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

EDITOR: JAMES EMMERSON JUNE AND JULY 2019 BUMPER EDITION Things hotting up…. ….before another washout !

PLUS Toft and Nantwich in cup triumphs Bowlers dominate in the leagues News from 2nd & 3rd XI, and 40s Cricket World Cup

APOLOGIES FROM THE EDITOR! It’s good to be back with another edition of the newsletter after an ultimately failed effort to produce anything in June. I apologise to all those who were disappointed but a combination of significant changes at work, and my involvement with the Cricket World Cup, meant that I made a decision to try and keep standards where they are and delay a publication, rather than put something out that I was not happy with. So I have included a summary of June in Cheshire cricket over the next few pages, plus an outline of my World Cup involvement beneath, with other comments elsewhere. CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019

The pulsating climax to this year’s World Cup will hopefully have a signifi- cant knock-on effect for the game. Although I was not involved in the final itself, it was a great thrill to be contracted by the ICC to score games with the media during the competition. It involved a fair amount of planning and preparation, a lot of day-on-day work updating stats, a few thousand miles of travel, and recording somewhere in the region of 14,000 deliveries, cov- ering (as I did) 24 matches in just under six weeks, culminating in a thor- oughly gripping semi final at Old Trafford. The media operation in any global sporting event is nothing short of mind THE MEDIA CENTRE AT OLD TRAFFORD boggling, and when it comes to cricket, even more so. Journalists from all over the world descend upon the venues, all of them with slightly different roles on any given day in terms of what they are reporting. Being the scorer in the main media centre, my role is to provide in-match and in-tournament stats and facts as they occur, lots of which get used in live reports, blogs, tweets and other updates. I also have a specially designed sheet which provides an over-by-over summary and an analysis of each powerplay.

MY MEDIA SCORESHEETS It’s inevitably a long day and can get very demanding at times - for example, when Eoin Morgan kept hammering sixes at Old Trafford or when tense fin- ishes boil up. In that regard, I was privileged to be at both New Zealand/ West Indies and Australia/South Africa, two of the finest finishes I have ever personally witnessed, but I enjoyed every single occasion. The opportunity to meet so many people is to be treasured; I came across an absolutely livid Kumar Sangakarra at SL/Afghanistan at Cardiff, who was distraught with his country’s and gave me a quick, furious masterclass in playing the spinning ball from the crease. I hadn’t the heart to tell him, fascinating TMS IN ACTION AT SOUTHAMPTON as it was, it was completely wasted on me! Working with the scorers involved in live broadcasts is also a really good experience. Getting featured on Cricinfo after a strange but great day at Taunton, when Australia met Pakistan is also a strong abiding memory for me! It was my first time in their new scorers room and a wonderful view across the ground. I managed to juggle two roles that day, which I won’t forget!

VIEW FROM THE SCORERS ROOM AT TAUNTON CCCL PREMIER LEAGUE IN JUNE A GOOD MONTH FOR ALDERLEY EDGE who topped the form guide with four wins and seven points from a cancelled game. The Moss Lane outfit started the month with a comfortable victory over Grappenhall and then benefitted from the presence of Lancashire’s Stephen Parry, who took 10 in two matches (including 10-5-5-5 against OP).

CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL had a strong finish to June after starting it with a tense draw at Widnes, finishing two runs short of victory with three wickets still in hand. Then, after the washout of the following week, Chester showed all their powers of recovery, with their last 3 wickets adding 177 against Grappenhall after being 53-5. The following week they overcame in-form Hyde thanks to a splendid all-round performance from Rick Moore (76 and 4-28) and finished off by turning over struggling Oulton Park to be top at the end of June.

Despite a heavy defeat (and nil return) at Timperley on the 29th, NESTON had an otherwise decent June with three wins out of four games completed. Will Evans’ 281 runs in the month continued his wonderful season, in which he has passed 100 three times (he even made half of his team’s runs in the afore mentioned loss!) Michael Eckard also made 116 off 104 in their win over Cheadle. A OKAY MONTH FOR TIMPERLEY, TOFT and NANTWICH all had frustration with the weather during June, but also managed to get a couple of wins on the board. The Dabbers have been struggling in their defence of the title, Hyde bowling them out for 56 on June 2 to hand them their third straight defeat. However, successive hard-fought wins have bolstered their spirits. OULTON PARK are also included as they more than doubled their points tally in June, with a big first win over the season. However, many hard yards ahead remain, one feels. A MONTH TO FORGET FOR HYDE and CHEADLE recorded a win apiece but had otherwise difficult months, but WIDNES and MARPLE, despite being involved in some fantastic games, didn’t taste victory. GRAPPENHALL’s awful run of form (the most points gained in a match came from a cancelled fixture) left them with work to do, although they were by no means adrift at the foot of the table.

JUNE HONOURS BOARD PREMIER TABLE JUNE FORM GUIDE Will Evans 117, Nest v Marp, 22.6 Michael Eckard 116*, Neston v Cheadle, 1.6 TEAM PTS TEAM PTS IN JUNE Robert Sehmi, 101*, Toft v Marp, 1.6 CHESTER BH 209 ALDERLEY EDGE 107 Adam Roylance 95, Grapp v CBH, 15.6 ALDERLEY EDGE 188 CHESTER BH 91 Mark Makin 92*, Marp v Hyde, 29.6 NESTON 180 NESTON 82

Ben Gibbon 8-59, OP v Timp, 1.6 TIMPERLEY 165 TIMPERLEY 68 Scott Johnston 7-27 Timp v Chead, 15.6 HYDE 158 TOFT 66 Josh Dooler 6-13, Chead v Wid, 22.6 CHEADLE 154 NANTWICH 65 Jason Whittaker 6-23, Hyde v Nant, 1.6 NANTWICH 144 OULTON PARK 47 Ed Foster 6-24, AE v Grapp, 1.6 TOFT 133 HYDE 46 Philip Stockton 6-37, Nant v Timp, 22.6 WIDNES 97 CHEADLE 45 Jack Williams 6-67, CBH v Widnes, 1.6 MARPLE 91 WIDNES 45 Five hauls: Stephen Parry (twice) for OULTON PARK 81 MARPLE 40 AE; Luke Jones & Michael Eckard (Neston). GRAPPENHALL 64 GRAPPENHALL 18 CCCL DIVISION 1 IN JUNE A GOOD MONTH FOR

DIDSBURY, who recovered from a very poor May to top the form table in a very tight division with an unbeaten June which included three wins. Tim Hughes recorded successive unbeaten centuries as Didsbury made signif- icant progress up the table, and even when Hughes missed out in the last game of the month, it barely mat- tered as they were only chasing 34 for victory after their remarkable demolition of Brooklands.

