Loss at Parkgate.

Top of the table clash. Neston with a strong young side (average age 20) lead by Gilly provided the seconds with a stern test which they failed miserably. No Griff at the top of the order but the choice to bat remained a correct one. Twenty for 5 was a complete disaster indeed the 20 runs were wides and shots in the air. Dan Riley joined Jonty Hedgecoe in the middle. The main was to bat long enough for the tea ladies to arrive. Some crashing blows and careful running ticked the score along and at drinks, the 100 was brought up with no further losses. There had been some fortune but the bad balls were dispatched to or over the ropes. Jonty (42) fell to a catch at long off ending an excellent partnership of 93.Alex Towned joined the skipper. Alex is doing well and has cemented his place in the side which is helping hime relax and play freely. But controversy curtailed the partnership. Dan hit on the pads on the full. Keeper going down the leg-side, big stride down the pitch. Not out?The umpire disagreed. Gone for 50. The innings subsided but not before Alex had struck some clean blows to be last man out for 33. 154 all out in 41 overs.

Tea. Average.

Sam Mallows and Alex opened up and Gilly did what he does extremely well, stepped away and whacked the ball to all parts. A dangerous player who you need to get early which the skipper duly did in the seventh over. Stumped (eventually) by Tom Wyatt. A sniff of a hope? Not to be. All the bowlers tried and the fielding was good but Neston waltzed home in double quick time. An early finish which wasn't rain interrupted. Some good performances with the bat and all the bowlers tried but a well below par score meant victory was always a long shot. Neston are a strong side; they should win the league but there should have been a tougher test from the Chester players. Onwards and upwards.

MotM - n/a
DotD - Mike Treen. Has anyone ever warmed up in one spike and one trainer before and then gone for a sit down on a picnic blanket?