IRBY have made some useful close season acquisitions which could help them make a bid for Chapel Press Cheshire County League First Division promotion.
Experienced ex-Sefton Park all-rounder Robbie Houghton had a fine debut for his new club in their eight-wicket win at Bollington, taking 4-26 to help bowl out the home side for 103. Another new arrival, seamer Chris Foran from Birkenhead Park, chipped in with 3-19. Skipper Hurworth (53) and veteran Dave Newman (46) went on to enjoy an unbroken century stand after tea.
Widnes also made a winning start at home to relegated Bramhall, but only with four balls remaining in a tight finish. Bramhall totalled 150, Damien Moore 5-59 and Widnes replied with 155-8, Danny Naughton 52 and Sean Moore, back from Oxton, 33.
Christleton will struggle on the form they showed when being rolled over by 10 wickets at home to Bowdon. Iroshan de Silva (38) alone impressed in the Christleton innings of 151, then the Bowdon openers knocked off the runs inside 38 overs, former Northern star Carl Hey contributing 80 and newcomer Brett Forsyth 64.
In Division Two both new clubs were impressive winners, especially Malpas who beat Timperley by 52 runs at Stockport road after posting an impressive 217-8, Andy Crabb 72, John Suckley 66 not out. Timperley were then dismissed for 166, Peter Johnson 5-55.
Stockport also impressed with a 93 runs win against neighbours Stockport Georgians.
Tattenhall spinner Gary Forster claimed 6-17 to rout Mobberley for 80 in a nine wickets triumph, while Bredbury won by 20 runs at Warrington thanks to spinner Graham Barlow, who took a best of the day 8-50.
First round winners so far in the League’s RedInsure T20 Trophy are Stockport and 2010 finalists Didsbury, with Cheadle v Macclesfield completing the programme with a Bank Holiday Sunday clash.
Cheshire choose a strong Development XI for the first of two games against Lancashire seconds scheduled for Toft tomorrow (11am). Team: John Kettle captain, Alex Matthews (Nantwich), Nick Anderson, Greg Dixon (Didsbury), Dan Cranmer (Hyde), Ross Dixon (Oxton), Dan Halkon (Sale), Ollie Law, Jordan Clark (Chester Boughton Hall), Khalid Sawas, Ian Tait (Macclesfield).
The teams meet again at Westhoughton on Friday (also 11am).