BOLLINGTON also had a three win June, with their overseas player Caleb Ziebell’s amazing 191 against Upton a real highlight of the month. That match saw Bolly win comfortably, but their next two wins - by 16 runs and then 1 run - were much tighter affairs! But Bollington were delighted to be in the mid-table pack, with no team having a big advantage at month end. A OKAY MONTH FOR most other teams in the division, with eight clubs averaging 59 points between them in June, meaning that there is still plenty to play for. OXTON continue to lead the table, their two June wins helping to compensate for a real off day against BRAMHALL when they were all out 54. Bramhall themselves were then bowled out for 75 by bottom club Romiley the following week, to underline the topsy-turvy nature of the division. Despite only winning once, BOWDON racked up 66 points in June, with only three clubs managing more. That one win, incidentally, was by one run against Macclesfield in a breathless finish. DAVENHAM recovered from a poor start to June by winning successive matches and keep themselves looking at the top end of the division. Despite the agony of a one run defeat to Bollington when looking well set, ROMILEY kept themselves in touch with other clubs after the fore- mentioned hammering of Bramhall, while MACCLESFIELD’s equally emphatic win over Sale on the last match day of the month helped to ease the frustrations of earlier defeats and weather-disrupted matches.

A MONTH TO FORGET FOR URMSTON and BROOKLANDS, who both failed to record any wins in June, the latter having an especially chas- tening time with zero points from their last two games. Kevin Carroll’s long term injury is clearly a blow, but with AJ Hart able to bowl again, Brooklands will be looking to steady the ship in the games ahead. SALE and UPTON both gained a win each in otherwise difficult months for them. However, there are still plenty of points up for grabs!

JUNE HONOURS BOARD DIV 1 TABLE JUNE FORM GUIDE Caleb Ziebell 191, Boll v Upt, 1.6 Tim Hughes 131*, Dids v Urms, 22.6 TEAM PTS TEAM JUNE PTS Glenn Batticciotto 115, Oxt v Urms, 1.6 OXTON 179 DIDSBURY 88 Calum Turner 114, Urms v Oxt, 1.6 BRAMHALL 165 BOLLINGTON 80 Tim Hughes 105*, Dids v Macc, 15.6 BOWD0N 160 OXTON 78 Adam Wilde 100*, Bram v Brook, 1.6 DIDSBURY 156 BOWDON 70 DAVENHAM 155 BRAMHALL 63 Matt Spells 97*, Sale v Boll, 22.6 Khalid Sawas 95, Macc v Bowd, 1.6 BOLLINGTON 143 DAVENHAM 58 Frederick Kamstra 93, Dids v Urm, 22.6 MACCLESFIELD 142 ROMILEY 57 URMSTON 136 MACCLESFIELD 55 Liam Booth 7-10, Dids v Brook, 29.6 SALE 118 UPTON 48 Matthew Higginbottom 6-21, Bram v Oxt Stuart Plant 6-26, Boll v Rom, 29.6 106 BROOKLANDS SALE 43 Matt Gregson, 5-31, Dids v Urms, 22.6 UPTON 100 URMSTON 34 Isaac Brooks, 5-37, Sale v Boll, 22.6 ROMILEY 85 BROOKLANDS 18 Chris Ashling 5-43, Bowd v Bram, 29.6 CCCL DIVISION 2 IN JUNE A GOOD MONTH FOR BOWLERS! Division Two in June continued the trend of bowler-dominated matches, with no centuries recorded but any number of excellent bowling performances, as the June honours board shows! There were another 8 double figure innings in the month (21 such in total so far).

Team-wise, with four wins WARRINGTON led the way, with their dramatic one wicket win (with a last wicket stand of 14*) over second place LINDOW their outstanding performance. Despite that setback, Lindow contin- ued their pursuit of promotion strongly, with three wins meaning they maintained top spot. Also with three wins (in succession) CONGLETON finished June in good shape, specifically Jack Goode, whose 8-17 against Tatten- hall enabled Congleton to just defend 69, their one run win shredding all nerves!

MOBBERLEY’s two run win over Alvanley seemed quite comfortable by comparison, and their ability to also defend 114 at Barrow was another doughty performance which was all part of a pleasing month for them.

A OKAY MONTH FOR CHRISTLETON, ALVANLEY, GEORGIANS and BARROW who all managed a couple of wins apiece. Alvanley got a break on the 8th June, when many matches were cancelled but they got a win, although they didn’t win again in the month. Georgians were frustrated by the weather when they had Mobberley 33-6 chasing 206, with no further play possible.

A MONTH TO FORGET FOR STOCKPORT, whose 28 all out at Congleton was a low point for them. However, Mike Eley’s wicket taking contin- ues to provide encouragement for all at Cale Green and helped maintain a cushion between the foot of the table, where NORTHWICH seem destined to remain. Three more double figure innings in June underlined the nature of their problems, although if the season had started this month, they would be still be close to TATTENHALL and HALE BARNS, who both failed to record a victory and amassed only 62 points between them.

