IT’S ‘Chester Boughton Hall’s Got Talent’ party night at Filkins Lane on Saturday night but skipper Rick Moore would like to see some star performances on the pitch first, writes NICK HARRISON.
Chester surrendered top spot in the Cheshire County League Premier Division two weeks when they ended up losing out at home to Widnes in a game they should have won.
Widnes were the only team to play in the top flight after last Saturday’s wash-out with Hall’s trip to Alderley Edge one of a whole host of games called off.
“At least all our rival’s games were off too,” said Moore. “There’s nothing worse than sitting out a game and losing valuable points while those around you aren’t playing.
“We’ve some big games lined up though now as we take on Grappenhall and then league leaders, Hyde the week after.
“Grappenhall haven’t had the best of it this year but we’ve leant that it’s important to be as ruthless as we can and we’ll be looking to set ourselves up for that Hyde game by taking maximum points.”
Hyde are involved in the game of the weekend as they make a trip to third-placed Neston, who could throw the title race wide open if they excel on their own patch at Parkgate.
Hyde are 10 points clear of second-placed Hall with Neston, for whom Will Evans will look to get some runs, are only 14 points off top spot.
Timperley are also gathering pace a win at Cheadle would certainly help their title prospects.
Last season’s champions, Nantwich, host Marple and bottom of the table Oulton Park are at home to Alderley Edge.
At least four of the Hall players had some action on Sunday as they travelled to Newcastle to play two T20 games against Northumberland.
County captain Moore was joined by Jamie Crawley, Jack Williams and the returning Ollie Law, who shone with a fine 88 in the first game.
Law hit seven sixes and three fours while Crawley hit an unbeaten 40 in the second game
Cheshire ultimately fell short in both games though to exit the trophy at the group stage and a disappointed Moore said: “We’ve struggled in our T20 games a bit this year. We’ve missed a few players, particularly bowlers and found it hard at times.
“There have been some plusses though as we’ve blooded a few youngsters – the likes of Ben Gibbon and Rob Sehmi. It was great too to be able to get Ollie Law back in the front line.
“We’ll take on Lincolnshire at New Brighton next Sunday with our heads held high.”
There was some action at Filkins Lane with groundsman Alex Kegg working wonders to get the Seconds home game against Alderley Edge on.
And a 10 wickets win moved Dan Riley’s side to the top of the league with the skipper in inspirational form, taking 5-26 to go with 4-26 from Sam Mallows as the visitors were skittled out for 109.
Noah Vickery (54 not) and Luke Ramsay’s unbeaten led Hall home inside 20 overs.
Hall travel to Grappenhall this weekend.
In Division Two of the Cheshire County League, Alvanley beat the weather and bottom club Northwich last week to move into fifth place.
They entertain second-placed Warrington while Tattenhall could do Alvanley a favour by winning at leaders Lindow.
Barrow host struggling Northwich CC while Christleton, for whom Josh Joseph is in good form with bat and ball, travel to Hale Barns.
Other fixtures: Congleton v Stockport; Stockport Georgians v Mobberley.
The big game in Division Four of the Cheshire League could be a potential title-decider as leaders Saughall make the short trip to second-placed Westminster Park.
In Division Three, Chester County Officers go to Wirral.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article