Worcestershire season preview

County: Worcestershire

Ground: New Road

Director of Cricket: Steve Rhodes

Captain: Daryl Mitchell

2012 in a nutshell: Last season was a huge disappointment for Worcestershire, experiencing relegation to division two of the LV= County Championship, winning just one game, and finishing bottom in their Clydesdale Bank 40 group. Both aspects of their game weren’t at the level Steve Rhodes would have liked; summed up by Phil Hughes being the only batsmen to average 35 in the LVCC. The Friends Life t20 gave the side a much welcomed break and a considerable improvement on previous seasons, making it to the quarter final stage, only to lose out to Yorkshire at Headingly.

How they finished:

County Championship Division One: 9^th (relegation)

CB 40 Group A: 7^th (bottom)

Friends Life t20: Quarter Final stage

Ins: Graeme Cessford (2^nd XI), David Lucas (Northamptonshire) Michael Johnson (Western Australia), Thilan Samaraweera (Sri Lanka), Jacab Oram (FLt20)

Outs: Vikram Solanki (Surrey), James Cameron, Ben Scott (released), Phil Hughes (Australia)

Overseas Players:

Thilan Samaraweera recently retired from international cricket, with an average of 48.76 in Test cricket, displaying the quality that Worcestershire have captured. The 36 year old will bring much needed experience to the side, collecting 81 caps for Sri Lanka. Despite failing on the 2009 tour of England, Samaraweera has the game and technique to dominate the county circuit. There will be huge pressure on the Sri Lankan, coming in to replace Australian Phil Hughes, who impressed last season in all formats. Worcestershire will look to the middle order batsmen to guide the relatively young side back to division one at the first attempt. Samaraweera will be a huge influence on the productivity of their campaign and will hope to strike up positive relationships with the experienced batsmen Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali.

Michael Johnson has also agreed a deal for the 2013 season. The Australian wicket keeper who holds a duel passport and will not count as an overseas player, hasn’t played first class cricket since late 2011, representing Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, but is seen as competition for Ben Cox. The 24 year old played for Kent 2ndXI last summer and will want to make his mark and break into the first team.

For the t20 competition Jacab Oram will link up with the club which will be a huge boost to their chances of making it through the group stage. The Kiwi is somewhat of an expert in the format, travelling the world playing it. He will improve the bowling with his medium pace and slower balls and the batting line-up with his big hitting.

Key player:

Moeen Ali will have a big role to play with bat and ball

Moeen Ali– The England Lion will have more responsibility on his shoulders this season with former skipper Vikram Solanki leaving new Road for Surrey. He will want to get back to business after a quiet 2012, averaging just 26.08 in the LVCC. Ali showed he had the quality to dominate division two in 2010, hitting 1260 runs at 48.46. If Ali collects those kind of figures Worcestershire could bounce straight back to division one. It’s not just the 25 year old’s batting that will be a threat, his off spin claimed 33 victims last season at an average of 27.30, but the bowling attack may lean on veteran seamer Alan Richardson once again.

The 37 year old collected 57 first class wickets at 19.52 in just 14 games, but Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes and captain Daryl Mitchell will be wanting younger members of the bowling attack to step up and support Richardson.

One to watch:

Ben Cox– The 21 year old will have the chance to claim the gloves a New Road, after the county released Ben Scott after three years service. Cox will have competition with the signing of Australian Michael Johnson, but has shown glimpses of his quality with the limited chances he has been given, making 61, as a 17 year old school boy in 2009 on debut against Somerset. In 17 county championship matches the youngster has claimed 44 victims with the gloves, while having a batting average of 17.28, and he will be hoping to development and improve on those stats.

How they’ll fare:

The losses of Vikram Solanki and Phil Hughes could have been a season defining moment, especially with their preseason training being disrupted by flooding at New Road, forcing them to move to Kidderminster’s Chester Road ground, practising under a marquee on the square.

The signing of Sri Lankan Thilan Samaraweera was crucial for their season and should give the team consistency with the bat as well as experience, which is what they missed last year. Worcestershire’s primary objective will be to bounce straight back up to division one of the county championship, which would be the fifth time in 11 campaigns. It won’t be as easy as past years with Lancashire, Kent and Hampshire all having the same ambition and it could go down to the wire between the four of them.

