On to the 3 day Championship. Pete Babbage looks ahead...

Durant Cricket NCCA Western Division - Cheshire v Herefordshire, Alderley Edge CC 23-25 July 2023

Cheshire CCC Head of Cricket, Pete Babbage looks forward to the three day competition as Cheshire move on to Alderley Edge

“Having narrowly missed out (mainly due to the weather) in our T20 campaign and just slipping up in the 50 over trophy at the quarter final stage, we now look forward to the three day championship matches.

“Since switching from six to four games, it’s really important to get a good start in this competition as the group that finishes bottom is relegated. Last year we lost our first two games and then had a tremendous win over Berkshire, the eventual champions, that turned things round. A draw at Dorset saw us finish comfortably in third.

“Having lost at Herefordshire last year, we’ve a chance to get our own back at Alderley Edge this time round. Picking sides for three day matches can be a real challenge but at Cheshire we’re graced with a quality squad. The vagries of the fixture list see us play a three day match this weekend, our showcase game with Yorkshire the following week and then three three-day games over consecutive weekends in August. Players availability with work, club clashes and family commitments can make things difficult. 

"It’s immensely reassuring to look at the side for this game with Herefordshire and reflect that so many players have come through the ranks, representing our 2nd XI/Academy side and through Cheshire age group cricket. Owen Feakes debuts behind the stumps for us having impressed under Stewart Macleod’s tutorship and the side this year is captained by David Wainwright who has served us so well over the last few years.

“Switching to red ball cricket means a change of discipline of course, allowing players to develop the art of batting for time and managing bowling spells over a longer period. It’s a great challenge and we’re really looking forward to getting things underway.”

Cheshire Western Division fixtures:

Sun - Tues 23-25 July Herefordshire (H) Alderley Edge

Sun - Tues 6 - 8 August Berkshire (A) Finchampstead

Sun - Tues 13 - 10 August Devon (H) Chester Boughton Hall

Sun - Tues 20 - 22 August Oxfordshire (A) Banbury

The winner of the division play the Eastern Division  winners at West Bromwich & Dartouth CC over four days from Sunday 3 - Wednesday 6 September. The side that finishes bottom of the division is relegated.

Durrant NCCA Championship playing conditions