Last game of what has turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable and successful season in so many ways. This side for 15 games would win the league; a bold statement but not without reason. Sam Mallows and Ben are great opening bowlers and with Atko, Bryen, Shane, Bobby, Guy and Dan, there are plenty of options for all conditions. Three proven opening batters and Ben in the middle order and finishers Dan and Karl, the 2's have been strong in recent weeks. Fingers crossed for next season and a higher finish than 4th is the minimum.

Middlewich needed to win with Urmston playing at home against Sale - 25 points almost a given. Another won toss and Middlewich batting on a wetter, greener track than normal left the bowlers excited but experience suggests that whatever the conditions, 200 runs is minimum requirement first dig. 199 was therefore just below par despite 100 from Middlewich number 3 and ex Man United striker Andy Cole (he looks different on tele). Shane Patel enhanced his reputation as a bowler who's good under pressure by taking 3 wickets in the last 8 overs from Filkins Lane end; Shane has made a real impact on the side this year (especially on Ryen) and next year 40 wickets has to be his target.

With news coming in from Oxton that wasn't sounding great, Bobby and Treeny set about the Middlewich bowlers. Bobby is the best batter in the 2nd Xl league ever (statistically). His 218 against Alderley Edge in '09 was a masterclass as has been his batting throughout this season. His 93 not only broke the hearts of Middlewich, it took him to 1119 runs for the season. Amazing achievement. He was in the 1's for the first 2 games. Legend. Treeny continued to prove that he is more than capable of opening regularly with a solid 38 whilst Guy's average plummeted to just above 100 with his 23. Ben Paradiddle finished off the innings with more red ink. One point of note came as Bryen 'oi, naughty' Spencer-Penguin staked his claim for the number 11 spot next year by hitting a four then abusing the bowler then getting out then getting a send off then geting DOTD; standard. 25 more points, Bobby breaking the record, Karl enhancing his reputation as an umpire and the whole team jumping up and down to the news that Jack Williams (he used to play for us) had taken the last wicket at Oxton. Great, great scenes.

2XI - Grappenhall (A)

The 2XI travelled to Grappenhall, who overtook Neston at the top of the league thanks to Chesters winning draw against the Shrimpers the previous week. Dan Riley won the toss and asked Grappenhall to bat on a dry wicket, even though the outfield was damp and the ball would be slippy.

Grapp opened the batting against Chesters usual opening attack of Ben Roberts and Sam Mallows. Roberts and Mallows bowled with their usual pace and accuracy, and Mallows got the early breakthrough having Bye caught behind for just 2. Roberts was unlucky to finish his 7 overs wicketless, Spencer-Wolf (2-38) replacing him in the attack. Mallows made another breakthrough, removing the dangerous Tetlow for 32, before finishing a 14 over spell that left him with figures of 2-58. Riley utilised his full bowling attack in the final overs with Bob Evans (2-39) and Guy Dunbavand (1-33) picking up the other wickets. Grappenhall opener Will Sharp batted superbly making 125, With Ian Barnes (53) the other main contributor to the innings, which finished on 260-7 from 47 overs.

Evans and Mike Treen opened up for Chester against the pace of Barnes and the spin of Matt Titchard. Evans, on 998 runs for the season, hit the third ball of the innings for 4 to bring up his maiden 1000 runs in a season, much to the delight of the crowd. Evans made his way to 28 before being caught and bowled off the bowling of Neil Muttock. This brought Dunbavand to the crease who built his innings arouns classy strokeplay as always. Mike Treen fell shortly after making his maiden 2XI fifty, perishing on 55. Ben Roberts strolled to the crease and started to build a partnership with the impressive Dunbavand, but Guy finally fell for a well-made 67 trying to push on the run rate. With Stedman (0) and Atkin (6) both falling cheaply, Skipper Riley came to the wicket and upped the run rate. Runs kept flowing and with 1 over left, Chester required 11 runs to win. The first 5 balls of the over went for singles, leaving Riley on strike, with only a maximum enough to win the game for Chester. A big crowd waited in anticipation, the Chester clubhouse held their breath as Muttock ran in and delivered the ball. Riley rocked back and creamed the ball straight back over the bowlers head and into the top of the sightscreen to win the game. Riley threw his bat away in celebration and was buried underneath the Chester players invading the pitch. Riley finished the innings on 42 not out, With Ben Roberts finishing with 55 not out.

