2 day win in Wales puts Cheshire in the mix

NCCA Cluberly Western Division 2, Abegavenny CC, 10-12 August 

Wales NC 166 (41.2 overs) & 204 (78.4 overs), Cheshire 387-8 (90 overs). Cheshire won by an innings and 17 runs

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Cheshire grabbed a maximum 24 point haul and, albeit temporarily, moved to the top of the Cluberly Western Divsion 2 Championship with a convincing win within two days over Wales NC at Abergavenny.

 A challenging surface saw Cheshire dismiss their hosts for 166 on the first afternoon before battling to post 339-8 from 90 overs on the second morning. Victory was completed in the final session of the day with Wales NC then dismissed for 204.

With the hosts winning the toss  and an excellent three day forecast for the game, Cheshire feared a long day in the sun on the first morning, but an outstanding 14 over stint from returning all-rounder Andy Jackson set the tone.

Jackson, bowling unchanged throughout the first session, took 2-48 from 14 overs - scant reward for a hugely impressive display from the Hyde frontman.

At the other end the returning Henry Dobson - recently recovered from injury - saw a haul of 2-29 from 7 as an unpredictable surface proved a challenge for the Welsh men.

The spinners then took over, Dan Wilson grabbing 3-28 with a wicket too for Andy Dufty and skipper Dave Wainwright. Cam Herring top scored with 31.

Wales folded for 166 from 46.1 overs and the Cheshire reply got away to a flyer with .Henry Murray (41) and Ryan O'Brien (74) looking the part to put on 97 for the first wicket.

A 131 fifth wicket stand between cool headed Luke McCoy (75) and Wainwright (92) then saw Cheshire take control, both not out overnight and moving the innings on in the last 20 overs on the second morning. Wainwright looked well set for his hundred before being dismissed lbw.

The pair's graft set up the opportunity for dashing late runs for Andy Jackson (47) to ensure full batting bonus points and set a commanding 221  first innings lead, finishing on 387-8. Retiring Brad Wadlan - who has served his county so well, was pick of the Welsh attack with 3-100 from a mammoth 32 overs.  

The guile, patience and energy across the innings in difficult conditions, warranted reward as Cheshire then set about dismantling their hosts. 

But some solid determination and an improving surface saw Wales dig in and Cheshire had to work hard.

Wadlan's quaity saw him top score with 60 to delay what seemed the inevitable and with Wilson taking 4-62 (7-70 in the match), and Wainwright 3-24, Cheshire eventually dismissed their hosts for 204 to win by an innings and 17 runs with a day to spare.

This was a convincing Cheshire performance with a number of outstanding performances and sees them well placed with a final game to play against Dorset at Chester Boughton Hall in three weeks time.

Elsewhere, Dorset are looking for victory over Wiltshire that would see them leapfrog Cheshire to return to the top of the table and they also have a game in hand with Wales NC to come.

Wales NC 3 points, Cheshire 24 points.

Next game: Cheshire v Dorset, Chester Boughton Hall CC, 31 Aug - 2 September.