Match Reports
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5th June 2010
An excellent all-round performance from Oakmere brought 25 points from Saturdays fixture at Mere to climb further up the league into 5th position.
After deciding to bat on their home track, Mere's wicketkeeper Max Ekstein (86*) batting through the 45 overs with support from skipper Pinnington (28) and brother Darren Ekstein (24). The re-called Henry Sanderson (3/56) bowled well for Oakmere with a tight second spell at the death to reduce Mere to 181/7. Earlier Mike Cushion (1/15 in 11 overs) was his usual miserly self with Nick Ball (0/24) Craig Phelan (1/49) and Pete Hutchinson (1/31) offering good support.
After being dismissed in the 1st over in the 2 previous games, Craig Phelan (46) found his form again scoring quick runs to constantly reduce the required run rate per over. Dan Wood (16) look in good touch before chasing a wide one. John Roberts (0) felt he'd been delt a tough decision after being given LBW second ball. So from being 89/1 to 89/3, a concerned Yearsley stayed on the offensive and with a strong batting line up, gave Nick Ball (26) the freedom to join Ian Eaton (73*) who yet again looked at ease and well on his way to back to back centuries. After 2 big 6's, Ball was bowled by Lynch handing a return from injury opportunity for Paul Hutchinson (22*). Eaton and Hutchinson soon polished off the final 53 runs in just 9 overs seeing Oakmere to 182/4 in just 36 overs. Another superb innings from Eaton following on from his 120* the previous week against old employers Winnington Park - filling his boots will be a tough task for Oakmere
during the next few weeks. With more players due back from Uni however, the season is shaping up well with Oakmere now looking towards the top of the table rather than the bottom.
Oakmere now welcome Weaverham twice in the space of 3 days, firstly in the 20/20 knockout on Thursday and then in the league a few days later.
22nd May 2010
Oakmere picked up there 2nd win of the season thanks to the birthday boy Mike Cushion finally finding some deserved wickets on his 55th birthday. Winning the toss gave captain Paul Yearsley a difficult decision. The track looked to offer more to the bowlers than the batsmen, however wanting to take advantage of the batsmen friendly weather, Oakmere chose to bat first.
Craig Phelan (4) fell in the 1st over from a well taken catch diving forward at mid off. Ian Eaton (16) scored big boundaries before being given out caught behind soon followed by Pete Hutchinson (1) by the same dismissal and John Roberts (6) bowled from a full ball, around his toes. Dan Wood (24) looked in great nick before a cut shot produced a sharp catch by Warner in the gully. Captain Yearsley (5) and Percival (8) were next to fall completing a collapse from 61/1 to 99/7. The returning Nick Ball (33) still suffering from a week in Magaluf couldn't understand what all the fuss was about and with Phil Nelson (28) somewhat rescued the innings to 155/8. Birthday boy Cushion (0), obviously saving himself for later, lasted just the one ball, comprehensively bowled by Mo Asad. Jonny Owen (3*) was left to scamper the final few runs with Nelson before Nelson was caught off the final ball of the innings attempting a reverse sweep to see Oakmere
close on 169/10. A dominating total on what was easily a bowler friendly track.
The return of Nick Ball (1/33) was soon confirmed with the wicket of Adamson with his very first ball of the day. Mike Cushion (5/36) soon had the dangerous Warner back in the shed soon followed by Law with a smart Nick Ball catch. The only Trafford batsmen to trouble the Oakmere bowlers came in the form of Zia (62) who took a particular shine to Pete Hutchinson's (2/23) off spin with some big blows. Yearsley soon realised that Hutchinson may be more effective from the other end, which had longer boundaries for Oakmere to defend on Zia's favoured leg side. The plan soon came together when a lusty Zia shot was excellently taken by John Roberts on the deep mid wicket boundary. 3 further Cushion wickets put Oakmere well in command including his first 5 wicket hall of the season bowling Abass for 0. After turning a worrying violet colour, Yearsley finally gave Cushion a break and a chance for the first beer of the night. Craig Phelan (2/15)
joined the party removing Suleman for 13 who showed some potential for a Trafford recovery. The final wicket fell in the 33rd over with Hutchinson bowling Conway for 0 giving Oakmere 25 huge points, rising 3 places to 8th in the league.
15th May 2010
Saturdays home fixture against Ashley produced another final over thriller as Oakmere narrowly missed out in picking up their second win of the season. With the toss won and a chance to bat first, Oakmere produced a more spirited batting display obtaining maximum batting points for the first time this season. Craig Phelan (22) got the innings off to a flying start only to see his wicket fall along with Pete Hutchinson (1) and Ian Eaton (8) to leave Oakmere in a precarious position at 40/3. John Roberts (55) then looked to have produced a match winning innings with support in the shape of Dan Wood (15) and skipper Paul Yearsley (25). With wickets in hand, Oakmere looked to cash in from the final 10 overs but found big boundaries hard to come by. Instead, Steve Percival (5), Henry Sanderson (3) & Phil Nelson (13) scampered runs where ever possible leaving Jon Owen (2*) and Mike Cushion (6*) to see Oakmere through to 171/9 in their allocated 45
overs.
