OULTON Park could not record a victory on their return to the Cheshire County League’s top-flight following a six-year absence.
Timperley opener Grant Hodnett (71) made the difference, sharing in a second-wicket partnership worth 125 runs with Abhishek Kulkarni (50) to set his side on a course for a six-wicket victory.
The visitors to Little Budworth had been set a target of 174 to win.
They had invited the hosts to bat after winning the toss, and Danny Leech (38), captain Patrick Roberts (32) and Matthew Jamieson (31) all made starts as they totalled 173-8.
A mixed 1st day of the season saw the 1s perform well scoring 176-8, 30s from Leech/Jaimeson/Roberts. @Timperley_CC opening bat Hodnet was the difference scoring 71 off 92 balls to help his side win by 6 wickets.
— Oulton Park CC (@OultonParkCC) April 22, 2018
Davenham were also unable to defend a similar total in a Division One head-to-head with Sale at Butcher’s Stile.
Captain Dan Hancock lost the toss, and watched on as opener Ben Gough (71 off 82 balls) and Sam Hunt (43 off 48 balls) made the biggest contributions to the home team’s 179 all out.
That duo added 97 runs for the third wicket.
Tyrone Lawrence (106no) was the visitors’ match-winner, supported by Greg Gyves (35) and Matt Spells (24no) as they made it to 182-2.
Northwich suffered a heavy 117-run reverse at home to Lindow in Division Two.
They could be happy with their start after the visitors stumbled to 44-4 – Andrew Dufty claiming 2-50 – before James Badrock (68no) and Jonny Holt (60) countered with a fifth-wicket stand worth 128.
The visitors reached 198-5 before declaring, then proceeded to dismiss Northwich for 81 in reply.
Gladwin Cherian (23) was one of only three batsmen to reach double-figures as Badrock (3-3) and Alex Hooton (3-16) completed a resounding victory for Lindow.
Weaverham made Tattenhall work much harder for a four-wicket victory in their encounter.
The Russets put 159 on the board after being put in, Kevin Douglas (55) leading the way at the top of the order before Ryan Simm (28) and Stuart Hayes (24no) chipped in further down.
Melvin Dobson took 5-30 in his 14 overs.
Aamir Afzal (47) was the hosts’ best performer with the bat as they arrived at 160-6 by the 42nd over, with Douglas (2-51) and Doug Pinnington (2-31) the pick of the visitors’ bowling attack.
A shame to lose with 8 overs to go but good team spirit and lots of positives to take forward into the season
— WeaverhamCC (@Weaverham_CC) April 21, 2018
Results
Cheshire County Cricket League
Week One
Saturday, April 21
ECB Premier Division: Bramhall 121-5 Grappenhall 119; Cheadle 198 Neston 217; Didsbury 218-7 Chester Boughton Hall 220-6; Marple 144 Toft 147-2; Oulton Park 173-8 Timperley 176-4. Cancelled: Alderley Edge v Nantwich
Division One: Barrow 127 Bollington 146-9; Davenham 179 Sale 182-2; Hyde 89-1 Stockport 88; Macclesfield 161 Bowdon 160-8; Upton 181-8 Widnes 187-5; Urmston 275-2 Oxton 173-5.
Division Two: Christleton 115 Alvanley 139-9; Hale Barns 109-1 Runcorn 108; Lindow 140 Brooklands 145-4; Mobberley 124 Warrington 129-3; Northwich 81 Lindow 198-5 dec; Tattenhall 160-6 Weaverham 159
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