The highlight of the early morning journey to Macc was Tommy's 'Owizeeeeeee?' as we passed Toft! Classic. New changing worms so Trenchfoot should be a thing of the past. It's still Macclesfield though so abuse on the field to be expected. Toss won. Bat. Bobby and Shane. 25 for 1 after the first over as Bobby smashed some average balls back from whence they came. Shane watchful at the other end but was soon out caught at short leg. The next wicket was completely ridiculous. An LBW that could have been given not out by Dickie Bird, despite him not actually being there. Guy came in and with Craig, forged an excellent partnership - you can tell Guy's played some 20/20. I believe we're quite good at that as a club. Another LBW (add your own description here needless to say it wasn't out in a million years. 143 all out. Tommy batting one handed at number eleven to help out the teams below. Fantastic from Tom.

Bowling was tight to start from Tommy and Francis and it was 'The Pope' who grabbed the first one. Matt Rawson came on and bowled fabulously on debut. 1 for 25 and a dropped slip catch (Guy fields on the fence in 20/20!). Excellent stuff. Bob Knight, Bobby and the skipper took wickets but it wasn't enough. Season over with a loss. Great efforts from all involved. Karl's gloves packed away for the last time - well played Sir. Shane winning the league bowling averages and Bobby top 3 leading run scorers once more. So much to build on and so many things to improve slightly. Hurry up May.

2XI - Marple (H)

Spirits were high for the last home game of the season and having losing the toss (again), Chester were invited to bat. Ed Roberts and Bob Evans set about proceedings in a positive fashion, before the latter was bowled for 15 in the 7th over. Ed continued to keep things moving along nicely having been joined by Guy Dunvavand, hitting the spinners crisply down the ground, until a change of bowling saw him lose his wicket as well. Enter Matthew Griffiths, thumb bandaged and cortisoned-up, who having settled himself with some customary well-run singles, then began to smash the bowling to all parts (mainly with one hand). After Guy departed to a somewhat dubious LBW decision for 30, Karl briefly joined Griff before Skipper Riley took to the stage; no more batters required. Dan's power hitting added to Griff's continued dominance of the bowling and between them they added over 100 runs in the last 10 overs of the innings, which closed on 258-4 from 48 overs. Griff finished with a superb 114 not out, Dan declaring on himself 49 not out.

With the sun shining, Chester took to the field looking to put early pressure on the Marple batsmen. Sam Mallows did just that and more, having switched ends to use the slope to his advantage. He took a wicket with his second ball, caught behind by Tom Evans, and never looked back. He bowled with pace and accuracy, beating the bat on numerous occasions, and was rewarded with 5 of his 6 victims being caught behind or at 1st slip. Too good. A streamlined Francis was miserly at the other end, conceding just 9 runs off 6 overs, before Dave Atkin nipped in quietly to get rid of the dangerous Gary Cash. With Sam sending it round corners one end, Atko managed to nip another couple out and with Shane Patel coming on as Sam ran out of steam to pick up the 10th wicket with his 4th ball, it was job done. Tom managed to pick up an injury to his finger (later to be confirmed as a fracture), so Karl Steadman stepped in and claimed 3 good catches, plus the injured Griff and a strapped up Tom also managed to snaffle a catch each. 6-35 off 15 quality overs for Sam, 3-35 for Atko and 1 for Shanus. Top team effort, 25 points to 1. Resounding. Macc away next week and then boots hung up for the winter.

Pray for tom.

2XI - Urmston (A)

Danny Riley’s barmy army travelled to a wet and cold Urmston on Saturday for a duel against our mid table rivals. Start was delayed due to the wet outfield and the game revised to 84 overs. The skip won the toss and selected to bowl on a wicket that was half dry and half wet (a bit like Shane Patel’s bed after he has watched a horror movie).