JUNE HONOURS BOARD Alex Matthews 94, Lind v Warr, 29.6 DIV 2 TABLE JUNE FORM GUIDE

Jack Goode 8-17, Cong v Tatt, 22.6 TEAM PTS TEAM JUNE PTS Michael Rowlands 8-33, Alv v North, 8.6 LINDOW 216 WARRINGTON 90 Arslan Dar 8-39, Chris v SG, 22.6 WARRINGTON 198 LINDOW 80 Gary Forster 7-20, Tatt v Cong, 22.6 CONGLETON 195 CONGLETON 79 Chris Charles 6-9, Alv v Mobb, 22.6 MOBBERLEY 179 MOBBERLEY 70 Iroshan De Silva 6-19, Barr v North, 15.6 CHRISTLETON 159 CHRISTLETON 68 Jack Higginbotham 6-29, Cong v Lind, 8.6 BARROW 148 ST.GEORGIANS 60 Glinoj Cherian 6-37, North v Lind, 22.6 ALVANLEY 135 ALVANLEY 59 Mike Eley 6-42, Stock v HB, 22.6 HALE BARNS 124 BARROW 53 Jack Goode 5-5 Cong v Stock, 15.6 ST.GEORGIANS 123 STOCKPORT 38 Sultan Raja 5-32, Lind v Tatt, 15.6 STOCKPORT 115 HALE BARNS 38 Arslan Dar 5-34, Chris v Alv, 29.6 TATTENHALL 74 TATTENHALL 14 Mike Eley 5-36, Stock v Lind, 1.6 NORTHWICH 44 NORTHWICH 11 CCCL PREMIER LEAGUE IN JULY A quick word with With the last Saturday being 33 taking Hyde close before washed out, Chester BH the last wicket fell. At the foot WILL EVANS remain top of the table. They of the table, Oulton Park

suffered a surprise defeat (on finally found some form in With 740 league runs already current form) at Nantwich on July, with perhaps the most under his belt, including three the 20th but the blanket rain hundreds and thee fifties - and startling of their two wins a tidy haul of wicketkeeping of last weekend leaves CBH their demolition of Toft, victims to boot - Neston’s Will with a handy 30 point cushion whom they dismissed for 82. Evans has enjoyed 2019 more than most. “Yes, as August approaches. The For Grappenhall, however, it it’s been a good season so far. I think playing so pain of the loss at the reigning was a July to forget as their much, Saturday, Sunday and midweek, has champions for CBH was miserable run of form saw helped me, just getting as much time in the mid- assuaged somewhat by Alder- them firmly rooted to the foot dle as possible” said Will. “I think, so far, the 181 ley Edge’s defeat on the same of the table. Grappers came against Toft I scored was the most satisfying, one day at lowly Marple, another close to beating both Nant- of those days when I didn’t give a chance, every- surprise reverse in an incident wich & Cheadle, but other- thing came off the bat just as I intended. But I’m packed month for AE. Their tie wise it has been a tough sea- just happy to make a contribution. We had a good with Neston was a thriller, the son for all at Broad Lane, and pre-season as a club and that has helped us com- visitors dropping a catch when the rain which denied them a pete, in a very tough division where any side can AE needed three, before Ash crack at the club closest to beat anyone else. I’m gutted to be missing the Davis bowled last man Andrew them in the league, Marple, game against Chester (for his sister’s wedding) Windle. Timperley, whose did them no favours. With but will be backing the lads.” [nb - the match was ground was not able to cope two wins out of ten (and none rained off] How does Will cope with the physical with storms on Friday 20th, in July) Toft have had a worry- demands of opening and keeping? “I do as much and Hyde are the other clubs ing slump which has left as I can to keep fit, but I also find that switching past 200 points. Timp’s 10 them looking down rather up and down concentration-wise is something I am getting better at.” Will is also part of the run win over Hyde the previous than up, and while Widnes Cheshire team, although that has been frustrat- week was another classically are also not clear of danger, ing so far. “The limited overs competitions didn’t tense tussle. Chasing 179, an encouraging month with go to plan for us, which was disappointing, and Hyde recovered from 63-5 two wins put them joint top of then work commitments have meant I’ve not with Eng U19 captain George the form guide and means been available for the championship fixtures so Balderson marshalling the they can approach the run-in far, but that will change now term is finished.” fightback, a 9th wkt stand of with confidence. PREMIER TABLE JULY FORM GUIDE JULY HONOURS BOARD

TEAM PTS TEAM JULY PTS Luke Young 109, Hyde v OP, 6.7 CHESTER BH 270 WIDNES 64 Sam Perry 106*, AE v Nant, 6.7 ALDERLEY EDGE 240 TIMPERLEY 64

NESTON 235 HYDE 63 TIMPERLEY 229 CHESTER BH 61 Tom Hyslop 5-13, OP v Toft, 13.7 HYDE 221 OULTON PARK 60 Daniel Cranmer 5-17, Hyde v OP, 6.7 NANTWICH 196 NESTON 55 Ben Gibbon 5-32, OP v Chead, 20.7 CHEADLE 194 NANTWICH 52 Martyn East 5-35, OP v Toft, 13.7 Adam Roylance 5-48, Grapp v Nant, 13.7 WIDNES 161 ALDERLEY EDGE 52 Abishekh Chidambaran 5-58, TOFT 147 CHEADLE 40 Timp v Marp, 6.7 OULTON PARK 141 MARPLE 40 MARPLE 131 GRAPPENHALL 16 GRAPPENHALL 80 TOFT 14 1ST XI T20 CUP

TOFT TRIUMPH ON WORLD CUP FINAL DAY On a day when the nation’s cricketing attention was understandably else- where, there was still a sizeable crowd in attendance at Werneth Low to witness Toft shrug off poor league form by lifting the 2019 T20 title, defeating both the current holders and the current Premier League leaders to do so. As in their semi-final, Toft batted first against a powerful Chester BH. Tom Forster’s stylish 47 gave them a great platform, but from 87-4 after 10 overs, Toft wilted badly, losing 6-60 and being bowled out with 10 balls unused, despite a valiant 30 in the lower order from James Drummond. A target of 148 for a Chester side that had gone way past 200 in their semi seemed inadequate, even more so when Lloyd Aspin hit the first three legal balls of the CBH innings for six. However, captain James Lomas kept his young side together and regular wickets meant that Chester were four down with 93 still required. Captain Rick Moore led a recovery with Jamie Crawley, adding 66 but having to work very hard against an increasingly confident Toft fielding and bowling effort. When both were dismissed within succes- sive overs, CBH required 25 off 11 and finally 19 off the last. Despite that over starting with a no-ball and the subsequent free hit going for four, the dismissal of Lee Dixon meant 12 were needed off 2 balls, which proved one hit too many for CBH. Commiserations to Chester - playing back-to- back T20 matches is a big ask - but many congratulations to Toft who went on to area finals day at Checkley CC (near Uttoxeter), where they were drawn to play Prestwich CC. Unfortunately the weather put paid to the whole day, which will be rearranged asap.

