SKIPPER Ben Salisbury hailed his players’ character after Saughall won an exhilarating game against Wilmslow in Division One of the Cheshire Alliance.
After winning the toss, Wilmslow decided to bowl first and Saughall struggled early on with the pace of Ross Kinnerley and the swing of Jags Narayanan.
After 18 overs, the hosts were reduced to 33-8 and were in serious trouble. Skipper Salisbury (18) played with guts and determination to form a partnership with Mike Andrews, but when he was dismissed it looked like the writing was on the wall for the Chester team.
Mandeep Singh had other ideas, though, as he played a breathtaking knock, smashing the bowling all around the park for a sensational 54no.
By the time Andrews was bowled for a gritty 12, Saughall had reached 132 and were back in the game.
Wilmslow set about the chase in positive fashion and raced out the blocks to reach 47-0.
Chris Andrews was introduced to try to control proceedings and got a wicket in his very first over.
When the spinner took another wicket in his second over, Wilmslow looked like they were still favourites to win, but then Mustapha Ahmed took a quite astonishing caught and bowled.
From this point onwards, Wilmslow were unable to break free. Chris Andrews (6-33) hit top form, bowling Wilmslow out for 120 to spark scenes of celebration from the Saughall faithful.
Salisbury said: ‘What a win! Today we showed just how much character our team has.”
In Division Two, FRODSHAM drew with Norbury at Monument Park.
