The Official North Staffs & South Cheshire Cricket League Weblog

PREMIER DIVISION REVIEW 23^rd MAY 2009

Longton are the new leaders of the Premier Division after a day of low scoring. Pete Wilshaw’s men are 13 points clear of Burslem after a nailbiting two wicket win at Wood Lane.

Dave Edwards with 6-51 was the destroyer-in-chief for Longton, and assisted by 3-44 from professional Roger Silence, Wood Lane were bowled out for 146. Dan Brierley was top scorer with 45, and M Bashir’s 4-52 made the visitors sweat until Tom Mellor with 37 not out ensured twenty points for Longton and top spot.

Burslem came unstuck at home to lowly Hem Heath in a shock 37 run defeat.  Hem Heath’s total of 113 didn’t look anywhere near enough, but an inspired five wicket haul from all-rounder Darren Sanders turned the tide Double H’s way, and led to an invaluable 25 point haul for the Trentham Lakes outfit.

Mo Hussain top-scored with 30 but Michael Brown’s six wickets looked to have given the home side another victory, but Sanders was in devastating form with the ball alongside Hussain who once more contributed well with the ball.

Previous leaders Knypersley were rolled over for 96 at home to Audley for whom Paul Johnson took 6-20 and Andy Johnson 3-9. Although Dan Hancock and Andy Marshal both took 3 wickets apiece, the visitors chased down their target for the loss of six wickets.

Leycett remain bottom of the pile but put in a spirited effort in their four run defeat at Little Stoke. Batting first Richard Harvey, Gareth Morris and Nick Bratt all made solid contributions for Little Stoke’s 195-7 declared, with Rob Heath being the pick of the Leycett attack with 3-62.

In reply, despite 42 from both Tas Hussain and Dinesh Darshanapriya, Morris completed an excellent all-round match with 4-32.

For the second week running  Faizl Akbar was in inspirational form for Porthil. This week it was Stone’s turn to feel the force as Akbar took a five wicket haul in shooting the home side out for a paltry 66. Mark Bengry provided excellent back-up with 4-35.

Porthill strolled to an eight wicket win in a game which only lasted for 58 overs in total.

Bowlers were on top in the Premier Leagues’ remaining game where reigning champions Moddershall beat Leek by 49 runs.

Richard Cooper and Kevin Stoute took all 10 wickets for Leek and it looked a formality that the visitors would win after bowling out ‘Modd’ for just 104. But they hadn’t counted on the home professional Rangana Herath who took 5-16 as Jamie Cullerton’s men were skittled for just 55.

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