Chasing 200 to win, Stone 1st X1 were skittled for 63 and a resounding defeat at the weekend. Richard Harvey inserted their hosts and three early wickets on a cold overcast day had Porthill on 48 for 3.
John Hancock with a solid 123 and Rao Ifthikar Anjum (36) helped Porthill to a commanding 200 for the loss of 5 wickets. Wickets were shared amongst the Stone attack.
In reply, the loss of the in-form Luke Cheadle first ball set the scene for the rest of the afternoon. Openers Ben Cotton and Anjum asked too many questions of the Stone batsmen who were dismissed for a lowly 63. Richard Harvey with 22 grafted hard, but the rest succumbed too easily.
In the reverse fixture at Lichfield Road, the news was not much better. Stone 2nd X1 batted first and on a good batting track were reduced to 146 all out, Sam Bamford being the back bone of the innings with a mature 38 off 81 balls. Ian Banks with 28 off 62 was the only other batter who looked comfortable.
For the visitors Zach Robinson picked up 6 for 43. In reply, Porthill knocked off the runs for the loss of only 3 wickets. Louis Allison (54), Dave Griffiths (41) and Danyal Hussain (38) leading the way. For Stone the pick of the bowlers was Lee James with 3 for 15.
At Swynnerton, Stone SP 1st X1 were involved in a low scoring, yet exciting encounter. Woore batted first, put in by Stone skipper Jason Revill. Andrew Winfield led the way with the ball and starred with 4 for 29. Wasim Khan weighed in with 4 for 62. With Woore all out for 139 at half time, Revill’s side will have been satisfied with their performance in the field. In reply Richard Whitehead with 72 gave encouragement but the rest of the batters offered little support. Stone were dismissed for 131 and fell just short
Bennett thriller at Oulton
Stone SP 2nd X1 travelled to Oulton in what turned out to be a thriller from captain Hylton Bennett. Oulton batted first and set a target of 177 off their 50 overs, Mark Bates (44) and Curtis Bates (58). For Stone, Ash Jones, Bennett and Mickey Chandler took two wickets each. Then came one of the most remarkable innings likely to be seen this season. With Stone facing defeat at 93 for 9, the number 11 Danny Bradford came out to support his skipper Bennett.
Bennett then took the sword to the Oulton attack and in the last over of the day and two balls left he helped take his side home. A career highlight of 122 runs, that neither he nor anyone else at the ground will forget. Danny Bradford scoring just 11 in the 85 run partnership.
This week Stone 1st welcome bottom of the table Wood Lane to Stone whilst the 2nd X1 travel to Cheadle. At Swynnerton welcome Wedgwood, whilst the SP 1st team travel to the Museum ground.