In reply, Oakmere gave the new ball to Sanderson (1/23) who picked up his first senior wicket for the club removing the skipper Gandy (12) early on. Australian batsman Webb (64) was in good touch and looked to be steering his team towards a comfortable victory. The Ashley middle order however had other ideas as 132/3 soon became 157/8 thanks to Craig Phelan (4/54) and Pete Hutchinson (3/51). Entering into the penultimate over, with the game evenly balanced, an uncharacteristic 6 from Alves looked to have swung the game firmly in the balance of the visitors. With 4 runs needed off the last Phelan over with 2 wickets in hand, Phelan bowled Alam with the first delivery, leaving a nervous debutant wicket keeper Blain at the crease. All nerves were soon to disappear as the very next ball was swatted over cover to the boundary to seal a crucial Ashley victory.
Oakmere picked up an improved 15 points with Ashley scoring 25. With key players now starting to return, Oakmere can look to put behind them a difficult start and focus on climbing the league table away from the dreaded relegation zone.
8th May 2010
Saturdays game at Hale Barns proved further evidence that Oakmere are struggling to come to terms with life back in the Meller Braggins League with a resounding loss by 98 runs.
For the 3rd consecutive game, Oakmere started the game with the ball and made a promising start with Mike Cushion (2/39) opening his account for the season and Craig Phelan (4/64) restricting Hale Barns to 20/2. Phelan had earlier replaced opener Paul Hutchinson who for the 2nd successive week was forced to leave the field through injury. At the half way stage the game lay evenly balanced at 88/2 with Hunter (52) and Stubbs (47) both in good form. A somewhat bizarre umpiring decision prevented Cushion taking the wicket of Stubbs early in his innings when the umpire raised his finger to an appeal for LBW only to change his mind and say that the batsmen had hit it as he was walking off!?! The wicket of Stubbs did however fall shortly after drinks to a Steve Percival catch from Cushion, which brought to the crease a more agricultural approach to batting from Iqbal (15) and Robinson (25). Pete Hutchinson (3/39) looked to have swung the game
heavily in Oakmere's favour with 2 wickets in as many balls with a smart catch in the deep by John Roberts and a catch buy Hutchinson himself from his own bowling. A final flurry of runs from Collins (30) in the final few overs took Hale Barns to a commanding position of 194/9 in their 45 overs.
With Paul Hutchinson unable to bat, brother Pete Hutchinson (12) dusted off his opening boots and joined Craig Phelan (5) at the top of the Oakmere batting order. Phelan was first to fall trapped LBW from the experienced Molloy. Ian Eaton (8) struggled to cope with a pitch of little bounce, chopping the ball onto his own stumps looking to cut through point. John Roberts (0) soon found that not all his team mates can do 100m in 9 seconds (especially Pete Hutch) calling Hutchinson through for a second which he comfortably made but unfortunately Hutchinson did not! Skipper Paul Yearsley (19) added some stability to the innings before being given out LBW, which of course was never out in the batsman's eyes! Steve Percival (43) gave a spirited display and some hope of batting points being gained before one big shot too many. With Cushion (5*) stranded at the non strikers end, firstly Sanderson (0), Owen (0) and finally the injured Hutchinson (0)
confirmed a comfortable win for the hosts with Oakmere struggling to 106/10. For Hale Barns, Molloy returned 3 wickets with the slow off spin of Roberts taking 5 wickets late on.
Oakmere entertain Ashley on Saturday hoping for an improved performance to kick start their season.
1st May 2010
After last weekends heroics at Davenham, Oakmere were left holding out for a disappointing draw after coming second best to guests Stockport. A strong Stockport batting line up took full advantage of a green but firm batting track and the usual quick outfield which provided full value for runs. A 100 run opening partnership between skipper Hope (44) and R Barber (55) set the tone early on. Mike Cushion however will be disappointed to not have picked up Barbers wicket early on after it seemed he had edged to wicketkeeper Owen. Pete Hutchinson (4/80) finally removed both opening batsmen along with Kiwi, J Critchon without score. Young left hander Kidd (35) scored valuable late runs but it was D Barber's 53 runs from 44 balls who turned the game well and truly in Stockport's favour, making Oakmere pay for a dropped catch again whilst the batsmen was in single figures. Stockport closed on 215/4 with Cushion (0/43), Paul Hutchinson (0/27) and Phelan (0/54) fighting hard to keep Oakmere within reach.
Phelan (23) and Paul Hutchinson (20*) put on 44 for the opening partnership before Phelan was bowled by Facer and Hutchinson had to leave the field taking a nasty blow to the arm from a Facer beamer. Ian Eaton (48) continued on from last weeks good form with a patient innings made even harder as frequent partners in Roberts (0) Yearsley (20) Percival (1) Cristofani (5) and Edge (0) all came and went. Eaton's wicket brought any real hope of a second un-likely victory leaving Jon Owen (0*) and Pete Hutchinson (7*) to bat the final few overs and rescue the draw at 128/8. Overall, a disappointing performance but given the number of key players missing in action, Oakmere will be happy with a solid start to the season and will look to progress with the return of these payers throughout May and June.
