The cricket season got under way on Saturday. Here’s a round-up of all the action featuring Stone SP Cricket Club.
Runs galore at Stone
On a day when runs across the North Staffs, South Cheshire Cricket League were few and far between, this wasn’t the case at Stone’s Lichfield Road Ground.
Stone’s 1st X1 lost the toss and were put into bat by their visitors, Burslem. James Dawson soon took the bowling to the sword and shared an opening stand of 97 with Luke Cheadle.
New captain Richard Harvey joined Dawson when Cheadle was out for for 28. The Staffordshire pair then took the score to 203, before Dawson fell agonisingly five runs short of what would have been the first century of the season. Harvey managed to achieve that accolade and was 108 not out off 106 balls when he declared the home innings on 274 for 2 wickets declared.
On what was a cold, rain interrupted late afternoon session, the Stone bowlers failed to penetrate the Burslem batsmen’s defence.
Four dropped catches didn’t help the home side as Michael Rowley (90) and Chris Roberts (47) shared an opening stand of 144.
New recruit Mike Coxon picked up two late wickets, with the visitors finishing on 182 for 2, leaving Stone with the Winning Draw.
Butters knock not enough for Stone SP 1st X
Neil Podmore’s Stone SP 1st X1 had a day to forget at Swynnerton. Their visitors Hanford won the toss and put Stone into bat on a soft wicket.
Stone lost wickets at regular intervals and slipped to 66 for 6. Veteran all-rounder Adrian Butters then took on the challenge of helping his side reach a competitive total. Butters, with a stylish and dogged 74 not out, ensured Stone reached 166 for 9 at the close.
Lacking strike bowlers, the home side then allowed their visitors reach 90 for the loss of only one wicket in rapid time. Lee James then led a mini recovery as he took 3 for 37 at one end, whilst young spinner Adam Pursell picked up a couple of victims.
Hanford finally reached the required target for the loss of eight wickets.
Winning Start for Stone 2nd X1 in the 1st Division
Relegated Stone 2nd X1, rejuvenated by new captain Ollie Perry, made a winning start away to Meir Heath.
Excellent bowling from youngster Lewis Banks, 4 for 7, helped restrict their hosts to 69 all out. Former Stone player Chris Gallimore with 34 topped the scoring for Meir Heath.
In reply, Perry’s side were cruising at 60 without loss, thanks to 43 from Jo Smith. A tumble of five wickets did give a scare, but in the 29th over Stone crossed the line and collected 20 points.
A successful first step in the challenge to return to the Premier Division.
Stone SP 2nd X1 suffer defeat
Stone SP 2nd X1 travelled to Hanford and suffered a disappointing defeat.
Stone were put into bat but soon limped to 88 all out. Only Tom Chandler with 23 and Graham Lunn (22) looked comfortable. In reply Hanford knocked off the runs for the loss of only three wickets.
This week, the 1st X1 travel to Hem Heath, the Stone SP 1st X1 to Norton in Hales. The 2nd teams fixtures are reversed. On Sunday, the Stone SP 1st X1 travel to neighbours Oulton in the first round of the Talbot Cup.