2019 T20 TROPHY KNOCKOUT STAGE RESULTS

FINAL: TOFT (147) beat CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL (143-8) by 4 RUNS

SEMI FINALS: TOFT (137) beat NANTWICH (132-8) by 5 RUNS CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL (234-6) beat HYDE (188-5) by 46 RUNS FINALS DAY OFFICIALS: UMPIRES: DARRIN CLARK, ANDY CRICK, GRAHAM PUGH, DAVID TATE SCORERS: SIMON BURLEY (Toft), DON SPEAKMAN(CBH), JAMES HOWE (Hyde), DENNY MORGAN (N’wich) QUARTER FINALS: NANTWICH made up for their finals day June 20: HYDE (106-8) beat TIMPERLEY (61) by 45 RUNS disappointment on July 21st, beating Derbyshire side Spondon by 34 runs to NANTWICH (114-3) beat BOWDON (113-8) by 7 WKTS reach the last eight of the National June 27: CBH (166-5) beat NESTON (165-4) by 5 WKTS Club knockout for the first time ever, July 3: TOFT (221-6) beat BRAMHALL (198) by 23 RUNS where they host Bath on Aug 11th. JULY IN CCCL DIVISION 1

A quick word with After the final Saturday wash- tively comfortable by compar- JACK SMITH out, Division 1 remains a ison! Chasing 171, Urmston close race as the season were very well set at 98-2, If you had to back one bats- moves into August, with but collapsed in a dramatic man to be the sole centurion Oxton continuing their good finale as Tom Horsfield hit in the division during June, form to be two and three the stumps to end a last Jack Smith would be the points clear of Bramhall and wicket stand of 14. With that pick for many people. Retir- Bowdon respectively. After a defeat, Urmston, who last ing from first class cricket in heavy defeat at the hands of won on May 25th (52 points 2005 with South Australia, chasing Didsbury at the start from their last nine matches) Jack played at Neston and for the last 3 sea- of the month, Oxton respond- find themselves sucked to- sons at Oxton (disjointed for a time due to a ed with three successive wards the foot of the table, work-related return to Australia). “We have wins to keep their slender where Brooklands and Ro- actually exceeded our expectations thus far” advantage. As well as miley are both scrapping hard Jack said “but this is a very tight division. We Didsbury continuing their up- in a tough first year after pro- have beaten a number of teams but had bad turn with a three win month, motion. With just 14 points in days too, and it is a real scrap at times! Open- Bowdon and Bramhall also the month, Upton are in dan- ing the batting in Div 1 is still a challenge that did likewise. Bowdon’s demo- ger of being marooned at the I look forward to each week.” Since relegation lition of struggling Upton at foot of the table, especially from the top flight in 2014, Oxton have the start of the month gave with Brooklands recording worked hard to claim back a place. “Yes, pro- them momentum in an im- their first win since May 25th motion is very much an ambition” said Jack. pressive July, and Bramhall over Sale, whose inconsistent “At this stage it does feel like a realistic possi- bility for us but there’s a lot of cricket to be are also in a good vein of form has meant that their run played yet. We feel we have both the facility form with big wins over Upton in will have to be spectacular and the team that can challenge there and and Bollington. That defeat if they are to mount a late we’ll be giving our all to achieve that.” Jack was the only blip for Bolly charge. Macclesfield have also told me that he is a supporter of win/lose who have won four out of also struggled to get con- cricket throughout. “Yes, personally I am in their last five completed sistent form together and are favour of it, coming from Australia especially games. Having enjoyed a one in mid table, but Davenham’s that’s in my nature. However, I accept the sys- run win over Romiley earlier two run win at Brooklands tem we have, of course, but maybe there will in the season, their two run helped them to maintain an be a change at some point in the future.” victory at Urmston was posi- interest at the top end. DIV 1 TABLE JULY FORM GUIDE JULY HONOURS BOARD

TEAM PTS TEAM JULY PTS Caleb Ziebell 125, Boll v Macc, 13.7 OXTON 234 BOWDON 71 BRAMHALL 232 BRAMHALL 67 Jack Tipton 98, Bowd v Upt, 6.7

BOWDON 231 OXTON 62 Matthew Tully 6-22, Bowd v Upt, 6.7 DIDSBURY 216 DIDSBURY 61 Andrew Humphries 6-36, Rom v Brook BOLLINGTON 203 BOLLINGTON 60 DAVENHAM 195 BROOKLANDS 48 Matt Gregson 5-8, Dids v Upt, 20.7 Liam Sundve 5-25, Upt v Dids, 20.7 MACCLESFIELD 173 ROMILEY 44 Nick Anderson 5-27, Dids v Oxt, 6.7 SALE 159 SALE 41 Chris Stenhouse 5-27, Oxt v Dav, 13.7 BROOKLANDS 154 DAVENHAM 40 Matthew Higginbottom 5-27, Bram v Upt URMSTON 154 MACCLESFIELD 32 Craig Melrose 5-44, Macc v Bram 20.7 ROMILEY 122 URMSTON 18 UPTON 114 UPTON 14 JULY IN CCCL DIVISION 2