In the Friends Life t20, Jacab Oram is a huge addition to the side, as he has become a specialist in the format and they will be hoping to improve on last season’s quarter final defeat. It will be a struggle to get through the group stage this season and the same could be expected in the Yorkshire Bank 40.

Odds:

LV= County Championship 7/1

Yorkshire Bank 40 33/1

Friends Life t20 33/1

Redfern relishes his chance in the top flight

Dan Redfern is looking forward to the season ahead

Derbyshire’s Dan Redfern is relishing the chance to compete in the top flight of the County Championship, while creating history for the club.

Redfern,22, amassed 792 runs last season, helping the county pip Yorkshire to the Division Two title as they gained promotion to Division One for the first time in 13 years.

The left handed batsman insists the club are looking further than survival and the introduction of West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul shows the club’s ambition and goals.

“Being in Division One is where everyone wants to be,” Redfern told the Sentinel.

“It’s a massive chance for people to be noticed because the top division does attract more attention.

“We’d take staying up, of course, but we believe we can end higher than that.

“Our ambition is to become the best side that Derbyshire has ever fielded and I don’t see any reason why we can’t achieve that.

“Signing a player like Shiv is fantastic for the club and shows that we are developing as a county because we can attract a batsman of his calibre.”

Redern’s preseason hasn’t gone to plan after dislocating a finger on his right hand, on the opening day of their trip to Barbados.

The injury has kept the Derbyshire academy graduate out of action, missing all competitive cricket as the county look to iron out any problems.

“It was the first training session over there,”Redfern added.

“We were doing some slip catching and I took one on the end of my finger. It was dislocated and there is a small fracture in the joint as well.

“There were a few other counties out there, so I missed out on playing two-day games against Notts and Northants, plus a twenty20 tournament.

“It was frustrating, but I had some fitness work to do.

“I know I could have played in the matches, but the danger was if I was hit again, I’d need surgery and be out for a long time, which isn’t what I want.

“We’ve got a warm up game at Somerset next week, so hopefully I’ll be able to have a hit in that game and be ready for the first match.”

Derbyshire have a difficult start to life in Division One as they take on champions Warwickshire on April 10.

Derbyshire “fearless” on return to the topflight

Wayne Madsen has stated his side are in it to win it and have to be “fearless” upon their return to division one of LV= County Championship. 

Derbyshire are featuring in the top flight for just the second time, since the two tier split in 2000, following promotion last year.

Madsen’s men are the favourites to be relegated, but that isn’t going to affect his team’s mentality, as they will be approaching each match looking for victory. With only three points for a draw and 16 for a win, the South African realises what his county are up against.

Madsen said on the preseason trip to Barbados told the ECB: “You start the season looking to win it (the championship). There’s no point in us trying to just survive and stay in the division; if you do that, you’re going to be fighting at the bottom.

“We’re going to look to play positive cricket, fearless cricket exactly like we did last year and we’ll see where that takes us.

“You have to win games if you want to finish anywhere in the table and that’s what we did last year. We were able to win more games than anyone else, hence we won division two.”

Madsen wants his young side to build upon their championship winning season.

He continued: “We’ve started to get that winning mentality and the guys have learnt to finish off games, both with the bat and ball. That’s going to be a big asset to us.”

Derbyshire have added West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul to their side, who has 10,722 Test runs to his name and Madsen knows he is the “man to look out for.”

Despite the threat Chanderpaul will bring at the County Ground, Madsen is adamant his youngsters can’t be overlooked after their achievements last season.

“We’ve got a few youngsters coming through,” he added.

“Our bowling line up did particularly well for us last year and on the batting front we’ve got young Dan Redfern in the middle order and a few older heads at the top, who contributed last year and will be looking to do more of the same.”

Leicestershire have recruited Australian Joe Burns

Leicestershire CCC have confirmed the signing of Australia A batsmen Joe Burns, as their overseas player for the majority of the 2013 season.

