Three wins in a row for Tattenhall 1st XI

Last Saturday saw Tattenhall Cricket Club achieve double victories.

The 1st XI travelled to Middlewich where Tattenhall skipper Roy Sandford lost the toss and his team was asked to bowl first under sunny blue skies.

Middlewich's decision to bat appeared to pay off as they got off to a flyer thanks to some hard-hitting from opener Matt Allen, which included a large six off Adrian Waddelove; but pressure was brought to bear from the other end however, with the metronomic and economic Gary Forster eventually making the breakthrough in his fifth over.

This precipitated a collapse, with the dangerous Allen being bowled by Dan Verity for 29, off the left armer's first ball. Forster went on to take a five-wicket haul as he completed his ten overs without a break, finishing with figures of 5-12. His fourth wicket was arguably the standout moment of the day, which came courtesy of an airborne Charlie Dearling at mid-on who took the catch one-handed having run to his right. One suspects he only put the effort in because his dad had just arrived to watch.

Middlewich looked as if they would be bowled out for below 80 but rallied thanks to Denton Brock who played the situation well as he made 30 before he eventually holed out to Max Harper, who took two catches, at deep-point on the short off-side boundary.

Stu Sadler, Ethan Evans and Dearling all picked up a wicket apiece as Middlewich finished their 40 overs on 120-9. Dearling's lung-busting nine over spell only cost 17 runs.

In response, Tattenhall's new look opening partnership didn't last long with Harper caught in the covers trying to swat a short ball.

Sandford and the in-form Sadler combined to steady the ship before the former was bowled by James Prime. Prime also picked up the wicket of Evans who was adjudged to be leg before. With Tattenhall 40-3, Sadler was joined by Tom Fearnall and they combined to allay any fears which the visiting side might have had. Both played sensibly before Sadler skewed a long-hop to be caught at mid-wicket for a dogged 23.

However, like last week, it was again Fearnall who was the major contributor with the bat. He looked particularly strong off his legs, through point and straight down the ground. He made 41 not out and in doing so took his batting average for the season past 100. Jason Davidson also chipped in with a handy 19 not out as Tattenhall raced across the finishing line, winning by six wickets with 11 overs remaining.

The 2nd XI played at home against Neston 3rds and had a convincing victory. Neston batted first and scored a handsome 195 in their 40 overs but Tattenhall were up for the run chase and a century stand between Ian Richards and Matt Spann for the third wicket allowed Tattenhall to reach the target with four overs to spare.

Tattenhall 1sts will look to make it three wins in a row this Saturday when they entertain Winnington Park at the Flacca.

Do come down to watch; the bar will be open from 1pm