Cheshire County Round Up 2009

OULTON Park clinched their fourth ECB Premier League title in five seasons when they coasted to an eight wickets victory on the ground of close rivals Nantwich in the season’s final game played in glorious sunshine (12/09/09). Bowdon lost at home by four wickets to Chester Boughton Hall and ended up 23 points behind the champions after another below par batting performance of 159. At the bottom of the 3 divisions Oakmere drop back to the mekller Braggins after only 1 season in the County League and are joined by Burnage after five seasons in the top league. Both lost their final games, Oakmere going down by two wickets at home to Stockport Georgians for whom under 18's skipper S. Normanton known to Ashton's lads hit 44 for their 1st's. Mike Cushion, well known to Ashton 2nd X1 took 3-51 on the day, - he has played 1's cricket for Oakmere for most of this season despite being well into his 60's in age. Burnage wound up without a win in 14 games since June 13th, when they lost by seven wickets at Bredbury St. Mark’s. Mobberley finish 10th nine points clear of Burnage and just escape in County League.

CHESHIRE failed to mark their Centenary Year by winning the Minor Counties championship when they lost to Buckinghamshire by 117 runs at Slough in the inter-divisional play-off from Sunday to Wednesday last week. Bucks held the whip hand almost throughout after winning the toss on a firm wicket and running up 369-5 in their 90 overs on Day One. Former Middlesex batsman Fahim Quershi scored 162 and
Jason Harrison 101 as the Cheshire bowlers toiled. On Day 2, Cheshire were bowled out for 305 in 88 overs, Rick Moore 62, Andy Hall unbeaten on 54. On Day 3, Bucks took 110 overs to compile 336 leaving Cheshire needing 401 to record an unlikely victory in the fourth innings. The huge target proved too much for Cheshire although they put up a typical fighting display, notably Ben Spendlove, 92 and Danny Berry 50 not out, but all-rounder Sam Cherry’s off-spin earned him a crucial 5-85 as Cheshire lost their last wicket at 283.

Representing Lancashire 2nd X1 from the Cheshire league this season have been skipper Gareth Cross (Bowdon) and Oulton
Park’s Louis Bentley (formerly of Davenham).