Great game at Cheadle

It couldn't be in a more difficult spot to access. Cheadle is a challenge just to get to but once there it's actually OK. Lots of people doing good things to make the place a place to be. Ashes cricket buzzing in the backround, a strong opposition and a 2s team looking like a 2s team. Wiggy, Modge and Reg all back and raring to go. Wins are nearly as hard to come by this year as the ground itself and when Dan lost toss 7 (out of 9), fielding was the plan.
Wiggy and Archie Riley took the new ball. The pace of one and the accuracy and swing of the young Padawan. Good start but no wickets as a very good shout for caught behind was repelled and catches bounced before or over the field...by inches. Laurel and Hardy, The Chuckle Brothers...Dan and Fishy came on with immediate impact as Dan removed both openers in consecutive overs. The double act got on with bowling and the overs rattled through. Will Fisher had tried but the short boundary was found too often. Fishy took 4 wicket and Dan 3 in total to leave a chase of 217. Above par certainly and Wiggy will tell you himself that the last couple went for too many.
Plenty of batting and at 50 for 0 with Luke having launched a 6 into air traffic control territory, everyone was happy. But Cheadle have some grit and spinners. Lots of spinners who give little away. Loose shots, poor judgement and good catching put paid to the afternoon watching a comfortable chase that the skipper had requested. Luke's 34, Reg's impressive 20 and Modge's cultured 20 meant that the score was 124 for 6 when the skipper wandered out to join Spavo who looked set.
The pair just batted. There were maidens and overs that went for a few. The rate was falling, rising etc and Winviz would have been in a spin. No risks or chances as Spavo moved to a run a ball 50 with another massive 6 (his 3rd). Dan joined in with a quite marvellous 6 over extra cover. The game was poised and then first Spavo (60), then Dan (32) went trying to push the score along. 70 run partnership but not quite enough to win the game.
At the end, Wiggy and Fish remained unbeaten, an agonising 18 runs shy. If the 7th wicket pair had only stayed together. Always if and but in cricket but Spavo did collect a rather fine bowling ball for his man of the match innings. Oxton away next week.

MotM - Spavo for a fine innings.
DotD - Archie Riley for (allegedly) throwing his bat when he was out.