UTTOXETER NET HOME POINTS, BUT MILFORD ARE EDGED OUT

UTTOXETER made home advantage count to secure victory over Spondon thirds in Derbyshire County League Division Four South.

After their opening match of the season was called off because of the weather, Uttoxeter quickly acclimatised to their new surroundings following last summer’s promotion.

Uttoxeter took first use and made their way to a competitive 152 all out. Will Buggey fronted their batting bid with 43, while there was plenty of support from his team-mates. James Lee (22), Alex Langridge (20), Adam Johnson (17) and Alex Hannan (16) all made useful contributions.

Seth Clewes was the star man with the ball for Spondon, finishing with 5-41. Charlie Rigg was also in good form, taking 3-24.

In reply, Spondon also had plenty of batsmen make starts as they attempted to chase down that target. Steve Mountney top-scored with 20, while Rigg and Ben French made 17 apiece and Sam Barnes struck 15. However, their challenge ended on 133.

Tyler Davies claimed 3-38 for Uttoxeter and there were double strikes from Ben Brown and Michael Skelham. · MILFORD Hall lost a highscoring home encounter against Lichfield in the South Staffs Premier Division. Milford Hall looked to have put themselves in a strong postion at the halfway point after reaching 240-7 from their 50 overs.

That big score was centred around Ibbadat Thaman’s unbeaten 66, which came off 64 balls and included seven fours and one six. Archie O’hara (45) and Dominic Afford (36) were also in fine form, while Will Davis added 27 and James Rogers compiled an unbeaten 20. Hayan Jafer scooped 5-37 for visitors Lichfield. Lichfield slumped to 8-2 and then 59-4 in response. Callum Heanan hit three fours and three sixes in his 58, while Adam Braddock (38) and Muhammad Daniyaal (30) also helped to drag Lichfield back into contention. But it required a rapid halfcentury from James Foxley to turn the tables decisively in Lichfield’s favour.

He hit two fours and four sixes in his 42-ball 61 not out to steer the visitors to a two-wicket win with five balls to spare.

Davis picked up 3-40 for Milford Hall and Stuart Phazey chipped in with a couple of victims.