DABBERS SEIZE THEIR CHANCE TO OPEN UP BIG ADVANTAGE

NANTWICH moved 20 points clear at the top of the Cheshire County League Premier Division after their weekend victory at Neston. With closest challengers Didsbury and Oulton Park drawing their encounter, the Dabbers took full advantage to open up a sizeable lead. A sixth win in 10 outings was never in doubt once Nantwich’s bowlers had accounted for Neston’s batting line-up.

The home side were in a decent position on 89-3 before the left-arm spin of Ollie Griffiths and pace of Mitchell Spencer proved to be their downfall. Neston were soon dismissed for 113 as Griffiths claimed 5-19 and Spencer chipped in with 4-28.

Simon Stokes (32) and Mark Rowland (25) had made some decent headway for Neston, but their total was well short of challenging the Dabbers,

Aneesh Kapil made 28 up front in the chase, and although Rowland picked up a couple of wickets, Nantwich eased to a sevenwicket win inside 27 overs. Cheshire batsman Luke Robinson compiled 48 not out, which featured six fours and two sixes.

· CONGLETON were thumped by nine wickets in their Cheshire County League Division One home game against Bramhall. Ashley West was their nemesis as he scooped 8-28 to leave Congleton all out for just 81.

Muhamad Shahbaz Bashir (25), Ryan Booth (18), Jacob Wilshaw (14no) and Tom Leese (12) all made starts, but it was West’s day. Bramhall swept to their target in 11.4 overs. Greg Dixon fell for 27, but fellow opener Jack Clark remained unbeaten on 53, hitting 11 fours and one six, to ensure an early conclusion to proceedings. · HASLINGTON had to be content with a draw in their Cheshire County League Division Two match at home against Christleton. There were three halfcenturies in Haslington’s innings as they amassed 254-9 from their 50 overs. Ben Istead top-scored with 70 and his example was followed by Jack Taylor (67) and Jack Moran (58).

In reply, Max Dunbavand (38), Aamir Afzaal (34) and Tom Wells (33) all impressed. Tom Gledhill and Imran Khan took 4-55 and 3-33 respectively for Haslington, but the visitors clung on to reach 195-9 at the close.