The first team duo Sam ‘ Bonehead’ Mallows and Francis ‘The Pope’ Robson took the new ball and bowled with consistency, both of whom were unlucky not to make the breakthrough with a number of edges dissecting the slip cordon. Tommy Wyatt took over from The Pope and immediately found his line and length to tie both openers down. Dan Riley brought himself on at the other end and made the breakthrough, taking the first of his 3 caught and bowled victims. After Tommy finished his tight spell, only blemished my 3 lusty blows off his last 4 balls, Shane took over and bowled with his usual fantastic variety of speeds which had the batsmen guessing and lunging. The skipper (4 wickets) and Shane (5 wickets) both combined to remove almost the whole Urmston line up, with the other wicket falling to a run out between 2 of the 3 Evans’ playing. Urmston finished on 133 all out off 40.3 overs, leaving Chester 43 overs to chase.

The Chester innings was opened by Tommy and Bobby Evans who were looking to get off to a flying start with the dark clouds looming. It didn’t quite go to plan for them as both were back in the pavilion cheaply, along with Craig Evans, leaving the score 16-3. It was always going to be an uphill challenge from this position and Mike Robinson and Tommy Wyatt both took control of the innings, reconsolidating and adding some stability to the innings. With the bad start, and some adverse weather, Chester’s chase fell short on 110-8, the main contributors being Robbo (30) and Super Tommy Wyatt with a very mature and watchful 25, only falling to a run out late in the innings.

Next week Chester have our final home game of the season, welcoming Marple to Filkins Lane. Congratulations to Toft who, along with the T20 cup they won a couple of weeks ago, wrapped up the league with 2 games to spare. Don’t get too comfortable with either boys, we are coming after both of them in 2015!

2XI - Nantwich (H)

A delayed start due to a wet pitch and outfield, the game was reduced to a 88 over per side match.

Eddie and bob opened up and put on 49 before Eddie fell for a good 24 (26) caught well at point. In came the in form joe killoran. Him and bob put on 75 to seriously disturb the Nantwich attack with a few lusty blows. Bob fell for a brilliant 61 (72) with the score at 124-2. In came mike and him and joe carried the score to 166 before mike fell for a run a ball 31 which left a good platform for the likes of tommy to free his arms. We finished on 202-5 off 40 overs declared. Joe hit a great 50 (85) including 3 sixes and tommy hit 24* (17) leaving us 48 overs to bowl Nantwich out.

Atko and Francis opened up and both bowled tightly and picked up a wicket each. Shane replaced Atko but couldn't find a wicket and bob came on alongside dan who had bowled a few tight overs beforehand. The score 86-2, and we all started worry, except bob. Bob got the breakthrough 5th ball in to his second over and bowled the next batsmen next ball! 86-4 and on a hatrick next over, how the tables had turned! A close field ready for bobs hatrick ball but it wasn't needed as bob bowled Nantwich's number 6 with a ball hitting middle and off! An amazing moment and celebration left Nantwich 86-5. Runs paused and wickets fell due to excellent bowling from dan and bob and Nantwich were left 109-9 with only a few overs to go. Bob picked up his fivfer in that time in probably the best spell of the season. Nantwich however wanted the extra point and blocked out for the draw. Despite that we picked up 15 points and Nantwich only won 4 points. Bob finished with figures of 8-6-9-5, Dan 2-21 off 14, francis 1-28 off 10 and Atko 1-26 off 10.

With more than one eye on second, we go to Urmston next week.

2XI - Alderley Edge (A)

Another cloudy Saturday and a trip to leafy Cheshire. Changes again to the team but no lack of strength with young Joe Maddocks, Craig and Rob Morris back to bolster the batting. Toss won (for once) and the Edge asked to field. Dan and Bob opened up again and the moving ball did for the skipper. Seamus and Bob - who has a liking for this venue - then put 100 on. Bob cutting and clipping the ball away for 4 regularly whilst Seamus drove well and blocked watchfully. Two quick wickets brought Rob to the crease. Bob went for an excellent 72 after hitting Katie Hazeldine to cover. Enter Tommy who struck some lusty blows before unluckily succumbing to a catch at extra cover. To say he was unlucky to pick out the one player who seemed destined to never catch anything only to see said player brilliantly chest the ball up so it could be easily grasped would be an understatement. Tom's equipment remained in tact...just. Rob Morris and Karl added momentum to the innings; Rob hit the most enormous 6 witnessed in second team cricket since Jonty cleared a whole village in 2006. Declaration at 45 overs (much to the disappointment of Francis) with 239 on the board.

