Here’s all the Stone SP Cricket Club action from last weekend.
Rain denies second victory for Stone 2nd X1
Stone 2nd X1 enjoyed the better of their fixture against Hem Heath but in the end were denied by rain. Captain Ollie Perry won the toss on a showery day and had no hesitation in putting their visitors into bat. Hem Heath were soon in trouble on 21 for 4. A 5th wicket recovery helped the visitors recover and eventually reach a score of 168 all out. Pick of the bowlers for Stone were Paul Minshall with 3 for 17 and Perry himself with 3 for 36.
In reply, Openers Gareth Jones and Joe Smith helped themselves to 64 for the first wicket. Jones perished on 27, but Smith went on with new partner Ian Banks to reach 37. Banks then led the charge until heavy rain spoilt the encounter and Stone had to be satisfied with a winning draw. Banks finishing on 59 not out.
Draw for Stone SP 2nd X1
At Swynnerton, the Stone SP 2nd X1 drew with Norton in Hales. Stone were put into bat by their visitors and scored 131 all out. Top scorer was 15 year old Declan Wardell with 32. The match was heading for an exciting conclusion with Norton in Hales on 101 for 6 wickets when rain ended the match. Chris Lindop with 3 for 36 and Mark Townsend 2 for 14 were pick of the bowlers.
Stone 1st X1 never managed to start at Hem Heath due to an unfit pitch and the Stone SP 1st X1’s match with Norton in Hales was abandoned with Stone on 63 for 3.
On Saturday, Stone welcome Audley; Stone SP 1st X1 play Wedgwood Stanfields at Swynnerton Park; the Stone SP 2nd X1 are away at Wedgwood whereas Stone 2nd X1 travel to Sandyford.
Early Cup Exit for Stone SP 1st X1
On Sunday, a below strength Stone SP 1st X1 travelled to Oulton in the first round of the Talbot Cup. Fielding only 2 of the normal side, Stone won the toss and inserted Oulton. Oulton’s openers Tom Spruce (60) and Jono Walley (85) took control and secured a 118 first wicket partnership. In an innings heavily interrupted by showers, Oulton reached a formidable 261 in their 45 overs. The Stone bowlers did manage to secure 6 victims with 2 apiece for Lee James, Nathan Bennett and Oliver Perry.
In reply, Stone were never in the hunt and they had Joe Smith to thank with an excellent 65 for their 132. Oulton face Woore in the next round.