There have been six centuries four wicket margin chasing 94 A quick word with in Division 2 this season. Four was a bit too close for com- CONGLETON CC of these occurred on the open- fort! Mike Eley’s great form ing day, and the last one was with the ball has continued, Watching the rain fall at on the 11th May. Since then, with 44 wickets in 2019 as Hale Barns (along with bowlers have dominated, and Stockport are now comforta- everyone else that 27th) the race for promotion is devel- bly mid-table. As for Geor- gave me the opportunity oping nicely, with Warrington - gians, they shrugged off the to chat though the season so far with the sur- after a near perfect month - disappointment of the derby prise package of Division 2. Having been scor- managing to hold off Lindow, defeat with two wins, includ- er for 15 seasons, Sue Tabbinor (pictured whose surprise defeat at home ing on 20th July being the above with batsman Ben Heades, 372 runs to Hale Barns saw them lose only 1st XI in any of the three and four 50s in 2019) has been pleasantly top spot. Joe Cooper’s super divisions to get past 200! surprised, and on the edge of her seat more form for HB continued, with 47 Mobberley and Barrow both than once! “Yes, a two run win and a one run and 5-26 as, from 106-4, Lin- kept their faint prospects of win have been tense, but it has been great to dow lost 6-25, sinking to a 20 promotion just about alive see so many of our juniors coming through run loss, meaning HB won for with a couple of wins apiece into the first team and making such a good go the first time since the end of during the month, while of it. I think our first match of the season, May, a welcome boost in their Alvanley and Christleton, with when we won against all the odds at Warring- bid to stay up. Congleton’s only one win between them ton, gave us a lot of encouragement, and hav- great return to the CCCL con- in July, are grateful that both ing the options we do as a bowling unit gives tinued, five wins in their last six Tattenhall and Northwich con- us a chance in every game.” Jack Goode, cap- completed matches including tinued to struggle. Tattenhall, tain for the day at Hale Barns, agreed, his 27 three successive wins in July, who scored 209 in both their wickets (from 84 overs) in 2019 including 8- meaning they are very much on innings against Northwich this 17 against Tattenhall. “It wasn’t a typical Tat- the premises. The top teams year, will need something spe- tenhall wicket by any means, it was doing were not the only ones enjoy- cial to avoid relegation, while plenty, but even though we were defending ing July, as Stockport con- Northwich look doomed. Their 69, I felt confident we could win it, and had founded their poor early sea- 163-9 against Stockport on one of those bowling days when everything son form to get three wins in July 13 was the first time this went right for me. Now we’re in a position that the month, including a very season they have not been we weren’t expecting to be in, but everyone sweet double over near neigh- bowled out, but they have still knows we will give them a game and I’m bours Georgians, although the lost every completed game. delighted with the juniors coming through.”

JULY HONOURS BOARD DIV 2 TABLE JULY FORM GUIDE Aamir Afzal 7-27, Tatt v North, 6.7 TEAM PTS TEAM JULY PTS Sean Cardall 7-36, Cong v Chris, 20.7 WARRINGTON 280 WARRINGTON 82 LINDOW 278 STOCKPORT 82 Sultan Raja 6-28, Lind v Chris, 13.7 CONGLETON 261 CONGLETON 66 MOBBERLEY 220 LINDOW 62 Stephen Charles 5-17, Alv v HB, 6.7 BARROW 209 BARROW 61 Iroshan de Silva 5-26, Barr v HB, 13.7 Joe Cooper 5-26, HB v Lind, 20.7 STOCKPORT 197 ST.GEORGIANS 59 Matt Mountney 5-30, Mobb v Tatt, 20.7 ST.GEORGIANS 192 ALVANLEY 41 Hank Schlaghecke 5-37, Mobb v Tatt, 20.7 ALVANLEY 176 MOBBERLEY 40 Alex Ross 5-44, HB v Barr, 13.7 CHRISTLETON 176 HALE BARNS 40 Ben Tumilty 5-55, Alv v SG, 13.7 HALE BARNS 164 TATTENHALL 37 Ryan Holloway 5-56, Barr v Chris, 6.7 TATTENHALL 111 CHRISTLETON 17 Iroshan de Silva 5-63, Barr v SG, 20.7

NORTHWICH 59 NORTHWICH 15 2ND XI HONOURS CCCL 2ND & 3RD XI LEAGUE ACTION JUNE 1ST Amar Ilyas 6-28 HM v Sale Guy Baxendale 6-33 Cong v CH 2ND XI CRICKET Lee Heap 5-40 A-o-M v Dav And two notable analysis: 2nd XI cricket suffered quite against Neston. Cheadle 102* in Timpers win Richard Fennah 15-8-11-4 badly in June from that were grateful for Drew over Warrington featur- Oxton v Urmston awful bout of wet weather Carswell’s 106* and veteran ing a 175 stand with Dan Rudd 15-10-12-4 but inbetween the rain there Dave Dooler’s 11-5-12-5 Aadam Hasan (93). Jim Warrington v Romiley were many notable feats, return in their win over Grap- Hugall (Brooklands) and

JUNE 8TH and plenty of good cricket. penhall, who are currently at Sam Battersby (Sale) Dan Riley 5-26 CBH v AE The honours board opposite the foot of the division along were other centurions. has attempted to reflect the with Upton, whom Cheadle It’s very tight at the foot, JUNE 15TH individual achievements (I also defeated in June by de- with Bramhall, Geor- Harry Panter 5-18 Chead v Upt am almost certain to have fending 109, reducing Upton gians, and Urmston sep- left someone off, so please to 26-9 before a last wicket arated by just 1 point. JUNE 22ND get in touch!). In the Premier stand of 27 took them to 53 Nick Fithon 7-56 Rom v Bram The latter two played out Raj Soni 6-24 Warr v Urms Division, Chester BH led the all out. Elsewhere in June, a high scoring draw last Robin Fisher 6-28 CBH v Hyde way at the end of June and Adam Green scored 75* out week, an opening stand Patrick Woodland 5-34 maintained their grip on top of 113 and Owen Williamson of 178 taking SG to 239- Nest v Marp spot by winning all their 80* out of 116-2 for their 6, Urmston replying with Alan Chesters 5-47 Nant v Upt matches in July, the form of respective sides as OP beat 225-8. Young Molly Price

JUNE 29TH Noah Vickery a particular Grappenhall, and AE’s 10 took 7-2-11-3 for Oxton v Cameron Lea-Swain 101* encouragement. Oulton Park wicket win over Cheadle fea- Sale. Davenham head Neston v Upton remain second, while tured a 148* partnership Div 2, an unusual equal Owen Williamson 5-45 OP v CBH Didsbury have put together between Johnny Scurrah and scores draw with Tatten- Sam Smith 116* HB v Boll a good run, 124* from Ali Ben Lambert. In Division 1, hall part of that. Clive Joshua Edwards 126* Urms v HM Qasim and 5 wickets for Ed Macc lead the way from Collins scored 101* for Ayaz Cheema 101 HM v Urms Catt a feature of their win Timperley, Jason Coad’s Hale Barns v Alvanley.

