Runcorn’s fortunes are mixed

RUNCORN Cricket Club’s disappointing season in the Vivio Cheshire County Cricket League Division Two continued last Saturday as they fell to defeat at Tattenhall.

The margin of the loss was 46 runs as Runcorn failed in their attempt to chase down the hosts’ total of 165 all out.

After calling the coin flip correctly, Tattenhall skipper Glenn Coppack elected to bat first.

Runcorn made a rapid breakthrough when Dan Booth trapped opener Aamir Afzal lbw for 10.

Muhammad Umer soon departed for 11, Andy Booth taking a catch off the bowling of Shaun Lewitt.

And when Sean Reeves went for eight – caught by Patrick Tyrrell off Colin Lloyd – and Ben Pearce for 30 – Booth grabbing a catch off Lloyd once more – the hosts were in a little bit of trouble at 68-4.

But a key stand of 60 between Waqar Hassan (42) and Coppack (26) steadied the home side’s ship somewhat.

Both were victims of Phil Conway while Booth returned to clean up the tailenders to finish with fine figures of 5-43 as Tattenhall were all out for 165 inside the 45th over.

Runcorn made a solid start in response with openers Tyrrell (26) and captain James Wells (17) putting on 37 for the first wicket.

However, a rapid collapse which saw Andy Booth and Will Magee depart cheaply saw Runcorn on 51-4.

David McNamara dug in to make 22 and Conway hit 18 but the writing was on the wall for the visitors and the final wicket fell at 119 all out three deliveries into the 35th over.

Pearce impressed for the Tattenhall bowlers snapping up 5-28 while teammate Alan Brock claimed a memorable 4-12 off just 7.3 overs. ● Runcorn’s second XI enjoyed much better luck on the same afternoon, recording an excellent five-wickets win at home to their counterparts from Lymm Oughtrington Park. Chasing the visitors’ 198-4 from their 45 overs, Runcorn eased to a match-winning 199-5. This was thanks in the main to a tremendous unbeaten 89 off the bat of Liam Keenan. Tom Drury (25) and Matthew Keenan (21) were also in form with the willow.