Cricket: Christleton line up a top flight return

Sep 10 2009 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

Cricket: Christleton line up a top flight return

CHRISTLETON are on the verge of a return to the Premier Division after beating Heaton Mersey in their penultimate game.

They are now level on points (326) with Bramhall, who occupy the second promotion spot on the strength of having nine game wins to Christleton’s eight.

If Christleton’s opponents last Saturday, Heaton Mersey, can make life difficult for Bramhall and Paul Allen’s charges beat Poynton, Christleton could be looking forward to life in the Premier Division next season.

Last Saturday, Christleton secured a winning draw at home to Heaton Mersey.

Allen won the toss and had no hesitation batting first.

At 97 without loss a large score looked likely until Simon Radcliffe’s (40) wicket sparked a collapse.

Iroshan de Silva (69) also fell as Christleton were all out for 139.

Allen himself stepped up to the plate to save the match, taking 3-16 after tea to get Christleton back in the game.

Guy Newell claimed 4-50 and de Silva 2-32. Heaton recovered with a partnership of 54 But when four wickets fell for 19 runs Heaton had to survive two overs to hold on to a losing draw, making 134-9.