Elstone guides Checkley forward with ton knock
Premier Division
CHECKLEY are now level on points with Blythe in third place after a comfortable win at Hem Heath.
Former Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire batsman Scott Elstone compiled an impressive century to set Checkley on their way to 229-7 declared.
Elstone struck 15 fours and four sixes in his 122, with support coming from Michael Allen (34) and Simon Guy (32).
Greg Prime (37) led the Hem Heath run chase, but Matthew Hodson (26) and Zephryn Hunte (23) were the only ones to follow his example as the home side were bowled out for 115.
Nick Hunt (3-16), Ben Haslegrave (3-33) and Richard Williams (3-42) did the bulk of the damage.
Karl High’s six of the best helped Meakins to secure runners-up spot in the NSSCL Premier Division with victory at LEEK.
Meakins fell short in their title defence this summer, but at least have the consolation of being champions Porthill Park’s closest challengers.
And it was down to left-arm seamer High as he ensured that his side won a low-scoring contest at Highfield.
Visitors Meakins had been bundled out for just 118, and were grateful to Peter Wilshaw’s 59 for seeing them past three figures.
Staffordshire batsman Wilshaw hit four fours and three sixes in his innings, while Tom Fox (21) was the only other batsman to make a significant score.
Wayne White (3-21), Dan Richardson (3-32) and Greg Cork (3-34) all picked up three wickets.
However, High stole the show after tea to send Leek sliding to 79 all out.
High finished with stunning figures of 6-6 as White’s 26 was the only meaningful resistance offered by Leek.
Blythe took the lion’s share of the points from their draw at home against ASHCOMBE PARK.
Half-centuries from Jalat Khan (68) and Chris Plant (55) were backed up by Craig Grimley’s unbeaten 46 and Alex Heslop’s 43, as Blythe reached 243 all out.
Josh Johnson (4-42), Josh Cobb (3-48) and Anis Raza (351) shared the wickets to fall.
Ashcombe Park only had 41 overs to bat because of the weather and made their way to 165-4.
Ryan Ball made 51 not out and Johnson chipped in with 34 to steer them to safety.
CHRIS TRAVERS