Seamer Finegan fires Neston to top slot

Aug 13 2007 by Mike Talbot-Butler, Liverpool Daily Post

NESTON leapfrogged Urmston to top the ECB Premier Division in The Right Move Abroad Cheshire County League when they won a tense game by 14 runs at their south-Manchester rivals.

Aussie Jack Smith top-scored with 58, aided by 36 from skipper Stan Clifford in Neston’s all out tally of 211.

Urmston started well with opener Chris Watson hitting 70, but wickets fell and it was left to tail-ender Allison with a rapid 60 not out to give his side a chance. Fine seam bowling by Cheshire’s Chris Finegan, with 5-32, saw Urmston out for 197 to earn his side 24 points.

Neston go six points clear of reigning champions Oulton Park who put paid to Bowdon’s title hopes with a six-wicket win at South Downs road. Bowdon were routed for 101, Ben Gough 4-40, Guy Emmett 3-21 and Oulton recovered from a disastrous start of 17-4 to win without further loss, thanks to experienced ex-Derbyshire batsman Chris Bassano (52). Adam Syddall’s early burst earned him 3-20.

Alderley Edge went fourth after a remarkable run chase to beat Toft, who set them 282-6, which included good knocks from Adam Carolan (73), Sean Mudalige (70) and Andy Bones (54), while Mark Warnes took 3-50. Former Lancashire batsman Mark Currie was equal to the task, carrying his bat for a magnificent 104. Simon Elliott scored 59 not out and Alan Day 55 as Alderley won by seven wickets.

Widnes’ slim title hopes faded when they lost by 53 runs at Hyde, who rattled up 246, teenager Chris Tipper striking an impressive 102 and Sean Moore claiming 4-54. Widnes were dismissed for 193.

Chester Boughton Hall had a winning draw in their visit to Christleton, finishing 16 – 8 points to the good and further damaging their neighbours’ hopes of staying in the premiership. Skipper Steve Ogilby top-scored with an unbeaten 80 in Chester’s 251-6. Christleton clung on at 183-8 thanks largely to a fine 75 from Rick Moore, while evergreen seam bowler Alex Kegg claimed 4-70 and continues to enjoy a successful season, now with 36 wickets.