3RD XI CRICKET - CONCESSIONS STILL AN ISSUE AS LEAGUES SHAPE UP Didsbury’s defence of their Sunday washed out game with Nantwich game against Hyde, but Hyde Premier League crown is still on on Sunday which leaves them 22 batted out and Toft still have a track despite suffering their first points clear. Sale’s Viraj Sorathia lot to do to retain Premier Divi- defeat of the season at the hands has been in wonderful form, sion status. Cheadle have also of Grappenhall in late June. Grap- recording scores of 98, 99* and struggled but are in touch with pers have only won once since, 102* in the last four matches. the sides above. In the West Divi- while Didsbury, thanks to a thrilling There was also a remarkable un- sion, a total of 14 matches have one wicket win off the penultimate broken stand of 231 between now been conceded, with New ball against Sale, weren’t too badly Toft’s Andrew Bones (131*) and Brighton leading the way. In the affected by successive draws and a Tom Maddocks (86*) in their East, concessions have been far fewer. Heaton Mersey lead Divi- sion 1 with three wins in their last four. Bredbury SM’s father and son Neil & Travis Coulson (89 and 108* respectively) put on 190 for the 1st wicket in their draw with Ashley. Lindow lead a concession-less Division 2, with Cheadle Hulme top of 14 team Division 3. 2ND & 3RD XI CUP FINALS DAY HYDE, NANTWICH, CHESTER BH AND TIMPERLEY THROUGH IN 2ND XI

2ND XI QUARTER FINALS: July 3rd: NANTWICH (122-3) beat OULTON PARK (121-6) by 7 WICKETS July 8th: HYDE (161-9) beat DIDSBURY (157-5) by 1 WICKET July 15th: CBH (160-4) beat NESTON (121-7) by 39 RUNS July 16th: TIMPERLEY (121-9) beat CHEADLE (91) by 30 RUNS

FINALS DAY: SUN AUGUST 11TH Congratulations to the four teams who won through to finals day, which will be held on the equivalent Sunday as in 2018. Holders Venue to be confirmed Neston went out at the quarter final stage, losing out to CBH (in a NANTWICH v TIMPERLEY replication of the two clubs’ 1st XIs in their T20 competition). Nant- HYDE v CBH wich and Timperley both went through by comfortable margins but the Hyde/Didsbury match on a filthy night at Werneth Low was a thriller. With three wickets in hand, Hyde needed 5 runs from the final over, but a wicket first ball followed by two dots raised tensions dramatically! Four byes off the fourth ball levelled the scores, then another wicket fell. In deep murk, captain Steve White found the boundary with the last ball, to spark Hyde celebrations. 3RD XI FINALS DAY - SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST, TIMPERLEY CC Holders Didsbury have had a tricky route to this years’ finals day. Having won their group, Didsbury had to beat Marple in an eliminator and then overcome a spirited Bramhall side in the quarter final. Hyde also had to play a eliminator after topping their group, squeezing home in the final over at Romiley before Sale’s concession of the quarter-final. Nantwich have made the most of their dispensation to play in the 2019 competition, beating Hale Barns with a 110 partnership between Jack Baston & Connor O’Riordan the feature. In the remaining quarter- final, Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge beat 2018 semi-finalists Oxton to book their first ever 3rd XI finals day . OVER 40s NEWS The over 40s divisions have done far have been the two games match on 17th July with Toft, reasonably well with the weather, against neighbours Hyde, the first who were 105-0 from 11.4 with only one Wednesday evening one of which ended in a tie, with overs when no further play completely washed out since the the second seeing nine man Hyde was possible! The winners of last newsletter. Sadly, the weather dismissed for 37. Bollington look the quarter finals will go for- did put paid to the match between most likely to be BSM’s quarter- ward to finals day, of which Chester BH and Neston on July final opposition. The North East more details in the next 17th, with those two sides having group has seen Cheadle Hulme newsletter. been well clear at the top of the six come out on top with 10 wins out team Western Division. CBH top the of 12 so far, including two wins in division having completed their fix- successive evenings in June. This tures, so the result of Neston’s fix- division has been calculated on an ture at Oxton will determine who average of points per game, so it has home advantage for their quar- seems likely that either Cheadle or ter final. In the South East division, Urmston will be travelling to Grove Bredbury St Marks rounded off an Park for the quarter-final. In the impressive season with a comforta- central division, Toft lead the way ble victory over North East Cheshire in a tight fight with Davenham and and assure themselves of top spot Grappenhall, the latter of whom and a home quarter-final. Perhaps were probably deeply thankful for the highlight of BSM’s season so the weather washing out their UK FAST LEAGUE NEWS

The complete washout on July 27th no means adrift at the foot. Port UK FAST DIV 1 TABLE PTS across Div 1 of the UK Fast league Sunlight have eventually put to- HASLINGTON 278 meant that Haslington maintained gether some good performances CHEADLE HULME 253 their grip on top spot. After losing to (including knocking off 242 to Lymm OP on June 1st, four straight beat Barnton) to capitalise on ASHTON ON MERSEY 241 wins have left them sitting pretty. A Lymm OP’s inconsistent form, KINGSLEY 197 reviving Cheadle Hulme are holding while Barnton have also been NORTH EAST CHESHIRE 196 off a spirited push by Ashton-on- dragged towards that particular OAKMERE 192 Mersey for the second promotion argument after a winless July. STOCKPORT TRINITY 186 Runcorn should be okay but will spot. There is now daylight between RUNCORN 173 these three clubs and the rest, want to make sure! In Division 2, BARNTON 167 although the eleven points separat- Ashley and Hawk Green have ing the four chasing clubs should pulled away from the rest some- LYMM OP 151 make for an intriguing run in. At the what, the clash between them on PORT SUNLIGHT 150 bottom, games are running out for June 15th unfortunately being WEAVERHAM 130 Weaverham, although they are by washed out with HG on 30-2. UK Fast league info is at ukfastccl.co.uk

UKFast T20 Finals Day at Oakmere CC Overdale Ln, Oakmere, Northwich CW8 2EL

Sunday 1st September 2019

2nd XI competition - Timperley 3rd XI vs Chester Boughton Hall 3rd XI Start time: 12 noon

