DAMIAN Lewis helped reduce Stockport to 74-6 in Division Two on Saturday, but rain undid the Tattenhall bowler’s hard work.
Stockport elected to bat first but with Lewis taking 3-67, Gary Forster receiving the inadequate reward of one wicket for his skill, and a farcical run-out put Georgians under pressure. However, with a few chances missed, Tattenhall let their hosts back into the game to reach 201-8.
Tattenhall began steadily with John Gibbon and Danny Ahmad determined to set a strong platform for the chase. But Gibbon missed a very full delivery to be bowled on his leg stump, to reach 41-1. Yet John Hope resumed his excellent season’s form to get the scoreboard moving once more.
The platform was well in place at drinks and afterwards both batsmen set about upping the run rate. Georgians could find no answer but the rain became steadier and the ball became wetter.
The umpires gave the game every chance of being completed but unfortunately for Tattenhall, the rain became too heavy. Ahmad (64no) and Hope (35no) were left frustrated, with their efforts going without reward. Tattenhall received just eight points for their labours, while their hosts managed nine.
Rain also ruined CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL’S match at Widnes, where the visitors were bowled for 148 – Cheshire opener Warren Goodwin contributing a fine 84. Widnes had reached 85-3 in reply when the weather intervened.
Late afternoon rain also spoiled a possible close finish at OULTON PARK, where the home side had got to 71-0 (Jonny Kettle 40, Danny Leech 30) in reply to Toft’s 240-7.
Elsewhere, Alderley Edge took another giant step towards their first Premier Division title when they recorded a five-wicket victory at NESTON.
Neston were dismissed for 157 (Stan Clifford 59, Alan Day 3-25) after which Alderley hit off the runs inside 30 overs thanks to Mark Currie’s 84no. Neston’s left-arm spinner Paul Stimpson had his moments with a 4-52 return.
All games in Division One were abandoned, including the CHRISTLETON v Timperley clash at Little Heath.
The visitors were all out for 160 and Christleton got in only 11 overs before the rain came at 44-1.