With all that went on, it must be said how magnanimous in defeat Grappenhall were, who realised the brilliance of the game of cricket everyone had just been involved in.

Next week, Chester take on relegation threatened, but in form team, Middlewich.

2XI - Neston (H)

Champions elect Neston arrived at Filkins Lane hoping to continue their march to the title, but this current side is a tough nut to crack and ultimately too strong for the shrimps. Having lost the toss the Chester boys batted. AT 29 for 3 things were not looking great but then again we had Bob and Ben at the crease who without Guy are the stand out batters in the 2's. Both layed brilliantly until Bob fell bowled for 93 (998 for the season) and then Ben went for 45. Having set the platform, it was perfect for Dan and Karl to blitz it for the last few overs. Some clean striking and clever placement took both players into the 40's and the score to an imposing 252.

With Sam and Ben bowling quickly, the wickets began to fall fairly regularly. Atko came on for Ben and struck immediately. Sam and Karl combined for 3 wickets and then Shane got a wicket with his first ball. Neston never really looked like getting 252 and when the skipper bowled Cam Lea-Swain for 84, a Chester victory looked most likely. Two more wickets for the skipper with moon balls caught by Yates at cover left a tense finish at 9 down. In fairness to Neston they clung on well but had the light allowed Ben and Sam to come back it could have been different.

15 plays 8 still seems unfair having completely dominated the game.

2XI - Didsbury (H)

A wet morning preceeded the home game v Didsbury but a won toss saw Didsbury batting and the Chester side reaching for their cloths to dry any errant fielding. With no Stoneman or Burns (who was worried that Andy Metcalf might be in car smashing mood again), Chester sensed they had more of a chance than usual.

When Sam and Ben haad them 6 for 2 in the first few overs, everything was going to plan. Then skipper Whiteside and Henry Thomas (Sale RUFC prop and Engalnd international) got together and in tricky circumstances, started to play some shots and find the boundry. Thomas hit an enormous 6 when he pulled Sam over square leg, but Ryen came on, after a super 7 overs from Ben, and bowled with real control and accuracy eventually finding the edge of Thomas' bat and the breakthrough was made. Sam bowled Whiteside and despite a brief flurry from Qasim and Nawaz, Didsbury succumbed for 112. Sam 4 for, Ben 2 for 25 , Dan Riley 3 for 23 and Ryen 1 for 10. Shane unrequired....for now.

An injury to Guy meant a change in the order and Adam stepped up to open with Bob and lead the chase towards a notoriously tricky low total. Despite wobbles along the way, the total was reached for the loss of 6 wickets. Ben Roberts again impressed with a fine 33 and Jack Yates played well for his 25 (with a size 6 bat borrowed from an unsuspecting youngster). Guy unrequired and Shane Patel steadying the ship with a key partnership alongside Dan who finished the game with a 6.

Bobby Evans, despite falling for 12 has now beaten the Premier League batting record by becoming the first player past 900 in the league. Massively well-deserved and proof of what can be done with application. Well done Bob....now for 1000!

2XI - Macclesfield (A)

Report coming soon.....

2XI - Toft (H)

No Report Submitted

2XI - Urmston (A)

Chester travelled to Manchester expecting rain. It always rains in Urmston, Some have said it is the English centre of excellence for rain, but not this week. A flat pitch and great outfield greeted the 2's who welcomed back Sam and gave a debut to Ben 'Def Leopard' Roberts; Linners and Super Tom made way. Another win on the toss and Urmston batting on a 270+ track. Ben and Sam opened up and Urmston's openers despite playing and missing frequently, made good progress in the face of Sam and Ben who bowled well on an unforgiving surface. Adam Dumba had made his own plan to let them get as many as possible by dropping 2 regulation catches at first slip. The introduction of Dave Atkin saw the breakthrough. 2 quick wickets and the game began to change. Excellent fielding and tight bowling put Chester well on top and Sam chipped in with 2 wickets of his own; at second eleven he is different class. Ben returned with 3 wickets and then super Shane Patel held his nerve to bowl 4 overs at the end taking 3 for 7. An excellent bowling performance.

