OAKMERE’S bid to win the Cheshire League’s T20 Knockout for the first time ended at the semi-finals stage following a seven-wicket reverse at Port Sunlight.

The men from Overdale Lane, depleted by absences due to injury, were dismissed for 105 by higher-ranked opponents that had accounted for Kingsley in the previous round.

Captain Craig Phelan (30 off 17 balls) hit four boundaries during a 39-run stand for the third wicket with Rick Lyons that steadied them following the departure for ducks of star in-form Adrian Stubbs and South African CJ van der Walt.

However they struggled for momentum against a Port Sunlight attack led by Matty Howard (3-9), supported by Jimmy Roberts (2-11).

Indeed, only James Norton (18) and Alex Hodges (10) also made it to double figures.

The home team made it to their target in the 15th over at 109-3, taken there by a 69-run partnership between opener Ben McPherson (32) and man-of-the-match Howard (45 off 38 balls).

Phelan (1-29), Norton (1-25) and Lyons (1-25) shared the wickets that fell.

Ashton on Mersey will host Stockport Georgians in the other last-four encounter after their scheduled meeting on Thursday was postponed.

Result

UKFast Cheshire League

T20 Knockout

Thursday, July 27

Semi-final

Port Sunlight 109-3 Oakmere 105