Joe Burns signs for Leicestershire CCC

Burns has been in impressive form for Queensland in the last two seasons, topping the clubs batting averages in the Sheffield Shield in 2011/2012, scoring 781 runs at 41.10, as well as notching up 146 runs in three list A games.

Last season was equally exciting, scoring 900 across all three formats for Queensland, Brisbane Heat and Australia A. This included top scoring for the Heat with 43 in the KFC Big Bash final as they went on to beat Perth Scorchers. Overall the batsman records an average of 40.62 in 41 first class innings, scoring 1503 runs.

The 23 year old has already imposed himself on the top county bowlers, as he made 114 for Australia A last month against the England Lions, which boasted an attack of Stuart Meaker, Chris Wright, Craig Overton, Simon Kerrigan, Scott Borthwick and Rikki Clarke.

Burns speaking about his move to Grace Road said: “I’m very excited to get the opportunity to join Leicestershire for the 2013 season. In my discussions with the staff of LCCC, I feel this is a fantastic opportunity personally for myself and to continue to develop my cricket and to perform at the highest level.

“I’ve heard great things about the club’s setup and players and I am very motivated with the ambition of promotion in the county championship. I’m looking forward to joining up with the team in May and contributing to a successful and enjoyable season”

Burns will be welcomed at Grace Road on May 15, making his debut against Glamorgan in the LV=CC and will depart on August 30, which will see him play seven LV=CC games, 11 YB4o matches and the whole of the FL t20. He will appear as West Indian Ramnaresh Sarwan leaves for international commitments, but the 32 year old will return for the end of the season.

Leicestershire CCC Chief Executive Mike Siddall said: “We are delighted to have signed the up and coming batsmen Joe Burns. We are hoping he will have a similar impact at Grace Road as previous Australian overseas players, Brad Hodge and Michael Bevan. Joe is on the fringes of the Australian team and will be keen to impress during and Ashes year in England.”

Leicestershire CCC Head Coach Phil Whitticase said: “I am really pleased that Joe is joining Leicestershire. He is a talented batsman with a bright future ahead of him. His availability, before departing for the 2013 Champions League at the end of August, dovetails perfectly with Ronnie Sarwan and we expect both players to make a big impact during the season.”

Burns’ actions in Australia were rewarded as he won the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year Award and joined a long list of players, such as Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee and Shane Watson. Every player that has been honoured with the accolade has gone on to represent Australia in at least one format at the international level; Leicestershire will be hoping they are the beneficiaries of the promise he has shown.

Derbyshire travel to Leek as they take on Essex

Derbyshire look to broaden their fan base, moving away from the County Ground for the Yorkshire Bank 40 contest against Essex on Sunday 9 June.

The fixture will take place at Highfield, Leek, three years after an enthralling encounter between the same two counties, which saw 547 runs; with Essex winning by five wickets through D/L after the home side racked up 299-7.

Leek host YB40 match between Derbyshire and Essex

They returned to the Staffordshire Moorlands ground for a Friends Life T20 game against Warwickshire in 2011, which Derbyshire won by six wickets, Martin Guptill smashing 72 off 44 balls.

There was a break in their travels across the county border in 2012, but an eagerly awaited return is in prospect in the coming season, with the likes of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Wes Durston and local boy Dan Redfern available to make the visit.

Derbyshire Chief Executive Simon Storey said: “By taking this fixture to Leek we are making county cricket accessible to communities outside our usual catchment area.

“Leek will appeal to cricket fans from the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-On-Trent as well as areas in Derbyshire, particularly, Ashbourne, Buxton and the Peak District, all of whom I hope will come out in support of the match.

“Having played matches at Highfield before, we know the facilities and infrastructure are in place to host a very successful match-day operation. It promises to be a very good for cricket supporters and families.”

Leek CC chairman Brian Mellor commented: “It’s a pleasure to host county cricket at Highfield and we’re looking forward to the opportunity of doing so again this summer.

“It will be a real treat for our members and the local community to see Derbyshire’s title winners, plus the new signing of (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul, in action at our venue.”

Lancashire sign Emirates sponsorship deal

Emirates have agreed a 10 year deal with Lancashire County Cricket Club that will make them the official stadium rights naming partner at Old Trafford.

