Stone CC 1st X1 continued their winning streak following last week’s victory at league leaders Checkley by taking another table-leading scalp in the form of Knypersley.
Richard Harvey won the toss and put the opposition into bat. Matt Coxon accounted for opener Tom Edwards for a duck with only three on the board before tight bowling from the spin trio of Dries Nell, Russ Ballard and Wasim Khan never allowed their visitors to take charge. Knypersley finished their 55 overs on 176 for the loss of 6 wickets, with Nell picking up 3 for 56.
On a hot sunny day with rapid outfield, this never looked enough – and so it proved. Despite the loss of Luke Cheadle with the score on 0, Jim Dawson with an undefeated 93 made victory a formality. Phil Cheadle weighed in with 51 as 20 points were gained.
Stone remain sixth in the table in an intriguing league table with much to play for at both ends. This weekend they travel to Hem Heath.
At Fenton, Stone SP 1st X1 also tasted another victory. Batting first, strong performances from Jason Revill (37), Shafique Hussain (34) and the ever dependable Neil Podmore (42) saw Stone reach a total of 201 all out in 47.3 overs.
In reply, former Stone skipper Brian Sims with 99 led the way for Fenton. His side gave him little support, however, and they were dismissed for 176, with youngsters Aidan Schmid (4 for 38) and Jack Winfield (3 for 59) creating the damage. Revill’s side are now fourth in the table – but promotion looks a step too far this season.
At Norton, the Stone 2nd X1 came out victors too. Norton were asked to bat by the Stone skipper and were all out for 153 – Sam bamford (3 for 44), Harry Brundrett (2 for 38) and Paul Minshall (2 for 15) were among the wickets. In reply, James Sutton (51) and Rob Price (48) led the way with the bat, the latter securing victory in the last over. Vital points for the promoted side, but they are still agonisingly close to the drop zone.
At Swynnerton, Stone SP 2nd X1 found themselves chasing leather. Fenton scored 221 before declaring for the loss of just two wickets and only Chris Lindop with 2 for 50 had success. Through a bout of food poisoning, captain Hylton Bennett only managed to bowl three overs. In reply, openers Kevin Thomas (40) and Bennett (47) kept the runs flowing. The rest of the side failed to settle, however, and were dismissed for 147. They remain mid-table.