1st XI competition - Ashton on Mersey vs Haslington Start time: 3:30pm

UKFast T20 Plate Finals Day at Timperley CC Stockport Road, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 7LU

Sunday 8th September 2019

Semi finals: 12 noon: Ashley vs Middlewich Bunbury vs Winnington Park

Final 3:30pm

Timperley advise that some on-site parking will be available, but do arrive early to be assured of a space. The bar will be open from 11.00am. UK FAST FAIR PLAY TABLE Brian Birtles

Brian reports that five clubs are currently exceeding the 4.00 mark, with Heaton Mersey leading the way at the end of July. Old Parkonians, Styal, Malpas and Wilmslow are the others setting the example in terms of fair play. 16 other clubs are all at 4.00, with seven at 3.9. At the other end of the scale, nine clubs (Cheadle Hulme, Hawk Green, Holmes Chapel, Irby, Knutsford, Lymm OP, Weaverham, Kingsley and Westminster Park) are at 3.6 with Aston at the foot of the table on 3.58. DISAPPOINTMENT CONTINUES FOR CHESHIRE

2019 has been a tough year for the County side as they failed to progress in the T20 competition, went out of the 50 over competition after two games, and have yet to win in the champion- ship. The defeat at Bracebridge Heath to Lincolnshire as Cheshire attempted to defend their trophy was perhaps the hardest to take. Jim Law’s website re- port told the story of an awful day weather-wise. Jim said “having won weather also finally put paid to to press home their advantage. the trophy so dramatically in Wormsley Cheshire’s T20 campaign. They However, the following two at the end of last season, this was a were already reliant on other matches have seen heavy de- million miles away as Cheshire strug- results before their final match- feats, by 174 runs at Dorset gled on a difficult pitch. Batting first, it es against Lincolnshire, but and then 148 runs at Berk- proved tough from the off. Batting in having won the first game, the shire. Although Cheshire com- the gloom and rain was no fun with second at New Brighton on peted well in both games, ulti- frequent showers forcing the players June 16th was washed out, mately the unforgiving nature off the field. Cheshire’s total of 88 all meaning that Lincs qualified of 3 day cricket means that out was always going to be straightfor- and Cheshire finished fourth. Cheshire’s next match against ward for Lincolnshire but a couple of Attention then turned to the Devon at Alderley early wickets from Ben Gibbon left the championship campaign, but Edge becomes hosts on 12-2, gave some hope. More this too has not gone according even more crucial. rain and a change of heart from Lin- to plan. It was unfortunate that Full reports and colnshire as they opened up, and after the first match against Wilt- details of all the total required was revised to 80, shire was washed out on the Cheshire’s matches they cantered hope by six wickets in final day just as a decently are on their the 17th over.” The indifferent June placed Cheshire were looking excellent website.

CHESHIRE CUP AND CHESHIRE SHIELD The two longer-form Cup win over Barrow with two balls to A.Edge . Elworth overcame Walla- competitions are at different spare. Iroshan De Silva finished sey in a high scoring match, de- stages, with the Cheshire Cup 99* as Barrow set HB 194 to win, fending 238-7 with 7 runs to spare. now at the quarter finals but the and at 81-6 their prospects looked Wallasey were 41-5 in their chase Cheshire Shield has its two bleak, but a 7th wkt stand of 68 re- but a magnificent 137 stand for the finalists all sorted and ready to do vived hopes and 40 needed off the 6th wicket made things very close. battle on August 4th, after last 5 overs ensured a dramatic Elworth will now play CBH. contrasting semi finals. Cheadle finish. There’s a fuller report on Hulme bowled Haslington out for HB’s website, from where the pho- a meagre 70 (4 wickets apiece for to also comes. In the Cup, one q-f Scott Howarth and Nauman spot to determine Neston’s oppo- Akram) and eased to a 6 wicket nents (either holders OP or Nant- win, but Hale Barns’ passage to a wich) remains but the ties that are second successive final was far confirmed see Hyde take on more dramatic, a nail biting 2 wkt Timperley, and New Brighton face LAWS & LAPTOPS UMPIRES AND SCORERS What is ‘dead ball’ and in what circumstances does the ball become dead? In sim- ple terms the ball is deemed to be ‘dead’ when there is no significant activity taking place within the game. Most commonly this is the period between deliveries or be- tween overs, or in the period immediately after a dismissal before the new batsman has taken guard. The ball becomes ‘live’ whenever a bowler starts their run-up and remains so until it becomes clear that the players on the field don’t think anything of note can take place - for example, no chance of runs being scored. Ultimately it is the judgement of the on-field umpires as to whether the ball is ‘dead’ or still ‘in play’.

Law 20 explains in detail all the circumstances in which the ball either becomes ‘dead’ or is deemed to be ‘dead’. A cursory glance at this law reveals there are many different circumstances! A number of these are obvious examples, such as when a boundary is scored, or when a result is reached, or when an umpire calls ‘time’. The ball is considered to be ‘dead’ when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the field- ing side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play. A common occurrence of an umpire calling ‘dead ball’ is when the striker, having been struck on the pads by the ball having made neither an attempt to play a shot, nor taken evasive action, sets off for a run. After a run is completed, the bowler’s end umpire will call and signal ‘dead ball’, disallow the run and thus return the bats- men to their original ends. However, the fielding side can still affect a run out! Even if the attempt fails, no run (other than a no-ball, if applicable) can be scored, regardless - even if the ball hits a helmet on the ground. Whether the ball counts as one in the over depends upon the circumstances. In most cases, the call of dead ball means the ball will not count, although an offence by the batting side that makes the ball dead (e.g. deliberate short run) will see the ball counted in the over. If dead ball has been called because of an injury to a player or official, it will depend on when the incident occurred as to whether or not the ball will count in the over.

lords.org/mcc/all-laws is the outstanding resource for everything to do with the laws of the game.