Tea. Marvellous. Home made scotch eggs, scones and cake. There was even fruit which as usual was something of a mystery to Bob who gets confused by such foodstuff.

Atko opened up and struck first ball. Middle pole clipped and the reality of their side being under strength became even obvious. Francis from the other end with an umbrella field and at 27 for 7 the game looked done. In fairness their lower order tried to nudge the score along before the inevitable. But despite Francis and Atko not quite notching a five-for they bowled well to take 4 wickets each. Shane 1 for 0 then Joe Maddocks finished things off. Special mention to Bobby Evans who took an amazing gully catch - Ballance cope him for England the next day. Extremely comprehensive victory by over 150 runs. A poor side easily dispatched.

2XI - Toft (H)

Dan Rileys Barmy Army entertained league-leaders Toft at Filkins Lane on Saturday, and after losing the toss was asked to bat first.

With Adam Dunbavand missing at a Jazz festival, and Ed Roberts away at Herberts Convention, Captain Dan stepped up to open with Bob. The 2 were batting well together, seeing off the opening bowlers, before Bob got a snick to first slip when on 14. Dan continued batting well, before falling for a quality 46. Mike Robinson entered the crease and looking very solid for his 17, before the bowler came round the wicket and clean bowled him. Hopefully Mikey will be available for a few more games towards the end of the season, and can re-create his opening partnership with Bob. Joe Killoran, fresh from a table tennis competition in Vietnam, batted number 5 and crafted a fantastic 51, batting with Tommy Evans (17) and the returning Phil Thomas (26). Sam Mallows came in with 3 overs left and hit some lusty blows to help Chester to a total of 198 all out in the final over. Pick of the Toft bowlers was Joe Stanley 4 overs 3-44.

Tea was once again fantastic, with the apple crumble and custard going down particularly well.

Chester opened up with the pace option of Sam Mallows and Francis Robson who quickly removed the openers. Number 3 Bajwa batted well for his 78, before Bob Evans removed him LBW. Chester were in the driving seat when they continued to take wickets and the score was on 150-7 (Shane Patel 2-27, Bob Evans 2-37), however number 9 Pete Talbot rode his luck for his 35* and took his team home in the 48th over, with only 1 more wicket falling. Sam Mallows the best bowler, taking 4 for 60 off 11.

2XI - Grappenhall (H)

A warm summers day at Boughton hall where we entertained Grappenhall in our second encounter of the season. Riley won the toss and decided to bravely bat first. Bobby and Adam opened up and got off to flier at 38-0 off 4 overs before bobby went for a quick fire 31. In came Seamus the destroyer. Seamus's clean strikes and Adams nudging and nurdling seemed to be a great combination as they put on near to a 250 run partnership! Seamus ended up on 159 unbeaten and Adam on a patient 68. Dan called in his troops after 40 overs. A standing ovation for Seamus walking off the field and a declaration at 284-2 ensured that we would have 60 overs to bowl Grappenhall out if needed.

Keggy and Sam opened the bowling up and Grappenhalls opening batsmen were surprised by the swing as keggy picked up two quick wickets from his end assisted by Sams bowling. Atko replaced Sam and picked up a another quick wicket and Grappenhall were 3 down. A few clean hits though and Grappenhall were in with more than a chance at drinks being 115-3 off 20. Atko then bowled a peach to dismiss one of the Grappenhall batsmen who found the edge which was well caught by the buckets of Tommy Evans just after drinks. Wickets then fell at regular intervals as Grappenhall had a tail that didn't wag. Dan replaced keggy and Shane replaced Atko after Atko took 3 big wickets. Grappenhall 136 all out in 29 overs, Dan taking the last wicket.Dan and keggy finished with 2 wickets, Shane and Atko with 3. A comprehensive victory. 25 points to Chester, 1 to Grappenhall.

