Cricket: Barrow’s Johnson puts brakes on high flying Malpas

Jun 25 2009 Chester Chronicle

BARROW secured a draw at Malpas to check the hosts’ Division One promotion push.

On a good looking track, Malpas decided to bat first, aiming to take the game away from Barrow.

But the quick bowling of Phil Johnson, combined with the swing and accuracy of Mal Barrow, soon had the batsman struggling

At 48-4, Malpas were reeling but Jonny Suckley developed a match-turning partnership with the aggressive Dave Hunt and Malpas finished on 160-6.

In reply, Barrow lost their top three quickly and after a period of consolidation, Johnson went on the attack. He smashed 26, but after his dismissal Barrow settled for a draw finishing on 132-8.

ALVANLEY put in a clinical performance to put mid-table rivals Ashley to the sword and get back into the promotion pack.

Home side Alvanley won the toss and batted first on a superb wicket, Dave Shewring (31) and Andy Bennion paving the way posting 40 for the first wicket before Bennion cut to gully for 18.

Ian Charles came in at number six and hit a sublime, run-a-ball 47no, mainly with his sons, first Stephen (nine) then Chris (14) at the other end as Alvanley scored 179-9.

Aussie Bradshaw led Ashley’s charge but Rob Fisher proved chief executioner with 3-34 as Ashley finished on 138ao

In Division Two, CHOLMONDELEY declared on 184-9 before bowling Weaverham out for 162.

KINGSLEY could do little to prevent Winsford posting an imposing 220-5 on a good pitch but they failed to take advantage themselves.

Adrian Burden managed to take three wickets as Winsford set their big total.

In reply, most of Kingsley's batters make it into the teens but once big hitting Chris Dolan’s (36) onslaught of boundaries was over they struggled to 152ao.

In Division Three, BUNBURY took a winning draw from the visit of CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS.

Bunbury’s batsmen put the bowlers to the sword early on as both opening batsmen notched up 50s on their way to 243-8.

CCO’s Mike Clarke took two wickets in two balls with the score on 79, but that was as good as it got for the travelling side.

After tea in-form Mike Dickinson went cheaply and other than Mike Rowlands’ 106 – his first century for CCO – there was little to cheer them as they failed to make a par score on the wicket, escaping with a draw as they finished on 184-8.