Top Three Power Neston to Title!
Wirral club Neston’s top three of Ian Gill, Jake Christley and Matt Brookes were responsible for edging the second semi-final against home club Marple in the Cheshire County League second eleven T20 competition at Bowden Lane last Saturday.
Marple took first knock, and after a rapid start, were probably a little disappointed to post just 144 for 8. Ed Skelton top-scored with 30, with Eddie Clews 20, George Bailey 17, and Joe Bradley 18 not out. Isaac Bradley, with 3 for 18, was chiefly responsible for stalling the home side’s progress.
Experienced Neston skipper Ian Gill set the tone in the reply with a rapid 57. Christley 32, and Brookes 38 not out put the visitors on the road to a tight six wicket win with just two deliveries remaining. Marple deserve credit for dragging the game back. It was not just the boundary striking of Neston that was decisive, but also the smart running between the wickets. It will be of little consolation for James Hirst’s team to have taken part in the best game of the afternoon.
Neston defeated Cheadle by 31 runs in the final, with Brookes hitting 39 in a consistent card of 150 for 8, Jahangir Mushtaq 4 for 30. Cheadle fell away to just 116, with skipper Moin Shah Top scoring with 40. Teddy Groves was stunning with 4 for 8 in nine deliveries!
In the first semi-final, Cheadle had thrashed Widnes seconds by 104 runs. Cheadle 198, and Widnes 94.
Mark Brook