A magnificent 87 from Phil Cheadle led Stone 1st X1 to a thrilling victory against high-flyers Longton last weekend.
The home side batted first having been put in by Stone captain Richard Harvey. Longton reached 228 in their 55 overs, with David Wheeldon top scoring with a solid century. Michael Longmore with 86 gave superb support. With the ball, David Womble was again the top performer with 2 for 52.
In reply an opening partnership of 76 between Jim Dawson (26) and Luke Cheadle (46) laid strong foundations. Phil Cheadle then took up the reins and once again proved the class player he is with the bat.
Matt Coxon weighed in with a late cameo 29 to help stun the Longton supporters and help move Stone up to fifth in the table.
This week Stone play Audley at the Lichfield Road ground.
Jason Revill’s Stone SP 1st X1 were also involved in a thrilling finish at Norton in Hales. Stone batted first and managed a modest 153, Jack Winfield with 28 and Dan Lunn 24 top scorers. Craig Ruscoe with 6 for 38 was Norton in Hales’ best performer with the ball.
In reply, Norton in Hales were cruising until a clatter of wickets saw then fall 4 runs short. Adam Pursell with 3 for 23. This week they welcome third division leaders Eccleshall to Swynnerton Park.
Whilst it was winning ways for the two first teams, both second teams suffered defeats.
At Stone, the 2nd X1 lost to Longton by 6 wickets. Stone batted first and reached 159 for 9 in their 50 overs, Mickey Chandler top scoring with 48. In reply, their visitors knocked off the runs for the loss of just 4 wickets in the 29th over. Harry Brundrett with 2 for 16 was pick of the Stone bowlers
At Swynnerton the visitors were Norton in Hales. They batted first and chalked up a challenging score of 283 for the loss of just one wicket, declaring in the 44th over. Stone SP 2nd X1 did manage 200 in reply, but with few batsmen capitalising on good starts. Chris Lindop with 46 and Corey Jones 34 not out were top scorers.
This week the two second teams play Audley and Eccleshall in the reverse fixtures.
On Sunday, the Stone 2nd X1 crashed out of the Talbot Shield with a heavy defeat by Moddershall. Moddershall batted first and scored 265 for 6, Tom Hope amassing 124. In reply Stone were dismissed for 116, Elliot Colclough picking up 3 for 11.
Stone’s Phoenix side, meanwhile, remain top of their zone following victory against Oulton. Oulton batted first and reached 107 for 5 in their 15 overs, Rob Spruce (29) and Tom Phillips (27) amongst the runs. In reply, Stone secured victory in the 11th over, Luke Cheadle top scoring with 65.
