Beavers make fist of it but lose out

BRAMHALL made the long journey to Nantwich where the hosts are an in form team, helped by Irish test player Niall O’Brien playing regularly for them. Bramhall lost the toss and were asked to have a bat.

Alex Hunt made his first team debut opening the batting with Wilde. Bramhall got off to a bad start with the loss of Wilde with the score on 7.

Bramhall continued to lose regular wickets around the debutant Hunt, who was eventually out for a well-made 48. Bramhall continued to struggle to get a foothold against a good bowling attacked, and were eventually bowled out for 171 in the 47th over.

The Beavers took to the field knowing they were a little light on runs on a decent pitch and small boundary on one side.

However, the visitors got off to a great start with Littlewood inducing an edge from the dangerous O’Brien which was well held by Wilkinson at slip.

From then on, howver, Bramhall were unlucky not to pick up another wicket with close LBWs being turned down and appeals for catches behind being given not out.

Credit must go to the Nantwich batsmen Rimmer and Brown in the manner that they put together a large second wicket partnership.

Nantwich eventually chased down the Bramhall score in the 41st over only losing the one batter to lose by nine wickets.

Bramhall bowled and fielded well to drag the game out to the 41st over but that is scant consolation as they host league leaders Timperley in the game on Saturday at Church Lane.

Firstly, however, the Beavers host Urmston this Thursday evening at Church Lane in the Cheshire Cup T20 Quarter Final.

The 2nd XI lost at home to Oxton. Being asked to bat first, Bramhall reached 203-9 from their 50 overs, aided by 49 from Tom Mason and 41 from Gavin Tomlinson.

In response, the visitors benefitted from some careless Bramhall catching and reached the target with five wickets and seven overs in hand.

The 3rd XI also lost, on Sunday at home to Romiley.

The Beavers elected to field first, and struggled somewhat to contain the visitors as they reached 194-3 from their 40 overs.

With the bat, Bramhall struggled to put partnerships together and just managed to hold out for a draw at 156-9.