Bollington step up promotion bid

BOLLINGTON maintained their chances of back-to-back promotions after a hard-fought victory over fourth-placed Upton.

Bollington came into this fixture on a high following the thrashing of the former league leaders Warrington and victory in the Cheshire Shield Final against Timperely last weekend.

Bollington were put into bat and reached 30 without loss after 10 overs.

Upton got their man in the 11th over removing Barrass, who was caught behind after a genuine edge to the keeper for 17.

Immediately after, Upton took the prize wicket of South African Sabir Mallie for no runs, in what was his penultimate game for the club.

Paterson added another 19 to the score, alongside Hough who was looking comfortable at the crease as the scores passed 50.

Paterson was bowled shortly after, which brought Hafiz Imran to the crease who rode his luck to 30 and then unleashed, as he brought up his 50.

Hough was next to reach the milestone as he scored his 10th halfcentury of the season and surpass – his career-best figures – which left him three runs short of 1,000 for the season.

Hough continued to dominate alongside Imran, who took Bollington to 180.

Hough was then bowled for 80 and Imran caught for 69.

Bollington lost their last five wickets for just 30 runs in their remaining overs to see them bowled out for 220.

With the winning score set at 221, an assertive start from Upton was essential to stand any chance victory. It was the league leaders who struck immediately to give them the edge early on as Mo Jahangir (2-38) took two wickets off the third and fifth ball of the over to leave Upton struggling at 1-2 after one over.

Mallie was next to strike as Bollington were ruthless at the early stage in the innings as he bowled two Upton batsmen in his second over to leave Bollington on top of proceedings at 10-4.

Mallie took his third and Bollington’s fifth of the afternoon as they looked to wrap up an early victory. A 30-run stand between Warburton and Roberts thwarted Bollington’s chance of an early finish as Upton saw their score pass 55 after 15 overs, however, Bollington didn’t have to wait long for the next wicket as Alex Durie (1-16) Bowled Roberts for six.

Horsfield (2-8) took the next two wickets to leave Upton 80-8 and Mallie (4-27) took Bollington’s ninth as victory loomed.

Imran removed the final wicket which saw Bollington win by 101 runs and go 29 points clear at the top of the table with three games left.

PRESTBURY CC BILL LIVESLEY

ROMILEY won the toss against Prestbury and put them into bat.

Myles Mason fell early but Rami Iyer (15) and Aquell with a good 31 pushed the total to 43 before Iyer was out.

Aquell was joined by Tom Livesley, who scored two huge sixes to get to 21, but he was out on the first ball after a drinks break.

Tim Saxon came in but didn’t trouble the scorers.

KERRIDGE CC ADAM BANKLS

KERRIDGE were due to travel to local rivals Knutsford on Saturday, but were the victims of a surprise call-off.

Kerridge had already recorded a 10-wicket victory earlier in the season, and were left bemused when – on one