Cheshire v Shropshire

 

MCCA Championship

 

19/20/21 August 2007

Nantwich Cricket Club

 

Match Drawn

Cheshire 9 points     Shropshire 10 points

 

For the third time this season, the weather spoiled what promised to be an excellent match but, despite that, both teams put on a cracking display worthy of the Western Division title decider. Knowing that they would have to bowl Cheshire out twice if they were to win the title, Shropshire opted to go into the match with a full hand of bowlers. With Ed Foster available for the first time this season, Bruce Thomason was the unlucky man, as he was made 12th man despite his batting in the previous match. Shropshire’s hopes were dealt a blow as persistent rain meant that there was no play on the first day.

 

Due to the magnificent efforts of the Nantwich ground staff, play started on time on the second morning. Once again James Ralph lost the toss and it was no surprise when Shropshire were asked to bat. The early loss of Jack Shantry and Ed Foster left the visitors on the back foot, but a stand of 69 between Rob Roster and Atiq Rehman revived the innings before Rehman was out for 23. A mid order collapse saw Andt Gray join Foster, and they proceeded to put on 77 before Gray was run out for 37. Anthony Parker helped to put on another 35, but when Foster reached a well deserved first Championship century, Shropshire declared on 255 for 8 from 55.4 overs, with Foster 103*.

 

As expected, Cheshire went out to bat for as long as possible, and they were given an excellent start by Warren Goodwin (65) and Danny Leech (29) who put on 104 for the first wicket. Leech batted for over 3 hours and faced 155 balls for his 29, but it was an important knock for his team. Jono Whitney made the initial breakthrough, but then Steve Taylor and Andy Gray reduced Cheshire to 117 for 5. Two stands by Nathan Dumelow and James Duffy, and Matthew Dawson with Adam Syddall helped Cheshire to 240 all out in 87.1 overs, a slender lead of 5.

 

With only 67 overs left in the match, Cheshire must have felt home and dry, but the visitors had other ideas. In just 21.2 overs, they smashed 190 for 6 before declaring. Atiq Rehman was the star of the show, crashing 8 fours and 7 sixes in his 109* from just 57 balls. He was ably supported by Ed Foster (40), as Cheshire were set 186 to win in 42 overs.

 

Not surprisingly, Cheshire were more interested in the draw that would confirm them as champions, but Steve Taylor and Jack Shantry had other ideas, reducing them to 15 for 3 at tea. Danny Leech was again the problem, batting for almost 2 and a half hours for 65*, assisted by skipper Andrew Hall (65*) and James Duffy (24*). Cheshire eventually ended on 123 for 5, to gain the draw they required and become champions.

 

Shropshire were left with the consolation of being Western Division runners up, and in the process gaining more points than Eastern Division champions Northumberland. Skipper James Ralph and his predominantly young side can be very proud of a successful Championship campaign, which might have brought greater rewards had three matches not been badly affected by rain. Providing the squad can be kept together, Shropshire can look forward to the 2008 season with confidence.

 

Umpires - S Nelson and H Burgess

 

Scorers - J Law and CLW Barthorpe