As part of the deal the iconic stadium will now be named Emirates Old Trafford, and the airline’s brand will appear on the front of the club’s Friends Life t20 kit, as well as a number of marketing rights that will come into effect immediately.

The agreement is another huge move for Lancashire as they aim to redevelop Old Trafford after the Point was constructed and the square turned around, with the deal thought to be worth around £10 million.

“This announcement represents another major step in the redevelopment of Old Trafford,” said Michael Cairns OBE, Chairman of Lancashire County Cricket Club.

“The intention to secure a naming rights partner was always on our list of objectives; however, it remained paramount that we secure a partner who was actively committed to cricket and its future while at the same time had significant interests in Manchester and the North West.

“The financial benefits of this deal are a core component of our long-term strategy for commercial sustainability. The partnership will support our intention to be regarded as one of the top county cricket clubs in the country and undisputed as a category A Test Match venue. We remain committed to providing the very best facilities for our members, players and spectators.”

The agreement broadens Emirates’ ties with cricket globally and nationally, as Lancashire County Cricket Club are not the first club to have made a deal with the Dubai based airline, as Durham gained sponsorship in 2010.

“This is an excellent opportunity to build upon our Emirates’ commitment to cricket, a sport that we have been associated with in the UK since 2002,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Emirates Executive Vice Chairman Emirates Airline and Group.

“We’re hugely looking forward to supporting Lancashire cricket and its fans both here and abroad, in what is a further significant investment by Emirates to the region. Cricket at Lancashire County Cricket Club is of the highest quality, it has a global reach and has produced legends in the sport and we are proud to be lending our name to such an incredible success.”

http://deepextracover.com/home/lancashire-sign-emirates-sponsorship-deal/

Ex England and Staffordshire Laura Newton believes it maybe tough for Staffordshire this season in division two

Ex England and Staffordshire player Laura Newton, believes the Staffordshire Women’s first team will have a tough season ahead of them but have the capabilities to have a successful year.

Newton played for Staffordshire in 2002 and now is Women’s Regional Cricket Development Manager for the West Midlands, which sees her support and challenge counties on their governance and provisions of Women’s and Girls’ cricket.

The 34 year old said: “The structure has changed this coming season with bigger divisions and a focus on every game mattering (no home and away fixtures).

“Staffs will be playing against a number of teams that were in the higher division last season so there will be some tough games.  Counties’ standards improve year on year and if the players have put in the hard work over the winter they should reap the rewards in the summer.”

Staffordshire got promoted into division two last season and will be looking to England international Danni Wyatt and Australian international Ellyse Villani for the experience they will need, but Newton insists it’s not totally down to them.

She continued: “Danni (Wyatt) has the potential to be a match winner every game, with the bat, ball or in the field.  She requires the assistance of her team and will sometimes not come up to her or the team’s expectations, so it is important they all play for each other and take responsibility for their roles.  Elyse, like Danni, has potential to dominate a bowling attack and very early on; she will be able to influence the game on and off the pitch talking to the youngsters.

“When a County squad has international players, there is a danger of placing a huge reliance on those players and they can become pivotal on the team’s performance.  Defining roles is crucial and Danni and Elyse can help the other players develop their own games affecting the team’s performance positively. “

Newton believes that Staffs have moved on in just ten years since she last played for the county and they have adapted with the times.

“The Women’s game has drastically changed over the last few years; T20 has made players innovate with sweeps and paddles and work hard on technique in order to hit the ball harder and in the air,” she explained. “It was still very traditional when I played for Staffs and all players and teams have had to move with the times so progression has definitely been made. “

In her current role Newton over sees a number of counties in the Midlands and is looking to evolve Staffordshire cricket even further.

She said: “Each County is at different stages of maturity therefore my work with each County can be similar but also can be very different.

“To give an example of my work with Staffs, I have presented the National Vision for Women’s and Girls’ cricket to Bob Askey and Leigh Rees and as a result of the document Bob (Askey) and Leigh (Rees) are in the process of setting up groups to tackle areas for development and areas of strength in order to service the needs of the County and continue to move it on.

