Stone 1st’s continued their winning form last weekend with a great victory at table-toppers Checkley.
Checkley won the toss and chose to bat but soon lost an early wicket to the pace of George Hawbrook. Spin then took over, with South African Dries Nell (5 for 41) and Wasim Khan (2 for 37) making life very difficult for the home side. Dismissed for 179 it never looked enough on a baking hot day with fast outfield.
In reply, Stone lost the in-form Luke Cheadle and his opening partner Jim Dawson early on. Skipper Richard Harvey with 44 then stabilised the innings and laid a platform for Matt Coxon to play the kind of explosive innings he’s capable of. With 72 from 56 balls, he led Stone to a valuable 20 points.
Stone continue to be placed mid-table, but with only 70 points separating top-placed Checkley from the bottom two, there is still plenty to play for.
At Swynnerton, Stone SP 1st X1 took on Hem Heath Forsbrook and not for the first time this term were involved in a nail-biting finish. Hem Heath batted first and scored 211, with former Stone players Andy Palmer and Sean Bowers amongst the runs, with 41 and 39 respectively. With the ball, Jack Winfield with 4 for 67 starred.
In reply, Stone collapsed to 83 for 5 and were staring down a barrel. Debutant Sam Graham (34) and Richard Whitehead (52) then set a platform for Neil Podmore (60) and Matt Stupples (30) to secure a good victory. Fifth now in the Division 3 table, Stone will be satisfied with their performance so far.
At Stone, the 2nd X1 welcomed Silverdale. Silverdale were asked to bat and racked up 213 for 8 in their 50 overs. Oliver Perry with 3 for 52 and Andy Slee (3 for 47) were the pick of Stone’s bowlers. In reply, Stone never looked in the hunt but a few batters gave them respectability: Tom Chandler (45), Sam Bamford (36) and newcomer Freddie Greatrex (34). At close of play, Stone clung on with 169 for 9 to secure a losing draw and some much-needed points.
Meanwhile, Hylton Bennett took his Stone SP 2nd X1 to Bignall End. The home side batted first and reached 187 before being dismissed in the final over. Jonathon Bramall with 4 for 59 was amongst the wickets, while Chris Lindop and Bennett captured two apiece. In reply, Stone fell 34 runs short, starring with the bat was Bramall with 72.
This week, Stone 1st X1 welcome Knypersley to Lichfield Road, whereas the Stone SP1st X1 travel to Fenton.
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