IS TECHNOLOGY OR PAPER BEST FOR SCORING ? 7 NO-BALLS? There’s no ‘right answer’ of how to score cricket matches - it will al- most always come down to personal preference. However, the facili- ties available for scorers at any given ground will have a considerable bearing on what can be used. The National Scorers Committee recommends a ‘both/and’ ap- proach, rather than an ‘either/or’ - in other words, use technology You may recall, some way further back in and the many advantages that it brings, but run a paper backup sys- the World Cup, the 95mph delivery that tem so that, should disaster strike, the scorer is not completely stuck. Joffra Archer bowled Bangladesh’s A paper-only system is pretty much disaster-proof but can be a lot of Soumya Sarkar with at Cardiff, which work, and can be tricky to keep accurate especially in T20 matches subsequently flew over the boundary on or when there’s a sudden batting collapse, or a huge spurt of runs the full. There was much conjecture whether, being scored quickly. This is made more challenging if the scorer is had the delivery been a no-ball, it would have been seven no-balls, or six byes….but sadly also trying to keep the scoreboard updated! the answer is not as spectacular as the deliv- Play Cricket Scorer (on tablet or phone) and Play Cricket Scorer Pro ery itself! Law 19.7.1 states that “a boundary (laptop) are the leading software versions, and both can make scor- 6 will be scored if and only if the ball has been struck by the bat….” so in this particular ing so much easier, but training and practice are recommended, as is case, had this delivery been called no-ball, hit the running of a suitable paper system alongside it. The latter is easi- the stumps and gone over the boundary on ly available through the Cheshire education structure and all scorers the full, it would be five runs, scored as one are encouraged to take advantage of this. no-ball and four byes. WORLD CUP FINAL 2019 UMPIRING CONTROVERSY PUTS A DAMPENER ON CELEBRATIONS An astonishing and never-to-be-repeated climax to the World Cup Final was revealed to have been marred by an umpiring error that was confirmed by Simon Tauffel, former international umpire and members of the MCC Laws sub-committee. Taufell described the incident, where Ben Stokes was incorrectly credited with six runs (instead of five) as “an error of judgement” on behalf of the officials involved. Sky completely cut the incident from their highlights package, for reasons that are unclear. Law 19 is quite clear about the fact that, in the event of a boundary resulting from an overthrow, the number of runs awarded is to be based upon whether the batsmen had crossed at the time of the throw, and many observers (including Tauffel) are adamant that only five runs should have been scored as the batsmen had not crossed on the sec- ond run before Martin Guptill’s throw, which was inadvertently deflected by the diving Stokes and went over the boundary. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena commented "I agree that there was a judgmental error when I see it on TV replays now. But we did not have the luxury of TV replays at the ground and I will never regret the decision I made. There is no provision in the law to refer this to the third umpire as no dismis- sal was involved." He went on to say “there were too many things on our plate. We had to watch the batsmen com- plete the first run, the ball being fielded, how it was handled by the fielder and whether the batsmen completed the second run. And where the throw would come from, the striker's end or non-striker's end. In this case, we were all happy that the batsmen had completed the second run because the ball ricocheted off Stokes's bat at the time of him completing the second run. So, we assumed that they had crossed each other at the time of fielder releasing the ball. These are things that happen on a cricket field.” Your editor’s response - hmmm! The New Zealand team’s reaction to the incident was thoroughly admirable, refusing to blame the officials and looking instead to what they could have done through the game. In addition, anything that helps to bring greater awareness of the laws can do the game at all levels no harm; I scored a 3rd XI fixture on July 21st when we had an overthrows incident where the ball went to the boundary. Six runs were (correctly) awarded and everyone knew immediately what had gone and what the award was! ENGLAND v IRELAND TEST MATCH law 41:15 states that “the striker shall not adopt a stance in the protected area or so close to it that frequent encroachment is inevitable.” There are a number of key words within that statement but in summary, the striker cannot simply take guard wherever he or she wishes, and Bairstow was clearly told by the umpires that he had to move back. League umpires apply the same laws, which can be emotive at the time but are quite Jonny Bairstow’s brief first innings during simple. The ultimate sanction for a refusal to co- great fist of various commen- the recent Test against Ireland was nota- operate is a formal warning followed by penalty tary duties. Niall was very ble because of the stance he took. Bair- runs to the fielding side on repeat. Speaking of keen to talk Cheshire cricket stow was told by the umpires that he was the Test match and the Jekyll and Hyde perfor- and remembers his time in taking a guard too close to the protected mance by Ireland, it was good to catch up with the league with ’The Dab- area. Since the 2017 revision of the laws, Niall O’Brien during the World Cup as he made a bers’ with great affection. CCCL FAIR PLAY, GROUNDS & DISCIPLINARY

FAIR PLAY TABLE CCCL DISCIPLINE Chris Rigg John Lofthouse Chris reports “Misconduct reports remain low in terms of numbers, (six since 1 = 4.00 Brooklands, Hale Barns, the previous newsletter). However, one serious incident resulted in a Tattenhall Division 2 club and captain appearing before a disciplinary panel. The upshot of this was the club being strongly reprimanded and the player 4 = 3.97 Alvanley, Barrow, Cheadle, suspended for a Level 2 offence. Christleton, Lindow, Mobberley, Northwich, Romiley, Upton, Urmston, Warrington It is also disappointing to report that a complaint of homophobic abuse was 15 = 3.94 Alderley Edge, Bollington, Bram- received. The player against whom the allegation was made denied making hall, Hyde, Macclesfield, Oxton inappropriate homophobic remarks and in light of the umpires being unable 21 = 3.92 Bowdon, Congleton and Neston to corroborate the allegation, no further action was possible.

24 = 3.89 Chester Boughton Hall, All clubs are however reminded that any instances (proven on the balance of Didsbury, Toft probability), of racist, religious, or homophobic abuse will not be tolerated 27 = 3.88 Marple and would undoubtedly result in the most severe sanction.

28 = 3.86 Sale, Widnes As a reminder to umpires on the reporting process: telephone/text report of the incident to me asap after the game; a written report to me no later than 30 3.83 Grappenhall 72 hours after the game.” Chris’s details are in the CCCL handbook. 31 = 3.78 Stockport, Stockport Georgians and Timperley To remind us all of blue skies and 35 3.69 Davenham good cricket days - one more photo 36 3.67 Oulton Park from the World Cup, with West The stamp Indies chasing a appearing on 1st target set by XI match balls to Sri Lanka…… be used with but at which immediate effect. ground?

Send your feedback and information to James: [email protected]

VIVIO CHESHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE