STAFFORDSHIRE OFF TO A FINE START AS THEY BEAT CHESHIRE
STAFFORDSHIRE Development XI started their summer programme with a six-wicket win at home against Cheshire Academy. The match formed the first part of a new format for Staffs’ side as they take part in the ‘North of England’ Cup which covers 50-over, Twenty20 and two-day games. Wales, Cumbria, Shropshire and Northumberland are also involved in the competition, which sees teams pick up points for victories across the three formats.
And Staffordshire secured the three points on offer at Moddershall & Oulton on Tuesday by triumphing in the 50-over match.
Staffs skipper Jack Redman opted to field first and it was a decision which paid off as his bowling attack put Cheshire under pressure. Edward Bailey top-scored with 43, Rob Lord added 24 and Jack Needham chipped in with 18, but Cheshire were bowled out for 115.
Tom Moulton, Lewis Moulton and Max Hill all claimed two wickets for Staffs. Staffordshire’s run chase was built around a second-wicket stand of 87 between skipper Redman and Matthew Morris. Morris compiled 59, off 78 balls, featuring nine boundaries, before he was dismissed.
Cheshire rallied with Jack Kesteven taking a couple of victims, but the damage had already been done. Redman, who has been part of Staffordshire’s NCCA Twenty20 Cup campaign in the early weeks of the season, batted throughout the innings to make 33 not out to ease the home side across the line. Staffordshire are back in action on Wednesday, May 25 when they travel to St Asaph to play Wales in another 50over encounter.