Every win so far this season has been the reult of chasing down runs and with 11 batters (Bryen Spencer-Wolfe was at the test) Chester needed to take responsibility. Guy and Bobby opened up and put on 125. As well as having excellent bowling options this must be the best opening partnership in the league. Guy's excellent play square of the wicket and Bobby's domination of anything off target. Bobby scored his 800th run on the way to 75 and then last week's sidekick Craig came and went for 8 before Adam joined his brother to steer the ship home. Guy 95 not out and Adam 24 not out. Another comprehensive victory and 25 points. 6 more games and if they're all wins, who knows. Well played men.

2XI - Sale (H)

One quarter of the 100 point weekend. Another big win for the second team and if you got bonus points for completely outplaying a side, then Chester would have got them today. Linners (still on loan) and Atko (in for Sam) provided another entry in the end of season 'Best opening attack in second team history' award. Some excellent lines on an absolute street of a wicket quickly put paid to any hope of the 300 which would have been par. A noteable contribution from their number 3 who managed to poke 3 big sixes effortlessly over the rope but when Atko dealt with him the end seemed nigh. Credit to the Sale middle order who did knuckle down and play cautiously and the skipper made an invaluable 61 despite being dropped by Bobby when in the 20's. Shane returned with a wicket and one for the skipper but the other 7 went to Linners. Superb line and length with just enough movement was aided by good catching from Karl. On such a flat wicket this was a truly memorable display.

173 to win proved to be only half what Sale needed with the Chester batters making light work of the total in only 25 overs. The only down side being the loss of Bobby for 17 on a track that was begging to have a hundred scored on it. Guy duly obliged with his first ton for the 2's. An absolute joy to watch. Watchful in defense and devastating in attack with crunching drives and ruthless pulls this truly was an example of a batsman in the zone. A fantastic 135 run partnership with Craig Evans who scored an equally impressive unbeaten 50 held the attention of the growing crowd. Nervous Mum and Dad on the balcony didn't phase Guy who hit one through the covers to run through to three figures. Great days like this are to be savoured. Man of the match? Linners 7 for or Guy's hundred? Toughest call of the day and one which no one was making. Brilliant.

2XI - Nantwich (A)

No report, however the match scorecard can be found by clicking the above link.

2XI - Hyde (H)

No report, however the match scorecard can be found by clicking the above link.

2XI - Alderley Edge (A)

The 2XI contested a tight game with Alderley Edge on a beautiful day at the Alderley Edge Oval. Dan Riley lost the toss (for a change) and Chester were asked to bat on a decent looking track.

Bob Evans and Ian Metcalf opened the batting and Ian departed for 0, trapped LBW by the impressive Chris Cook. Phil Thomas came to the crease, looking to play himself into some form, and that’s exactly what he did. Phil proved to be the rock of the innings with a well-made 52, with Joe Killoran (37), Bob Evans (27) and Dave Atkin (11) being the only other batsmen to make double figures. Chester finished on 179 all out from 47.2 overs, with Cook proving chief tormentor, finishing with 6-64, bowling unchanged.

Chester took to the field after a lovely tea, with some spectacular homemade cakes, hoping for the bowlers to fire and bowl Chester to a win. Chester were going along nicely, picking up wickets at regular intervals, to leave Alderley Edge on 130-8, and Chester smelling victory. It was not to be though, as the last 2 wicket partnerships saw The Edge home by one whilst being cheered by a packed clubhouse and various tennis courts full of scantily women. All the bowlers chipped in with Mallows the pick of the bowlers with 3-54 off 16 overs.

The disappointment of defeat was quickly quashed by a few beers at a spectacular summer ball that all enjoyed.

2XI - Middlewich (A)

The half way point and another lost toss, but rather surprisingly Chester were asked to bowl on what seemed an excellent batting track. Alex T and Ryen couldn’t quite recapture the form of the previous week but bowled with good control nonetheless. Tom Wyatt and Riley came on and the wickets began to fall. Tom’s first spell 5 overs 2 for 9. One big partnership including some enormous sixes improved things but 185 was a below par score on a very decent deck. Four run outs were great reward for some excellent fielding.