“We are always looking for examples of ways girls will become or have become involved as it means less time experimenting and more time working on things that work.  There isn’t a fool proof way but the little things matter with girls; for instance handing them a leaflet that has been personalised, gives precise details of training and is attractive in design will help migration.

“The West Midlands Counties are all improving; and that is down to more Clubs offering girls’ cricket and therefore more girls are playing and being coached from an earlier age and more frequently.  I don’t doubt there will be a few gems in the system already and that patience coupled with the elite coaching offered in Staffs will unearth plenty of talented players.”

Staffordshire start their season at home against Wales on the 6^th May.

It’s all about consistency for England’s Beth Morgan, if Middlesex are to compete

Middlesex captain Beth Morgan believes the key to success this season under the new format is consistency.

Last year Middlesex finished third behind champions Kent and runners up Sussex and Morgan insists to catch them they have to perform week in week out.

The 30 year old said: “We have been working hard and we have a lot of improving young players so we’re looking forward to the challenge of playing them (Kent and Sussex) again this year and seeing if we can put in a good performance and see where we’re at.

“Our biggest concern in the last few years has been consistency in all aspects of the game. We have put in some brilliant performances at times but not backed this up week to week, particularly with the bat.

“We have worked a lot on the tactical side of the game and decision-making both with the bat and with the ball. We believe we have the ability in the side, it’s just now down to individual players to work out how to score runs and take wickets consistently in different conditions and situations.”

It’s not all about skill though; the Middlesex side have been working physically as well and look to be a lot fitter, hoping their high level of performance can be maintained.

“The girls have been working really hard. We have trained every fortnight since Christmas and I have been really impressed with the work put in,” Morgan continued. “Part of each session has been focussed around strength and conditioning with a coach and many of the girls have really seen the benefit of this, in being able to perform their skills better all round, and for longer.”

Even with all this work in the preseason, the England international still sees Kent and Sussex as the two favourites for County Championship Division One title, but sees it as a more open contest this year.

Morgan explained: “It was a great achievement for us to finish third last season and not necessarily something we expected in our first season in division one, so we were really pleased.

“Kent and Sussex are two very strong well-established sides and have dominated the county game for the last few seasons. Both teams have so much international experience, but there is always the potential for an upset as any team on their day is capable of a good win.

“The new layout will also open it up. Every team has to perform every week as we come up against so many different sides and the standard is really high, any team could finish anywhere. It’s great to get the opportunity to play against more quality sides with quality players.

“Previously you knew you had to play the same team twice so it’s great now to feel you have something to play for every match.”

Middlesex have also added to their squad to hopefully close the gap even further, with the addition of England academy player Catherine Dalton, who has moved from Essex and Morgan is really excited about the 19 year old.

She said: “She’s a really exciting prospect. We have been really impressed with her positive attitude at training and I’m really looking forward to having her as part of the team.

“We also have some excellent young players coming through who may have an opportunity at some stage, which is really exciting. Naomi Dattani is a really exciting player, explosive with the bat and a talented left arm seamer.”

They are also looking at several options for an overseas player but there hasn’t been anything finalised yet, nevertheless Morgan believes there are players at the club people should keep a close eye on.

She stated: “Natasha Miles will be one to watch. She had a brilliant season last year as our pacey opening bowler and has been rewarded with an England Academy place. Her batting has improved no end and I think we may see important contributions from her in all aspects.

“Catherine (Dalton) will also be one to watch as an all-rounder in her first season with us.”

Miles in her second season for Middlesex in 2011 took 14 wickets at an average of 25.93, helping them reach that third spot, behind Sussex and Kent who they will face in the first game of the season on 7^th May.

Morgan knows it is going to be a tough test first up, but she can see the positives in playing the champions to build their confidence and believes all the expectation is on them.

The England batsma\n said: “The first match is always an important one, to set the standards high and build some momentum. Obviously Kent will be a really tough challenge and are a very strong team but we don’t have anything to lose, the pressure is on them to perform up to last year’s standards so we will give it our best and enjoy the challenge.

“We obviously have to play Kent at some point so I’m quite glad it’s the first game, we can play with total freedom which is really nice for our first match.”

