Runcorn fall short after hard slog

THE recent poor weather put paid to two of the three scheduled Runcorn matches last weekend, with both the 2nds and 3rds having their games abandoned.

So it took a lot of effort and patience from all concerned to get the 1st X1 game on against Weaverham.

In a reduced game of 32 overs, Weaverham batted first and decided that attack was the best form of defence.

Their cavalier attitude cost them some early wickets as Runcorn’s players obviously had their catching hands on, especially Jack Beech who caught three and with a bit more luck could have had five.

Will Magee also took two excellent catches.

Weaverham were looking like they were not going to make 100, and Runcorn would rue some of the other chances that went begging, as Weaverham staged something of a recovery and eventually finished on 147.

Runcorn started well in reply and were looking like they were going to win i easily, il but b after f l losing i a couple l of f wickets the run rate dropped significantly.

When the last of the recognised batsmen went it looked like another defeat was on the cards.

With two wickets and five overs left and needing 40 to win, Shaun Lewitt came in at number 10 and hit 30 off two overs including three sixes and a number of fours.

From being out of it, suddenly Runcorn were in with a chance of only their hi second d win i of fh the season – but b it i wasn’t to be.

Lewitt was caught going for another boundary and finally Colin Lloyd was caught in the slips off the final ball of the penultimate over with only five needed for a win.

On Saturday, Runcorn’s 1st X1 are away to Tattenhall (start 12pm), Runcorn 2nd X1 at home to Lymm (12.30pm).

On Sunday Runcorn’s 3rd X1 host Chester Boughton Hall, start 1pm.