CBHLCC still in league title contention

A change of venue, saw CBHLCC take on a 9-man Astley Bridge from Bolton at the picturesque Kingsley Cricket Club on Sunday.

Losing the toss, CBHLCC were invited to bowl, starting well, with Kate Coppack, in her first game since returning from a year in Australia, sending the middle stump tumbling with Astley Bridge reeling on 6/2. Kate Coppack picked up her 3rd wicket and Di Totty's 2nd caught behind, to leave Astley Bridge on 27/3.

A partnership of 51 brought Astley Bridge back into the game, before skipper Nicola Capes, got the breakthrough of Weetman, unfortunate not to get her half century, being bowled for 49.

Playing in her first 40 over game of the season, England Academy player Sophie Ecclestone was brought into the attack, taking 2/13 off her allotted 8 overs. Kate Coppack rounded off a good day with the ball, finishing with 4/26 off 7.4 overs. Excellent economy bowling from Annette Axon - 5 overs for only 9 runs, helped keep Astley Bridge to 131/8 (ao).

Things didn't start well for CBHLCC as opener Nicola Deane returned without bothering the scorers, and Lauren O'Reilly returned for 1, as the Division 1 side were in a spot of bother on 8/2. In step Laura Griffiths and Sophie Ecclestone who's partnership of 95 put CBHLCC back in the driving seat, going well on 103, before Laura Griffiths was caught for 25, followed by Sophie Ecclestone for a classy 59. It was left to Captain Nicola Capes (10*) and Vice-Captain Maeve Sparks (5*) to lead their team to victory in the 34th over.

Next week CBHLCC travel to Trafford for their game in hand. A win there will see the 2013 champions just 11 points off the pace.