Impressive cup win keeps Nantwich Cricket Club season firing on four fronts

Nantwich kept their season firing on FOUR fronts with an outstanding win at high-flying Wallasey CC in the Cheshire Cup on Sunday.

Wallasey are the runaway leaders of the Liverpool and District Premier League and won the toss and chose to bat in the second round encounter.

But after Philip Stockton - who ended up with 4-32 - took two quick wickets, the Nantwich bowlers were always in the ascendancy and the home side was bowled out for 134 from only 30 overs. Jimmy Warrington, Olly Griffiths and skipper Ray Doyle all chipped in with a couple of wickets apiece.

Although it seemed a modest target, it was never going to be an easy chase against a good Wallasey attack and, despite Doyle’s 37, the visitors looked to be in a spot of bother at 86-5. But Stockton (27no) joined Spencer Byatt (14no) to see the Dabbers home with five wickets to spare.

As well as a Cheshire Cup third round to look forward to, Nantwich have a big knockout game this Sunday when they travel to Sandiacre Town CC for a last-16 tie in the ECB National Club Championship.

And on the following Sunday - July 17 - Nantwich will host and feature in the Cheshire County Cricket League T20 Finals day after a crushing win over Kingsley last week.

With a 10am start at Whitehouse Lane on what should be a fantastic day, Nantwich take on old rivals Chester Boughton Hall, with the winner meeting either Hyde or Alderley Edge, who play at 1pm. The final will take place at 4pm.

As well as the Cheshire Cup, the National Cup and the T20 Cup, the first team remains in the mix in the top half of the CCCL ECB Premier League despite a slightly frustrating draw on Saturday at Didsbury, who started the day in second position in the table - one place above Nantwich.

Opener Chris