Wilmslow 1st XI 104 for 4 beat Stretton 1st XI 103 all out
The last time Wilmslow went to Stretton, if memory serves right, it featured an uncomfortably long ordeal in the field, followed by a speedy exit back up the M56 having batted for very few.
Wilmslow have improved since, and this comfortable win is perhaps a measure of that progress. Invited to field, skipper Patel has a number of new ball options. This week it was Tom (2 for 14) and Toby Rowe(1 for 21) who made the early inroads. The underused Patel (3 for 38), and then last year's leading wicket taker 'Jags' Narayaran (4 for 29) finished the job with some aplomb.
There is a little pressure on the Wilmslow top order, and again the loss of early wickets was disappointing as this was a good wicket. Mike Lees applied some order and patience to proceedings with 32no, Dixon plays the same way whatever the conditions and scored 43 in no time whatsoever, to secure the win and maximum points.
The second XI posted a second successive poor showing this time against Stretton. The splendour of the Rectory Field with its fast outfield demands good totals, 126 is not that. The visitors lost 6 wickets in their chase, the Squirrels had been in contention with early wickets and bowled well, but needed more runs to defend.
On Sunday the Development XI lost a nail biter to Trinity. Batting first, half centuries for Andy Metzelaar and Rob Hart saw the home team post a much more like it 174 all out. In reply Trinity won in the last over with 9 wickets down.
Youngsters Jack Newson and Elliot Rowe almost did enough with the ball, for what would have been a great win. As ever on a Sunday, cricket was the winner.
Match report by Mike Harding.