A good tea and a pep talk ensured the batters knew exactly what was expected. Ian Metcalf and Bobby put on over a hundred before Bobby walked past one for 81 when a hundred was there for the taking. He has now passed 500 runs and is well on the way to his 1000 run target. Ian kept things going with an excellent 61 including some fine shots through cover for 4. Ian eventually went followed quickly by Karl but Tom Wyatt (16) and Joe Killoran (11*) saw the side home and the points safe. Joe is, incidentally a good fielder and although he refused to dive for a couple of catches, he saved lots of runs in the outfield. Another great performance by the team.

2XI - Grappenhall (H)

Chester won the toss on a bright and breezy Saturday afternoon and Skipper Dan Riley had no hesitation in asking Grappenhall to have a bat.

Chester opened the bowling with youth, Bryen Spencer-Wolf from the Filkins Lane End, and Alex Townend from the Ron Fleet End. Riley’s faith in youth paid dividends as Grappenhall were left reeling on 25-4 after 13 overs, when unfortunately both Spencer-Wolf and Townend had to finish their spells due to age restrictions. Riley took over from Townend bowling with his usual flight and guile, with young Tom Wyatt, on debut, continuing after Spencer-Wolf. Shane Patel replaced Wyatt after 5 accurate overs of swing. Riley kept picking up wickets at regular intervals and by the time the 44th over came about, Grapp had been dismissed for just 110. Riley completed his first 5 wicket haul of the season for just 22 runs off 15.1 overs with the other wickets coming from Townend (3-9 off 6 overs), Spencer-Wolf (1-12 off 7) and Patel (1-35 off 10). Highlight of the Grapp innings was either Rileys 5 wicket haul (only the second 5 wicket haul for the seconds this season, after Bob Evans 5 wickets at Didsbury), or Spencer-Wolfe falling over because he ‘lost concentration and gormed out’.

After a fine fusion tea of Sandwiches and spring rolls, Chester opened the batting with Bob Evans and Ian Metcalf. They set about the Grapp bowlers with some fine strokeplay and the score was on 90 before Evans was caught at second slip for 67. This proved to be the only scare for CBH, as Metcalf (35 not out) and Karl Stedman (6 not out) saw Chester over the line for the loss of only 1 wicket in 29.1 overs. A very impressive performance in all departments, and a well-deserved 25 points, leaving Chester 5th in the league.

Next up is Middlewich away next Saturday, where Dan Rileys Barmy Army are aiming for another 25 points #aroundthetown.

2XI - Neston (A)

The 2XI took on high flying Neston at the picturesque Parkgate ground on Saturday, keen to bounce back from last week’s disappointing defeat to Didsbury. Skipper Dan Riley lost the toss and Chester were asked to bat on a hard deck with a few cracks developing.

Big hitting Jonty Hedgecoe and all-rounder Bob Evans opened up and were immediately put under the cosh against some tight bowling from both ends. Neston’s decision to open with a spinner paid dividends when Hedgecoe was caught behind for just 5. Wickets kept steadily falling to the spinner and when Karl Stedman (3), Ian Metcalf (7), Evans (36), and Phil Thomas (8) all fell to the spinner, Chester were struggling at 60-5. Things went from bad to worse for Chester, and when Joe Killoran (11), Olly Snowdon (2), Sam Mallows (0) and Ryen Spencer-Wolfe (0) were all caught, Chester were left on 79-9. Bob Knight came to the crease armed with a bat he bought in 1969 off Frank Hack, making it older that 8 of Chester’s starting XI. Knight worked the strike well and got Riley on strike and put on a valuable 36 for the final wicket, Riley getting 26 and Knight finishing with 3 not out, with Chester’s final total falling on 115 all out off 42 overs.

After a fine tea, and a lesson on nutrition from Bob Knight, Chester took to the field with Mallows and Spencer-Wolf taking the new ball. Chester got off to a great start with Spencer-Wolf bowling the opener with an absolute pearler which nipped back through the gate and took the top of off stump, breaking the bail in the process. Even with Chester’s good start, 115 was always going to be difficult to defend. Wickets fell at regular intervals but Neston got the winning runs in the 27th over. Pick of the bowlers were Knight (2-13 off 5 overs), Evans (1-11 off 4), Spencer-Wolf (1-18 off 4) and Riley (1-36 off 9).

Next week the 2XI entertain Grappenhall at Filkins Lane.

2XI - Didsbury (A)

The seconds made the journey to Didsbury full of hope for a third victory in 3 weeks. Riley, back in charge, lost the toss and was unsurprisingly asked to bat first on what looked a good wicket. Adam and Bobby opened but the partnership was short lived when Dumba left with a duck to his name. Time to rebuild in the face of some very straight and accurate seam bowling from the Didsbury opening bowlers. Karl and Bob went with neither scoring 50 which is unusual this season such is the form they’ve both been in. Mani went cheaply and it was left to Andy and Ian Metcalf to rebuild and post an imposing total. Both players were watchful and selective in the face of some more accurate bowling from Stoneman. Ian fell for a well constructed 21 but the platform was laid for the lower order to accelerate. This acceleration never quite happened and 189 was about 15-20 runs short. Andy finished with a superb 92* including 5 enormous 6’s, one of which crashed through the back window of Burnsie’s BMW. Two other points to note; firstly in an area known as the national epicentre for rain, 2 drinks breaks and suncream were required during both innings. Secondly, Ryen Spencer-Wolfe’s knowledge of world religion is somewhat suspect.

With an opening bowling partnership with a combined age of 30, Chester set about the job of removing Stoneman and bowling out Didsbury. The youngsters started brilliantly, both bowling very accurately. Ryen created 3 catching opportunities…which were all dropped. Admittedly difficult chances but all three were catchable. Shane induced an edge which was finally caught by Bob in the slips. Game on. The introduction of Riley and Bobby ‘the all rounder’ Evans slowed things down and wickets began to fall. When Stoneman fell to Riley for 78, the victory looked more likely but it wasn’t to be. In the last over with 8 wickets down, Didsbury finally went past the Chester total. A tough one to take as it was so close. But excellent batting from both Metcalf’s and Bobby with his first 5 wicket haul for the seconds were highlights. The catching and fielding were not.

Neston away next week who are top of the table and flying. Good one to bounce back.

2XI - Macclesfield (H)

Chester Boughton Hall 2nd XI entertained Macclesfield 2nd XI on Saturday in lovely summer conditions.

Groundsman Loic Gresty produced a wonderful pitch and skipper for the day, Bobby Evans had no hesitation in inserting Macclesfield after he won the toss. Evans, fresh from a morning session of Yoga, entrusted Sam Mallows and Ryen Spencer-Wolfe with the new ball. Both men bowled with pace and accuracy. However, it was the introduction of Bhanu that brought the opening wicket. A cleverly disguised slower ball was enough to confuse the Macclesfield opener. Bhanu and Andy Metcalf then bowled in tandem and pegged Macclesfield back on a good pitch and fast outfield. Young Shane Patel took over from Metcalf and bowled with skill and precision. Macclesfield’s number 6 added momentum to the innings and reached a fine 50 and guided their innings to a respectable 198 off 50 overs.

After a quite delightful tea, Chester prepared themselves for the run chase. A rousing speech, straight from the heart, from Evans in the changing room lifted spirits and channelled everyone’s thoughts on achieving this total.

Evans and Dunbavand opened the innings and played with an air of freedom, both punishing anything loose and the 50 partnership was brought up to a round of applause from the 5 strong crowd. Dunbavand fell and the in-form Steadman joined Evans. Macclesfield then produced a delightful spell of bowling that saw Stedman, Roberts, Metcalf and Killoran all trudge back to the pavilion with a measly 4 runs to their name. In the meantime, Evans was holding the entire innings together and once he reached 50, he blossomed, picking the gaps beautifully and making batting look easy. He found an ally in Phil Thomas and steadied the ship at 120-5 and raced then towards the 198 target. Evans brought up his century with an exquisite flick off his legs to the midwicket boundary. Evans celebrated in style, kissing the turf and raising his bat to all four corners of the ground. As confidence grew Thomas joined in and was savage on anything short. The winning runs eventually came and Chester chased down 198 in fine style.

