their summer, three times as towards the start of next own fixtures. Secondly, a many first XI cancellations in season. It has also been a bewilderingly small num- 2019 than the previous year, first full cricket season for ber of clubs, especially at let alone all those washed this newsletter, which has 2nd & 3rd XI level, seem out at 2nd & 3rd XI level. It hopefully been of value and to be maximising technol- has been a trial for just about added to the game in ogy to score their match-

every club. However, we Cheshire. Feedback contin- es. This in turn makes the Reaching the end of the reach the end of the season ues to be positive (if lim- recording of key mo- season is always a bitter- with the tables telling their ited), thank you to those ments that much more sweet time; another cricket story and the various Cup that get in touch. I would hit and miss. I would en- year in England is over, and competitions all won. Particu- like to offer some feedback courage every club ar- the passing of time ever lar congratulations to Nant- of my own, having become range or attend training more stark! It’s been an wich and Toft for making na- accustomed to trawling during the winter so that amazing summer for the tional finals - it’s a fantastic websites and scorecards the benefits of what is game, although the weather achievement. Good grace in for information. Firstly, available can help your will be as much an abiding victory and dignity in defeat there are many good club club move forward in memory as on field achieve- are essential components of websites and twitter feeds 2020. ments! You will see from the sport, and I hope that all available but it seems only THE ANNUAL CCCL END-OF-SEASON DINNER FRIDAY OCTOBER 4TH, TOFT C.C, 6.30pm

Toft are again our hosts for the 2019 dinner in a specially erected marquee at their picturesque ground.

• Tickets: £25 per head (book through your club) • £10 to enter into prize draw and raffle on the night Guest Speaker: • Separate bars available, open until 12.30am (with club prices rather than Mere golf club prices!) GRAHAM GOOCH DRESS CODE : SMART/CASUAL (jeans permitted!)

Send your feedback and information to James: [email protected] VIVIO CHESHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE