Oulton Park’s long unbeaten run is ended

Jun 30 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL inflicted Oulton Park’s first defeat for three years in the ECB Premier Division of The Right Move Abroad County League.

Chester were restricted to a modest total of 145. But reigning champions Oulton were let down by their star batsmen, apart from Ben Spendlove (54). Chester match-winner was veteran medium-pacer and former groundsman Alex Kegg who took 6-54, while Trinidad paceman Darren Cruikshank claimed 3-18.

Alderley Edge took the opportunity to surge 17 points ahead at the top of the table with a fine batting performance at Urmston where they were set to top the home side’s formidable 267-7. Alderley did it with eight wickets to spare at 271-2.

Bowdon kept up the pressure in second place with a 20-point win at Heaton Mersey after posting 192.

Neston’s poor run continued when they lost by three wickets at Nantwich after declaring at 208-9. Nantwich replied with 210-7, Rod Doyle 41, Marc Debrabender 38 not out, John Farrow 4-60. Wicket-keeper Andy Roberts claimed five victims for Neston.

Hyde moved up the table with a 100-run win at Toft where teenager Chris Tipper’s 119 helped them declare on 221-7. Cheshire left-arm spinner Danny Woods then demolished the Toft batting with a magnificent 7-54 return off 22 overs.

Widnes beat Macclesfield by four wickets at Beaconsfield road after dismissing their visitors for 143, J Khojani 3-28, Danny Pascoe 3-41. Tony Hurdley, 37 not out and Luke McCoy and Ben Williams both 32, helped Widnes reach the target with four overs to spare.