A thoroughly enjoyable game, played in excellent spirits. Fine performances from all, including Bhanu’s magical spell and Dunbavand’s fielding, but the Man Of the Man award went to Robert Evans for a fine 130 not out. Bob was later seen partying in to the early hours but apparently struggled to do all his party moves successfully due to a severe bout of cramp on Rosie’s dance floor.

2XI - Toft (A)

The 2nds travelled to Toft full of confidence after 3 great performances over the last 3 Saturdays. Skipper Dan Riley won the toss and elected to bowl on a decent batting track. Chester had 3 players making their first appearance for the 2XI, batsman Mani, and young bowlers Alex Townend and Joe Maddocks.

Ryen Spencer-Wolf and Alex Townend opened the bowling and bowled with pace and precision and Townend quickly got his first 2XI wicket trapping the opener LBW, before getting his second with the last ball of his spell. The 3rd wicket partnership proved to be Tofts main partnership, which was finally broken by Shane Patel, on to bowl after Riley fell into a barbed wire fence chasing the ball to the boundary, and had to get medical attention on his cuts. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, to leave Toft finishing on 230-9 off their 50 overs, highlights being Maddocks first 2XI wicket and Patel dismissing Tofts number 4 LBW on 99. Highlights from the bowling were Townend (2-27 off 6 overs), Bhanu Marella (2-40 off 12), Patel (4-55 off 15) and Maddocks (1-22 off 3).

Jonty Hedgecoe and Bob Evans opened the batting, and again had a decent opening stand, the score being on 70 by the time Evans was caught behind for 31. Stedman came in at 3 and him and Hedgecoe had another good partnership of 130 before Hedgecoe was unluckily given out LBW on 99. Mani and Bhanu lost their wickets quickly, but Riley (16*) and Stedman (68*) saw Chester over the line with 5.4 overs still remaining.

Another good performance and result for Chester which everyone can be happy with and proud of. Macclesfield up next at Filkins Lane on Saturday.

2XI - Urmston (H)

The 2XI took on Urmston at Filkins Lane looking to build on the previous weeks win at Sale. The day stayed surprisingly dry, contrary to the forecast, and the wicket was hard and dry, with the exception of a wet patch on a length where rain had seeped under the covers. Urmston won the toss and put Chester in.

Bob Evans and Jonty Hedgecoe opened up for Chester and quickly got used to the pace of the pitch. Hedgecoe set about the bowling in his usual big hitting fashion and the score was 40 off 7 overs before Hedgecoe was bowled for 26. Karl Stedman came to the crease and set about building his and Evans’ second 50 partnership of the season, before Evans was trapped LBW for 41. The evergreen Jim Gillson strolled to the crease and immediately showed his class dispatching the bowlers all around the park with a plethora of strokes. Gillson finished the innings on 105, assisted by Stedman (19), Phil Thomas (14), and Andy Metcalf (32), falling just short of a century partnership with Metcalf. Chester finished the innings on 272-6 after their 50 overs, proving the quality of the pitch.

Chester may have been without their usual opening bowling partnership of Dave Atkin (playing with the 1sts) and Sam Mallows (injured), but Metcalf and Bryen Spencer-Wolf bowled with brilliant accuracy and pace to put Chester well on top. Spencer-Wolf finished his first 7 over spell very unlucky not to take a wicket. With the score at 75-4 at drinks, Chester felt the game was in their grasp, but some astute blocking from Urmston meant Chester only got two of the six wickets needed for the win. A great effort from the Chester bowlers, with the pick of them being Metcalf (3-38 off 17 overs), Riley (2-33 off 13), Shane Patel (1-17 off 8) and Spencer-Wolf (0-34 off 10), who bowled fantastically and was unlucky not to get a wicket. Another bowling highlight was an over from Simon James Law, with his trademark sidestep halfway through his run up.

Next up for the seconds is a trip to Toft, renowned for its idyllic surroundings and 5* teas.

2XI - Sale (A)

Sale Away. A very catchy Enya song (I’ve had it in my head for 4 days now), and also the 2XI’s fixture last Saturday. Changes to the side that drew against Nantwich the week before were Joe Killoran, Bryen Spencer-Wolf and Simon James Law in for Adam Dunbavand, Jim Gillson and Olly Snowdon. Skipper Riley won the toss when he finally arrived at a wet Sale (even with young Killoran trying to direct his car into a canal en route) and put Sale into bat on what looked a tricky batting track.

