Cricket: Park power on in quest to recover Cheshire Cup

Aug 6 2009 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

OULTON PARK travelled to face Neston at Parkgate in the Lovelane Cheshire Knockout Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

Park, who won the competition in 2005, 2006 and 2007 before surrendering the title last year, were rested having called off their league game at home to Didsbury the day before.

Nevertheless, an assertive Neston won the toss and chose to bat in the 45-over competition.

They quickly made their intentions clear, skipper and opener Jack Smith speeding to 64 while David Hurst struck 32.

The middle order didn’t deliver, however, but lower-order batsman Andy Roberts posted a crucial 39 as Neston closed on 199-7.

Park knew what they had to do but both Jonny Kettle and Daniel Leech failed to reach 30 as Park were slow to start.

Ric Moore took control with a cavalier 79 to put Park in the box seat.

Captain Nathan Dumelow (30) and Louis Bentley (29), finished the job for Park as they scored 200-5 to progress to the semi-finals.

“It’s very pleasing, we’ve been struggling to chase targets so it’s a nice change,” said skipper Dumelow.

“We were a bit slow to start with but Ric saw it through.”

This Sunday, Park travel to face Elworth in the semi-final after they defeated Wallasey by 40 runs.

The final will take place at a venue to be decided on August 30.