Cheadle next week who are sitting in second place.

2XI - Neston (H) - T20 Cup

Tuesday saw Chester take on Neston in the 1/4 final of the 20/20 cup. A strong side and a beautiful evening met the sides as Chester won the toss and batted. The Evans brothers opened and Bobby hit the first ball for four but was then out soon after leaving Tommy and Ed Roberts the task of rebuilding. Tommy struck the ball cleanly and Ed guided and struck the ball cleanly. Ed went to an unusual dismissal then Dumba followed suit. Tommy continued to whack it and hit two huge sixes in his 53 off 36 balls. Well batted Tommy. The end of the innings saw Jonty, Dan and Sam giving it a whack. 141. Enough?

Fishy opened the bowling and went for 2 in his first. Gilly whacked a couple of 4's from Francis and then Fishy got some tap. After the first 5 overs, the Neston batters had broken the back of the total. Too many 4 balls and despite a few shots that looped over the fielders and the umpires continually finding runs to add on to the board did nothing to help Chester. Keggy and Sam on. Tighter. Wickets and a bit of belief but it wasn't to be. Keggy and Sam bowled well and Francis was excellent in the outfield but the rest of the second half wasn't up to scratch. Defeat and disappointment. Habbits are hard to break and this losing on needs to go. Concentrate on the league now.

2XI - Didsbury (A)

The beautiful Didsbury ground looked splendid in the summer sun as Keggy steered the troops in through the gate. The ground is much improved and is nowadays one of the places to look forward to playing; they're a decent bunch too. Team changes (as usual) meant a re-structure for the skipper to manage. It's not often a second eleven skipper can call on 2 ex-Cheshire players both of whom had successfully captained the first eleven in recent years. With Ryen's secret formula about to kick in and the rain imminent - it always is in Mancheter - the chaps took the field having lost the toss. The most welcome sight for all involverd was the tall figure of Mike 'Smokey' Robinson taking to the field in a CBHCC hat and looking keen to impress. Ryen struck with a plumb LBW to remove burns, Keggy got rid of their number three and then Atko removed Stoney. Things were looking good especially as the other opener was on a personal crusade to bat for more overs than he could score runs - he manged 34 overs in the end and scored around the same. Shane came on and used his flight and guile and while Dan and Seamus 'discussed' the placing of the fielders, Didsbury eventually managed 178 all out. Shane outstanding - 6 for 50 and Atko quite puffed out and pleased that every fielder had given his all to the cause. Jonty still didn't know that he was in Manchester.

Tea was significantly spicier than usual, perhaps a cunning ploy or maybe a tea lady with good cooking skills...who knows. Delicious all the same although without a cake selection to match CBH in recent weeks. Seamus and Bobby opened up. Bobby gone to a waft. Jonty gone next ball to a block which went to cover. Dumba in. No hat-trick. Reliability has been the key to the success of Adam this year; he's batted brilliantly and with he and Seamus 'just batting' things looked good. Stoney on. Seamus sweep. Seamus out. Mike in. Mike hasn't played for over a year (a shame in itself) but you couldn't tell. Watchful in defence and powerful in attack he and Dumba pushed the score on past 100. Then it rained and the leggie came on. Wickets! Mike out for 25, Dan for 3. Then it rained and we waited and got nervous. Seamus' plea with Ryen for 15 was met with '15 what?!' DOTD sorted. Then Ryen out after the rain break. At this point and with Dumba still in it still looked possible but when Atko ran out Dumba, things looked bleak. Keggy a breezy 25 and then another run out. Game over. Much silence. Buffalo for Adam and his drink necked. SPirits raised in readiness for the ride home. A memorable day if not a memorable result. Much to build on and with a good run of wins over the coming weeks, who knows. Great to have Mike back too; class act.