The usual Chester opening attack of Sam Mallows and Dave Atkin took the new ball and bowled with their usual venom, control and accuracy and were unlucky not to get the breakthrough in the first few overs. Atkin finally get the breakthrough bowling opener Coleby after stand in ‘keeper Bob Evans tactically dropped him 2 balls earlier, breaking an opening stand of 63. After Mallows was replaced after an opening spell of 10 overs, unlucky not to get a wicket, Andy Metcalf came into the attack and removed Almond for 6. This sparked a collapse for Sale, with the score going from 85-1 to 90-5 thanks to some destructive bowling from Atkin and Metcalf. Metcalf was replaced by Riley who bowled with his usual tantalising pace to put the brakes on the Sale innings whilst picking up wickets at the same time. Spencer-Wolf came on for a 2 over burst at the end of the innings, picking up a wicket with a beauty of a ball that clipped the top of off stump. Sale finished their 50 overs on 133-9, the score being kept low by some tight bowling and energetic fielding. Pick of the bowers were Riley (3-16 off 8 overs), Atkin (3-51 off 20), Metcalf (2-21 off 7), Spencer-Wolf (1-3 off 2) and Mallows (0-25 off 10).

After a fine tea, with enough scones to keep anybody happy, Chester got their reply started with Evans and Killoran opening up. They both batted well on a difficult pitch, putting away the bad balls, and Killoran eager to show off his pull at any opportunity. Killoran was first to depart for 15 with the score on 43. This sparked a small collapse for Chester with Karl Stedman getting caught for 2, Evans being caught for 41, Phil ‘The Colonel’ Thomas bowled for 2 and Si Law chipping to gully for 2, leaving Chester precariously placed at 65-5. That was until bowling heroes Metcalf and Riley came together at the crease, and batted fantastically to see Chester over the line with only 37.3 overs gone, with Metcalf finishing the innings by hitting a monster 6 back over the bowlers head. Metcalf finished with a well-made 39 not out, and Riley with 30 not out to give the 2XI their first win of the season.

Next up for the seconds is Urmston at home where we all hope The Hall can put together a winning streak.

2XI - Nantwich (H)

The seconds took on Nantwich in a bid to get their first win of the season, and stop the slump that has left them with 2 losses in the first 2 games. The sides batting was boosted with the return of Bob Evans, back from the first eleven, and Jim Gilson, making his comeback game after returning from New Zealand.

Nantwich skipper Lee Prince won the toss and asked Chester to have a bat on what looked like a perfect day and pitch for batting. Chester opened the batting with Evans and Adam Dunbavand who put on 29 in the first 10 overs before Dunbavand was caught behind for 12. This brought the experienced Karl Stedman to the crease, who settled in with Evans and the two started building a partnership with solid stroke play against the plethora of spinners Nantwich had to offer. Evans departed for 81, before Gilson was caught going for a big drive over the top for 17 and Stedman was bowled after making a very good 74. Dan Riley finished off the innings with a flourish with a quick 37 not out with some lusty blows at the end. This left Chester finishing on a very competitive total of 251-7 off their 50 overs.

After a fine tea, Chester made just the start they wanted as Sam Mallows had opener Dave Ferris bowled around his legs for 1. Mallows was proving that full and straight was the way to bowl when he had young Ben Johnston bowled for 11, leaving Nantwich 25-2. The 3rd wicket partnership was always going to be key, with experienced Steve Yates and Mike Bentham hoping to put a match winning partnership together, but the evergreen Dave Atkin had other ideas. Atkin had Bentham caught by Gilson at gully, before Andy Metcalf bowled Yates the following over with his first ball of the match leaving the score on 55-4 off 28 overs. Once both Yates and Bentham were out, Nantwich sensed their chance of winning the match had gone, and went about blocking for the draw. Some solid defence, along with Metcalf bowling Jake Pearson off a no ball and promising young spinner Shane Patel having Pearson caught at slip off a no ball, meant Nantwich saw out their 50 overs, finishing on 122-8. A great effort by Atkin (2-46 off 17), Mallows (3-27 off 15), Metcalf (1-38 off 6), Patel (1-7 off 8) and Skipper Riley (1-0 off 4), along with all the fielders left Chester with a haul of 14 points.

