Stone 1st X1 continued their excellent start to the season with a convincing victory over Checkley, a victory that sees them as early front runners of the NSSCCL Premier League table.
Richard Harvey again won the toss and put the opposition into bat. For the second week in succession opening bowler David Womble struck with his first ball, removing John Pickles. Wickets fell at regular intervals and only Josh Cartledge with 62 dominated with the bat.
It was the spinning duo of Russ Ballard (3 for 31) and Dries Nell (3 for 37) who enjoyed most success with the ball. Tight bowling restricted visiting Checkley to 137 for 8 in the available 54 overs. In reply an opening partnership of 83 between Jim Dawson (52) and Luke Cheadle (48) guided there side towards the required target. Phil Cheadle (25) and Harvey then secured the 20 points.
This week they travel to Knypersley in what should be a challenging fixture.
The Swynnerton-based Stone SP 1st X1 travelled to Hem Heath Forsbrook, where they received a bruising. Dismissed for 61 it was a poor batting performance, former Stone player Sean Bowers taking 3 for 25. Hem Heath made light of the reply, knocking off the runs for the loss of just 3 wickets. This week they welcome Fenton to Swynnerton and will be keen to get the season up and running.
The Stone 2nd X1 travelled to Silverdale. Their hosts batted first and with the score on 67 for 6, Stone were on top. A partnership of 85 then turned the game. Silverdale reached 197 for 9 wickets to set a challenging target. With the ball, Paul Minshall picked up 3 for 29, Sam Bamford and Lee James weighing in with two apiece. Stone’s batting was not up to the task and they were dismissed for 119. Only Ian Banks with a well crafted 36 looked on top. They welcome Norton to Stone on Saturday and Elworth on Sunday.
Stone SP 2nd X1 welcomed Bignall End to Swynnerton. Captain Hylton Bennett put the opposition into bat and with the score at 58 for 6 the decision looked to be a good one. A lower order revival was again to hit a Stone side, the visitors finishing on 187 for 8. Simon Farmer with 3 for 20 was the pick of the bowlers. In reply Farmer (44) and Mark Townsend with a solid half century were the only batsmen to hit their straps. All out for 128 the day ended in disappointment. They travel to Fenton this week and look forward to an improved performance.
