Cricket: Superb stand sets up Twenty20 victory for Alvanley

Sep 17 2009 Chester Chronicle

ALVANLEY have lifted their first piece of silverware in 10 years.

The Frodsham Road side turned in a brilliant all-round display on Sunday to win the Meller Braggins League’s Twenty20 Trophy.

They beat Stockport Georgians by 68 runs in the final.

Batting first, Alvanley got off to a flyer as Andy Bennion (54) and Dave Shewring (97) put on 110 runs in just 11 overs. It enabled Alvanley to set a challenging final score of 199-3.

Stockport fell short in their reply, bowled out for 131 as Alvanley’s long wait for a trophy ended.

Sewring and Pete Pearce took two wickets apiece and 16-year-old prospect Ed Speakman pocketed 3-28 to cap a memorable day for Alvanley, who had lost at home to Mere in the league 24 hours earlier.

Elsewhere on Saturday, BARROW lost their fight against relegation to Division Two following a heavy defeat at in-form Congleton.

Phil Noble bagged four wickets as Congleton made it to 191-8dec. In reply, an excellent 26no from Nick Bell proved in vain as Barrow were all out for 57.

In Division Two, CHOLMONDELEY (148ao) were beaten at Runcorn (149-7) while KINGSLEY paid the price for dropping Weaverham batsman Dave Ashley twice as the home side posted 175-6 (Adrian Burden 2-10).

In reply, only Kieron Ollier (23) and Travis Martin (25) made meaningful contributions as Kingsley were bowled out for 97, handing promotion to Weaverham.

In Division Three, CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at already-relegated Wistaston.

Mike Pownall (31) and Gerry Holton (27) pushed the CCO score to 141ao. Then mayhem ensued as Mike Clarke took four successive wickets to reduce the home side to 12-4.

But Wistaston were let off the hook – their number three was dropped three times – and recovered to post a winning 142-9.

BUNBURY (156-2) were home winners over Old Parkonians 152-9dec.