2s win in Wales!

17 August 2025, Mochdre Cricket Club

Wales NC North 212 (47.5 overs) – S Aplin 28, W Ryan 29, J Grimshaw 38, J Norman 21 (M Bradshaw 2-35, A Young 2-34, J Corran 2-15, R Collister 2-43, A Dufty 1-30)

Cheshire CCC 2^nd XI 214-2 (32.2 overs) – H Murray 123*, J Dodds 61, R Fernando 20*

Cheshire won by 8 wickets

Cheshire 2s finished their 2025 campaign with a strong team performance and win by 8 wickets against Wales NC North at the impressive and picturesque Mochdre Cricket Club.

Skipper Andy Dufty won the toss and elected to field, a decision vindicated by another fine opening spell by the reliable pairing of Miles Bradshaw and Jack Grundy, again combining economy and troubling the batters from the outset. 

Alex Young also bowled with good pace, hitting a good length and extracting decent bounce which asked questions of the batters. Jack Corran also impressed with the ball, contributing a fine spell of well-directed bowling, picking up 2 -15 off 6 overs.

Spinners Rhys Collister (2 wickets) and skipper Dufty were also among the wickets. 

For Wales NC North, opener Sam Aplin made a solid 28, skipper Will Ryan 29, Jamie Grimshaw contributed a well made 38 and Joseph Norman 21 in a total of 212. The last 2 wickets added a valuable 60 runs.

In response, Cheshire openers Henry Murray and James Dodds combined effectively, with an opening stand of 148 before Dodds was dismissed for an excellent 61. Murray continued to dominate proceedings, combining strong shot-making and exquisite timing, finishing on an excellent 123 not out from 90 balls, including 19 x 4s and 3 x 6s.  Rohan Fernando provided good support, contributing 20 not out as Cheshire reached their target off 32.2 overs to win by 8 wickets.

Many thanks to the umpires and scorers, and to Russ, Wales NC North and the excellent Mochdre CC for hosting. 

Special thanks are due in particular to Inge, who has provided exceptional support and expertise all season.

This result means the 2s finished the season with four wins from six games, with competitive team performances across all fixtures.

The season has featured a commitment to developing a strong squad-based focus from the outset, with buy-in from the management team and players. It is intended that this foundation will provide the basis for further development within the squad moving forward and as plans for the 2026 season are progressed.