The sun’s been shining (a bit) and the cricket season’s here – spring must have arrived! We’ve be following the fortunes of Stone SP Cricket Club again this year – thanks to the club for sending reports through each week. Other clubs (cricket and all other sports teams) can send reports to sport@alittlebitofstone.com
Six of the best for Ballard
Stone 1st X1 got their season off to a winning start with victory away at Elworth. The tone was set with the very first ball of the season as Dave Womble removed the home skipper’s stumps. Former Elworth Junior Russ Ballard, then made a happy return taking 6 for 63. The Stone opening bowlers, Womble and George Hawbrook dominated the early overs, with Womble picking up 4 for 42. Ballard then set to work, bowling in tandem with new overseas, Dries Nell.
For Elworth, Yasir Ali looked quality, scoring an effortless 97. Elworth finished on 190 all out in just over 41 overs. In reply Stone openers Jim Dawson (12) and Luke Cheadle (55) reached 44 without loss. On the fall of Dawson’s wicket, Luke was joined by his brother Phil who scored 28. A few wickets fell, but Captain Richard Harvey (26) and Matt Coxon (38) helped their side near the required target. Nell and Ballard then helped Stone secure 20 points, with Ballard scoring the winning runs and capping off a great day.
This week they welcome Checkley to Stone on Saturday, then Nantwich on Sunday in the ECB National Knockout.
Stone SP 1st X1 experience batting hassle at Swynnerton Park
Visitors Oakamoor batted first and scored 197 for 8 in their 55 overs. Adam Keates (61), James Smith (35) and Andrew Shaw (33) were amongst the runs. Ash Lunn, former Stafford and Barlaston player, picked up 3 wickets on his debut, with the rest shared around. In reply, new captain Jason Revill led the way with the bat with a characteristically smooth 45. The rest however failed to cope with Jack Hassall who picked up 7 for 43. An early season defeat is disappointing for a side looking forward to a rosier 2013. This week they travel to Hem Heath Forsbrook.
Stone SP 2nd X1 defeated in low scoring match at Weston
For the first half of the afternoon, Stone enjoyed themselves, reducing their hosts to 110 all out. Evan Bradford (3 for 25), Lee James (3 for 10) and pick of the bowlers, 14 year old Harry Brundrett (2 for 32) picked up cheap wickets. The second half of the afternoon was however a different story as the batters struggled. Only debutant, Nick Hickey with 23, reached double figures in what was a poor batting display. Stone were all out for 76 and will be looking to put this early season performance behind them. This week they welcome Bignall End to Swynnerton, whilst at the same time Oliver Perry’s newly promoted Stone 2nd X1 travel to Silverdale.
