Cheadle let off the hook in derby clash
ANDREW REYNOLDS AFTER a wonderful evening the night before when Bramhall took on the PCA Masters XI at Church Lane, the 1st XI arrived in good spirits to a wet and muddy Church Lane on Saturday to face local rivals Cheadle.
Nick Cantello won another toss and had no hesitation in asking the visitors to bat first on what looked a slow wicket and tricky batting conditions.
Both Rupert Kitzinger and Danny Lamb probed hard, but it wasn’t until the 20th over when Lamb struck, bowling both openers in quick succession.
However, an opening stand of 50 in the conditions represented a good start for Cheadle.
Simon Wilkinson was then introduced to the attack, and he also struck twice, first trapping the number three and then taking a sharp caught and bowled.
The innings was still ticking over at a reasonable pace though, and Cheadle’s Elliott Bullock was building a good platform for a late onslaught.
The onslaught never really happened though, as Lamb returned to pick up three more wickets and a well deserved five-fer overall.
The total of 181 was a good one under the circumstances, however, and would require at least two big partnerships from Bramhall to win the game. Aussie Dale McKay continued his fine form at the top of the order, but those around him struggled until Ifti Naseer entered the fray at around 50 for 3.
In typical fashion, he smashed his first ball for six and followed this up with five more maximums from the bowling of Sperring within the space of 10 balls.
However, his relentless thirst for sixes was his downfall, caught on the edge for 38 from a startling 12 balls.
The platform was then set for McKay to see the run chase through, but his unexpected downfall for a well crafted 49 led to Crisall and West following in short order, and leaving the Bramhall tail with a mountain to climb.
Sam Johnson and Kitzinger set about repairing the damage, and were looking like taking the home side to victory before Johnson was caught at the wicket and another rebuilding job began.
Kitzinger held firm and stayed patient, but Wilkinson succumbed to the desire to attack the impressive Holmes, and was stumped with 20 still needed.
This left Kitzinger and Luke Littlewood to block out for a disappointing draw, and this was another game Bramhall will feel they should have won against a below full strength Cheadle.
Next week sees Bramhall visit Chester in need of a big points haul.