When the cricket does start Morgan will be totally focused on Middlesex and not wondering whether England are watching. Last season she averaged 44.63 with the bat and is looking to replicate that this year.

“Obviously playing forEnglandis really important to me and I have been working really hard to try and retain my place in the squad. But when I play county matches I will just be trying to do my best for that team on the day and doing everything in my power to help us win. Hopefully, if I perform well the rest will take care of itself,” she explained.

“I was really pleased to get some good scores last season, but I will just be taking each game at a time this season and trying to put in a good performance for the team. I’m not a big fan of stats because match-winning contributions can come in different forms. The big thing for me is to be contributing in each game and helping Middlesex put in good performances.”

England’s Heather Knight is confident Berkshire can compete

England’s Heather Knight is confident that Berkshire’s young squad can compete at the top of the County Championship.

The 21 year old hasn’t been in touch with the side all winter as she has been on international duty but she believes the talent is there in the team, it just has to be brought to the forefront.

She said: “We are a young side but I think the belief is there that we can have a really successful season.

“We should definitely be looking to the top half of the table but we need to see more players stepping up and put in performances in tough games.

“We probably didn’t play completely to our potential last season but we are a pretty young developing side and we did get to the twenty20 final. Everyone has trained really hard over the winter and I think some real improvements have been made.”

One player Knight is expecting to step up to the mark and lead from the front is Daisy Gardener. The seam bowler took 10 wickets last season at an average of 31.3 and Knight believes this could be her year.

She added: “Daisy (Gardener) is a really talented girl who’s been around a few years now. Her bowling has come on a lot in the past couple of seasons and if she can match her wicket taking deliveries with consistency this year she’ll have an amazing season.”

Berkshire had a tough season last year, winning only twice in the County Championship and they hope the added experience of the arrival of Australian Asha Smith will bring them more success. The 23 year old has already spent two years with the county in 2009 and 2010 averaging 23.1 and 16.7 respectively with the bat.

Knight continued: “She’s an aggressive batsman, who can take the game away from the opposition and can win us games. She has also been known to turn her arm over and bowl on occasions.”

They have also had the confidence boost that captain Isa Guha’s attention will be solely on the County Championship after she retired from international cricket in March at the end of the New Zealand tour.

At the age of 26 Guha has been part of the England side that won the Ashes in 2005 – the first time in 42 years, and won both the World Cup and the Twenty20 equivalent.  Knight believes it is great news that she has continued playing for Berkshire.

She added: “I’m really pleased Isha (Guha) has decided to carry on playing county cricket, her knowledge and experience will be invaluable in such a young side. Hopefully there will be a few wickets for the old timer too.

“Knowing Isha (Guha) fairly well I had a vague inkling it was in the back of her mind to retire but it came sooner than I thought when she announced it to the England team after our last game in New Zealand.

“She’s had a great 10 years both on the pitch and off it being an integral member of the England side. She’s a real role model to younger girls and I remember watching her play when I was younger.”

From a personal aspect Knight is hoping to lead from the front with the bat for Berkshire.

The 21 year old continued: “I don’t like to set targets such as number of runs, so I’ll be looking to dominate at the top of the order and help put big scores on the board helping Berkshire to win.

“I’ll admit I had a poor start to the campaign last season and I also missed a chunk of games through injury, but put together a few big innings at the end of the season. I’ll be looking to start better this year and score consistently throughout.

“I’ve been working hard in the nets on my positive approach and also playing spin has been a key area”

Berkshire start the season at home against Nottinghamshire, who were the only side to finish below them last year and the England batsmen believes it’s a great opportunity to start in the right way.

“A good start is definitely crucial especially only playing each team once in the new format. We haven’t always started the strongest, but it’s a game I believe we should win,” she said.

“We finish the season with three away games and winning away from home is never easy.

“Three away games in the business end of the season isn’t ideal, but with the amount of travelling the girls do these days most of them should be used to it.”

The last game of the season is against Sussex who Knight is tipping to win the league along with Kent.

“Sussex and Kent are always up there, with the strength and depth they have in their squads, but the last few seasons have shown anyone can beat anyone,” explained Knight.

The new season starts on 6^th May and the 21 year old is excited about what might be ahead, she continued: “It’s always exciting in the last few weeks before the season gets into full swing, training indoor just isn’t the same as getting outdoors and playing.”

Defending champions Wood Lane get their first win of the season

All divisions of the league were affected by the weather this week, with many matches abandoned or having reduced overs.

Premier Division

Defending champions Wood Lane got their first win of the season against Checkley, beating them by five wickets. They restricted Checkley to 76, Asad Ali taking 4-39. It then took them 31.5 overs to reach their target, Daniel Brierly (26no) and Deane Jervis (7no) seeing them over the line.

Longton and Leek could only manage a draw. Longton were put in to bat and posted 145-4 from 34 overs, Stefan Ruduch top scoring with 49. In reply Leek only managed to bat 27.3 overs as they finished on 101-3, Alex Mellor finishing on 58no.

A draw was also the result between Little Stoke and Knypersley. Little Stoke batted first and stuttered to 132-7 from their 55 overs, Greg Massingham (44) top scoring. Knypersley’s innings was cut short to 26 overs, as they finished on 54-1.

There was no play possible between, Audley and Porthill Park, Burslem and Cheadle, Hem Heath and Stone.

Division One

Elworth picked up the full 25 points against Barlaston as they defended 136.  Alex Edmonstone (46) and Matthew Buckley (38no) were the mainstay of the Barlaston innings, Mark Stanyer (4-55) was the pick of the bowlers. Barlaston were then dismissed for 92, Yasir Ali took figures of 4-23.

Aqab Ahmed’s 76no wasn’t enough to prevent Blythe losing by eight wickets against Leycett. Tas Hussain took 4-59 as Blythe were reduced to 148-6. Leycett then reached the target in the 36^th over, Richard Walker and Hassan Haleem both passing 50.

Whitmore and Meakin was abandoned in the second innings. Meakin were put in to bat and finished on 132-9, Imran Arif claiming figures of 5-44. The match was the abandoned in the first over of the second innings.

There was no play possible between, Meir Heath and Silverdale, Moddershall and Norton, Sandyford and Betley.

Division Two

Ashcombe Park picked up 20 points after they dismissed Eccleshall for 100. Josh Johnson and Rizwan Haider both taking four wickets. Ashcombe then knocked off the runs in the 23^rd over, Haider smashing 61no off 59 balls.

Newcastle & Hartshill also got the 20 points at home as they chased down 93 against Rode Park & Lawton. Sathpath Kelum ripped through the away side’s batting line up taking 7-36 as they were all out for 92. The home side then passed the target after 21 overs for the loss of four wickets, Muhammad Fayaz top scored with 61no.

Caverswall claimed the winning draw at home against Stafford. The home side batted first and posted 185-6 from 36.4 overs, Anthony Dutton top scoring with 55no. Stafford were then restricted to 125-7, the innings being built around Dave Foster (57no), the pick of the bowlers was Tom East as he took4-27.

There was no play possible between, Alsager and Woore, Bignall End and Weston, Kidsgrove and Oulton.

Division Three

Oakamoor comprehensively beat Fenton at home picking up 20 points. Matt Wolf demolished the away sides batting line up taking 5-20, the only resistance was Phil Hall’s 35no as Fenton were dismissed for 58. In reply Oakamoor passed the winning line in the 29^th over for the loss of two wickets.

Crewe also won batting second after they reduced Moddershall A to 104 all out; Shahid Mahboob was the main wicket taker with 4-48. Crewe lost seven wickets on their way to victory Mahboob top scoring with 30.

Asif Raza efforts weren’t enough to save his Bagnall side from defeat against Church Eaton. Raza took 8-57 in the second innings, but Church Eaton managed to hold on and win by one wicket as they chased down Bagnall’s 103. Matt White also took 5-50 in the first innings for the Church Eaton.

There was no play possible between, Hanford and Forsbrook, Wedgewood & Stanfields and Endon.  Norton-In-Hales and Stone did manage to get 31.4 overs in before the rain hit.