Bramhall fall short in first home match

ANDREW REYNOLDS BRAMHALL hosted Timperley in the first home game of the season, hoping to bounce back from an overall disappointing start to the season which began with a losing draw at Nantwich.

Timperley chose to let Bramhall have first use of the wicket on winning the toss, and were soon in command as they reduced the home side to 22-3 and 55-5 thanks to a devastating opening spell from Jack White.

The Bramhall middle order set about repairing the damage, first through Iftikhar Naseer who struck two sixes in his 26, and then Matt Higginbottom who weighed in with an excellent 39.

It was then youngster Danny Woodside (28) and the reliable Ashley West (32) rescued the innings and restored respectability, with a counter attacking 50 partnership, meaning a final total of 180 all out, which although below par, was much higher than would have been expected after the initial exchanges.

Timperley started their run chase in opposite fashion to Bramhall, with an 71 run opening partnership getting them well into the game.

A pair of double strikes from Matt Higginbottom and Luke Littlewood pegged them back to 89-4, however, and Bramhall once again seized the initiative.

However, as in the Bramhall innings, the pitch became easier to navigate as the ball got older, and despite some good bowling from all six used by the home side, Timperley were able to knock off their target with a couple of overs left for the loss of six wickets, Littlewood finishing with an excellent 3-23.

This weekend sees Bramhall travel to local rivals Alderley Edge, looking to get some momentum into their season after a faltering start.