POINTS, KNYPERSLEY SEAL VICTORY TREBLE
from Jack Kesteven and South African Connah Macfarlane. Kesteven took 4-4 in 5.5 overs, while Macfarlane chipped in with 3-11.
Lee Johnson struck twice after tea, but Dane Tinsley’s 42 ensured that Sandbach were left celebrating a six-wicket win. Ashcombe Park, another side to drop out of the top flight last summer, picked up their first win of the campaign with victory at Newcastle & Hartshill.
Set a modest-looking 109 to win, Ashcombe Park appeared to have squandered their chance of success when they tumbled to 64-7, which included double strikes from Asif Raza, Joe Thorne and Deacon Purcell.
However, Nathan Ball (24no) and Tom Warrilow (14no) put on an unbroken eight-wicket partnership of 45 to steer Ashcombe Park to their target.
Castle had earlier been dismissed for 108, mainly thanks to
Anis Raza and Jacob Johnson, who picked up 3-13 and 3-21 respectively.
Jonathon Gidman, Raza and Purcell all made 17 with the bat. Norton in Hales had a productive away day as they emerged victorious on their visit to Blythe. Norton in Hales stuck 126-9 on the board, led by Jack Furnival’s 34.
Jamie Evans (16) and 15 apiece from Chris Dyer and Matt Waller helped Norton in Hales past the three-figure mark. Scott Degg scooped 4-18 for the home side. Blythe were making serene progress on 46-0 in reply courtesy of a solid opening stand between Chris Plant (21) and Michael Dale (16).
But the innings took a turn as the home side slipped to 53-5... and that provided Norton in Hales with the impetus to go on and claim victory.
Rob Ginders (30) kept Blythe’s hopes alive, but they ended after being bowled out for 99 as Anthony Sheeran took 3-21.