Oakmere 1st XI (159 all out) Vs Grappenhall 1st XI (163 all out)
This Saturday was a scorching hot day and the 1st XI hosted Grappenhall. Losing the toss the home side were asked to field first. The opposition got off to a strong start scoring quickly through the powerplay however, the first wicket from Tom Court pinned them back. Immediately brought into the attack after the powerplay Matt Holland struck taking the second to leave the visitors 55/1. Holland also claimed the 3rd and 4th and the constant wickets aided the fielding side. A slight rebuild came from the batsman but Sevi Cupido came to the attack and claimed his first. A very strong effort from the 20th to 30th overs saw only 20 runs concede and pressure mounted on the batsman resulting in a second wicket for Cupido and one for Benedict Verma. A slight partnership grew as the lower order through their hands at the ball until Holland returned and claimed two wickets in two balls. Matt Worsdale cleaned up the final wicket and a daunting score that looked like sailing past 200 was restricted to 163 all out from 37.3 overs.
The reply began in a chaotic fashion. The first over conceding 21 runs got the team off to a great start and cut into the target early. The second over started with a wicket and the following balk saw Aaron Court retiring hurt. Arriving to the crease at 21/1, Sebi Cupido got into his work early striking boundaries. He continued to play shots as another wicket fell. Zach Howdle joined Cupido and worked the ball around the field well to build the 50-run partnership. Cupido’s counter attack was soon ended with the score 105/3. Requiring 59 runs with 7 wickets remaining the platform was set. However, Howdle fell soon after. Frank Herrington, alongside Holland, manipulated the field and worked the singles well ticking the score along and seeing the required amount diminish. At 144/4 the side needed 20 runs with 6 wickets in hand when Herrington (19) fell. Holland continued as he watched wickets fall from the other end. One more fell and the score moved to 152. Needing 12 to win, 3 wickets fell for the next 9 runs. The injured Aaron Court limped out to the middle with no runner allowed and stood at the non-strikers end. Holland (25) finally fell as the final wicket in the following over and the innings was finished. The 1st XI finished 159 all out, 4 short of the target. Losing the final 6 wickets for 25 runs put an abrupt end to the innings in the 33rd over.
A disappointing outing inns very winnable match sees the 1st XI drop to 5th in the league with the halfway point around the corner. They look to get back to winning ways traveling to Cheadle Hulme next week.

Haslington (179/6) 2nd XI Vs Oakmere 2nd XI (176 all out)
The 2s travelled to Haslington looking to keep up their good form. Being inserted on a lovely day, Purcell (38) and Eaton (55) made strong progress after the early loss of Jones, taking the score to 74-1. Both though threw their wickets away when set and put the pressure on the middle order. Lewis Newall (13) and George Warburton (11) made useful contributions but wickets well regularly. Dodd continued his good form with 35 to get the score up to a competitive 176, before deciding to compete with Faulkner’s half volley a couple of weeks back for dismissal of the season. Looking for a quick single at the end of the over, Dodd blocked the ball but noticed it was rolling back to the stumps, dived backwards and palmed the ball away with his hand. “You can’t do that” said the opposition, and they were right.
In the field, Oakmere made a great start, Henri Shovelton (2-35) getting 2 early wickets to leave Haslington at 7-2. However, Oakmere then switched off a little, being slightly sloppier on the field than normal, allowing a partnership of 129 and feeling like the game was gone. 4 wickets gave Oakmere hope, Corey Lewis (2-22) and Brandon Jones (1-28) both bowling exceptionally well again, but Haslington got home 6 down.
The 2s return back to Oakmere next week after two away games, looking to get back to winning ways against Grappenhall.

Brooklands 5th XI (295/7) Vs Oakmere 3rd XI (116 all out)
Oakmere 3s visited Frodsham, up against a very strong side sitting top of the league. Winning the toss and choosing to bowl first Samorendra Singh took the first wicket in his opening spell and was supported by Percy Bratherton bowling at the other end. It was a difficult innings as the batmen out on large partnership to form a strong score but Roger Pickering (2/54), Dan Gilbert (1/40) and Percy Bratherton (1/60) took the wickets alongside Singh who ended with 3/98. The innings finished at 295/7 off 40 overs.
The response batting started with quick wickets but some stability from Bratherton, Hamish Warburton, Ian Bett and Gilbert in the middle order helped move the score forward. However as wickets continued to fall the side ended all out for 116 off 33 overs.
A defeat to a very strong side sees the 3s still in a good spot nearing turn around and facing Bowdon Vale on Saturday look to further their good season.