24th April 2010
In a season full of Mid Cheshire local derby matches, it was no surprise to see Oakmere drawn against local opposition on the opening day of the Meller Braggins Cheshire Cricket League, travelling to close neighbours and rivals, Davenham.
With key players in the shape of Tom Pilling, Nick Guest, Chris Nelson, Nick Ball and Rick Lyons all missing for the opening games, Oakmere handed a debut to new recruit John Roberts who we welcome having recently moved to the area. Robbie Jones made his full senior debut for the 1st XI at the age of just 14 selected under the new leadership of Paul Yearsley and Craig Phelan.
Winning the toss left the easy decision to put Davenham into bat on the back of a poor performance in a friendly game at Barnton. Mike Cushion (0/20) found a new opening partner in Paul Hutchinson (2/35) who picked up early wickets to leave Davenham struggling early doors at 15/2. A 96 run stand between Mark Greaves (42) and Chris Hornby (51) took Davenham to 111/2 before Nelson struck twice with Pete Hutchinson (4/37) trapping both batsmen, LBW. A late flurry from the returning Rob Massey (15) took Davenham close to maximum batting points before Craig Phelan (3/44) mopped up the tail supported by a direct hit from Mike Cushion to run out the Davenham captain Phil Jackson. Davenham closed on 168/ao setting a competitive total for Oakmere to chase.
A second new opening partnership of the day took to the field with Craig Phelan (24) and Paul Hutchinson (1) leading the way. Oakmere knew full well that Davenham's main threat lay with Dean Jackson who undoubtedly would be bowling 50% of the Davenham overs. Ian Eaton (44) looked to be building a strong foundation for an Oakmere victory with Paul Yearsley (13) taking Oakmere to 106/3. In true Oakmere fashion, then followed a monumental collapse with 5 wickets falling for 0 runs leaving Oakmere 106/8. Pete Hutchinson (18*) and Mike Cushion (43*) found themselves together at the crease with all thoughts of victory a distant dream away. However, in typical Mike Cushion fashion, boundaries came in plenty and in very quick time. Cushion's fine work took Oakmere to a not so impossible position of needing 11 runs off the last over with both batsmen in good form. A couple of singles were scampered and the odd 2 picked up in the outfield before the exhausted Dean Jackson finally pulled up with cramp during his 22nd over of the innings.
Quote of the day came when Jakson was told to bowl his next 2 balls full and flat to avoid a maximum being hit. Jackson's reply came back as "how can I bowl the next 2 balls full and flat when I can't even stand up!?!" With 7 required off 2 balls, the Davenham captain took responsibility for the rest of his team. Cushion stole a quick single leaving Hutchinson to claim the glory and toe the ball off the bottom of his bat towards the long on boundary. The big crowd went silent as Davenham's best fielder, Mark Greaves attempted to parry the ball back over the boundary in mid air attempting to stop the required 6 runs required for victory. His efforts however were in vain as the ball landed in the hedge and complete the most unlikeliest of victories for Oakmere who had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Cushions 43* coming in just 40 balls proved to be the match winning innings Oakmere had so badly needed.
After winning the toss Oakmere ask visitors Runcorn to bat first on a excellent Overdale lane track. Oakmere fielding 3 debutants started well with good tight bowling from Henry Sanderson and debutant Russ Williams, the later having no luck from either the umpires or batsman's honesty. Runcorn got to 60 with out loss until Capain Steve Percival brought himself on to slow things down on a track that was bringing just reward for the right shot, He soon removed the opener Bowen trapped LBW for 41 in his first over and then removed Chapman in his second. Williams then joined in and earned himself his first OCC wicket with a flying catch at point from Tommy Grindley. After this, Ed Gibson replaced him and with his bag of tricks soon got to work on the middle and lower order taking 4/27. Ian Newall replaced Williams for the final few overs and pick up a wicket as Oakmere tried to gain maximum bowling points but just missed out as the Runcorn innings ended
at 184 for 8.
Oakmere Started bright as Young debutant Dane Williams stroked the ball round with ease and with Pete Jones at the other end going early for just 4 for Williams and Alex Hodges took the score past fifty Hodges was bowled by Scowcroft whose mixture of pace and spin caught the youngster out. This brought Captain Percival to the crease with 140 still required. He began slowly trying to get Williams on strike and who was picking the bowlers off with ease to take the score soon past 100. Soon after Williams past 50 he was caught miscuing a pull, Percival then took over and began to find the boundaries with Newall and Williams Snr both going cheaply. This raised the Runcorn Spirits until Edge hit 3 big shots all going for 4 quickly put them on the back foot. Edge with one big shot too many got caught with Percival passing 50 things were going to plan until Percival was bowled for 60. The win was in sight with 20 need in 6 overs Grindly 6n/o and
Sanderson 16no fished thing off quickly with a flourish of 4s taking Oakmere home with 5 overs to spare.