The 2XI travel to Sale next Saturday hoping to get that elusive first win of the season.

2XI - Hyde (A)

Hyde away - Delacey song from the '90's and notoriously difficult second eleven fixture. Always a good deck in the middle of a small outfied; a bowler's graveyard. First won toss and Hyde batting against Mallows and Atkin. Twiney for their side played the whole of last season in their firsts but couldn't cope with Sam and played on for 13. Joe the Rock caught the other opener, Hayes, off Atko for single figures. Glyn Peacock made very light work of anything marginally short as he cut Atko to the boundary repeatedly. When he went for 70 to Dan Riley's slowest slow ball and a good catch from Brain, things slowed down like the bowling. Shane and the skipper bowling well in tandem. Unfortunately any bad ball at Hyde is 6 and they kept hitting the bad balls away. An injury put captain Dan off the field and meant the re-introduction of Atko. Hyde finished 250 for 8 with Shane again the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 52 off his 12 overs. 2 wickets apiece for Mallows and Riley, and the final wicket going to Dave Atkin.

The Chester innings never recovered form the early loss of Joe and Dumba and 4 for 2 was a bigger mountain to climb than the road up to the ground would be on a Chopper. Karl Steadman 50 and Brian's promotion to number 7 were the only highlights in a below par performance.

5 points to go with last week's 8 is not the start we wanted. Onwards and upwards to Nantwich at home next week...

2XI - Alderley Edge (H)

New season, new look team but same fantastic backdrop for the opening fixture against seasoned rivals Alderley Edge. A beautiful sunny afternoon greeted by the first lost toss and Chester batting. Bobby Evans on loan to the first team meant a new opening partnership of Adam Dumbavand and Joe 'The Rock' Killoran. Joe was giving them all the chances they needed to take his wicket but the fielders seemed unwilling to end his stay! Both players pounced on anything short and ticked along nicely to the first 50 partnership of the season. Adm departed first after finding the only deep fielder for a well played 34. Karl joined Joe at the crease and the score progressed past 100. Joe went on to make a classy 80 justifying his promotion to the top of the order and after Karl went for 30, Simon Law made his return (and once again outscored his brother!) with a well paced 29.

The end of the innings fell away as the search for quick late runs ended miserably. A slightly under par first half on a typically M56 like deck.

Sam ((0-30)and Dave Atkin (2-71) opened the bowling looking to take quick wickets and force Alderley onto the back foot. Atko removed Hall for 16 but despite going past the edge of the bat on numerous occasions, the quality of the Filkins Lane wicket and some good shots moved the opposition towards their target with old foe Marc Chan (45) looking at his dogged best. Shane Patel (1-45), on debut, took his first wicket and bowled well. Dan Riley (0-32)bowled with good control but couldn't make any inroads and the game looked set for an easy win for the Edge. Enter Brian. The Wolfe-Man who, thanks to Dicko, has sorted his run out for the 89th time, bowled quick taking 2 wickets, one with an arrowing yorker. Atko replaced Shane and struck with his second wicket of the day but it wasn't to be and the experienced pair of Usher and Lenard eased Alderley Edge of the 25 point line.

More plusses than minuses for the 2's - Joe and Si Law proving their worth for the seconds with good runs, Brian and Shane bowling with good promise and Adam Dumba looking sharp behind the timbers. 8 points is scant reward for a performance of early promise.

2XI - Tattenhall (H)

A Boughton Hall Invitational XI played Tattenhall on Sunday, handing a debut to promising young left arm spinner Shane Patel.

Chester batted first and set Tattenhall 145-9 to chase down off their 40 overs. Main contributors with the bat were young Harry Killoran (51) and Adam Dunbavand (34).

Tattenhall managed to chase down Chesters total after 34 overs, for the loss of only 2 wickets (with Tattenhall also employing some tactical batsmen retirements once they had scored 30). Pick of the bowlers were Sam Mallows who bowled a very good 8 overs taking 1 wicket for 30 runs and young Shane Patel, who bowled with great control and varied his pace well, to finish with figures of 0-27 off 7 overs, and was very unlucky not to get a wicket.