Wilmslow CC 1st XI 223 all out beat Appleton CC 1st XI 95 all out by 138 runs.
The conditions were perfect for an absolute 'runfest', a dream wicket, a fast outfield and the splendid arena which is the Rectory Field at this time of year. Having won the toss the Home team therefore had the initiative, and not for the first time this season promptly blew it. An extravagant 50 from Adam Dixon the only highlight as Wilmslow collapsed to 128 for 7.
As ever, the lower order put it right. Tom Rowe with 59no and Steve Fulker 42 put on a stand of 80 priceless runs, and the innings closed on 223, which was much more like it. Whether the heat had finally got to them, or they had mentally switched off after early successes the Appleton top order mimicked their hosts and were out cheaply. Without a late order they could not recover from 74 for 7 and were all out for 95.
Skipper Patel (3 for 35) has a number of options with the ball. This week it was MOM Tom Rowe who took out the top three and brother Toby the middle three. Honourable mention must go to 'Jags' Narayaran (7-3-12-1) for a super opening spell with no luck.
The Squirrels now go to Stretton, looking to improve on their fourth place in the Division.
The Seconds were trounced by Port Sunlight, over in Birkenhead. It was a bit of an eye opener, for a team standing second in the league. Port Sunlight scored an impressive 233 for 7 and then demonstrated that their strength was in fact, as bowlers and fielders. Wilmslow's youngsters will learn from this and hopefully get back to winning ways next week when they host Stretton.
On Sunday, cricket was the winner as the Development XI lost to the league leaders Ashton All Stars by 4 wkts. On another glorious afternoon, Wilmslow elected to bat and posted a creditable 172 all out. Rob Hart (47) and Jack Newson (13) providing the highlights.
In reply the All Stars were always ahead of the run rate, despite superb opening spells from Jake Woodhouse (2 for 20) and Parmesh Gajjar. Gajjar saw 3 dropped catches off his bowling, which was probably the difference.
Match report by Mike Harding.