2XI - Neston (H)

Chester welcomed Neston 2nd XI to Filkins Lane hoping to bounce back after the previous week’s loss.

Chester took first use of the wicket and were immediately on the back foot when Treen went early on. Dunbavand and Roberts followed quickly after but it was Bobby Evans and Rob Morris that steadied the ship. Evans in particular was savage on anything loose and raced towards an excellent 50. Evans fresh from a morning session of pilates, was eventually caught attempting a scoop shot for a fine 77. Morris then worked with the middle to late order and was eventually dismissed for a very good 49. Useful contributions from Tom Evans 25 and Dan Riley 12. Chester were all out for 194 in the 50th over.

Following a fine feast Chester unleashed Ryen Spencer Wolfe and he immediately made a breakthrough removing Neston's opener expertly caught in the gully. Chester needed to remove Gill and Murphy who progressed Neston well and it was the introduction of Dan Riley and Shane Patel that broke the deadlock. The pair bowled splendidly in tandem and reduced Neston to 158-7 but a fine innings from Crick took Neston over the line, who reached Chester's target 8 down with 5 ballballs to spare. Dan Riley 5-67 off 19, Shane Patel 2-51 off 17 and Spencer Wolfe 1-32 off 8.

Plenty of positives to take in to Didsbury away next week.

2XI - Macclesfield (H)

Chester suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Macclesfield.

A wet morning greeted the teams and patience was required to wait for the rain to depart. Some mopping up and cover shifting unearthed a perfectly dry, if a little green, pitch. The coin came down in favour of Chester and Keggy and Sam took the new ball. Some fantastic bowling, tight fielding and the kind of on field encouragement that maintained the spirit of cricket saw Macc 38 for 3 off 19 overs. At 37 overs Macc had managed to plunder 161 for 9. Too many. Keggy took 3 and so did Francis - who bowled well again - but their hitters hit with success.

A good tea then two things. Firstly some excellent bowling from Ikin and Melrose was too good for the top order. Secondly a torrent of abuse from one Macc player in particular annoyed, riled and befuddled all the Chester players. Unnecessary. Undignified. Unwanted. Christian Pain batted superbly to not get out initially and then score a majestic 86 but when he was finally out, Chester lost. 6 points, fabulous bowling but once again an unpleasant experience playing against Macc.

Onwards to Neston.

2XI - Marple (A)

The second team travelled to Marple for the first time in a while to take on the newly promoted side in a 2nd v 3rd showdown. Buoyed by the Friday night victory against Middlewich, the Chester team were confident of coming away with another 25 points. Karl's injury opened the door to Mike Treen and having lost the toss (again) and been invited to bat (again) Treeny duly opened up proceedings with Bobby Evans. Whilst Atko did his homework, maths I believe, the sun beat down on the players as the innings began. Bobby hit the first ball of the game for 4 and once he negotiated the first over, he played with his usual aplomb. Driving and cutting purposefully whilst Treeny kept up with his beauty routine of applying lip balm at every occasion. Treeny played beautifully and when Bobby was out LBW for 51, he and MVP Adam kept up the scoring rate. Both players played crisply and ran well. Treeny really deserved a 50 but it wasn't to be, out for 49; caught. Griff strolled out and began to accumulate and keep the run rate up. A motion to change the batting order to accommodate a trip to the cake shop was quashed by the skipper but a further suggestion to bring back Coconut Boost bars was firmly up held. Whilst gourmet conversations continued on the balcony, some great batting continued in the middle. Adam (60) and Griff (37) finally fell stumped and Jonty and Tommy fell likewise. The innings closed on 241 for 6. A good effort.

Tea. What a tea! Pasta, pizza etc, marvellous.

A serious effort in the field and with the ball required to push for another 25 points. No Sam so Atko took up the mantle to open up with Ben. Not a quick bowlers pitch and Ben was quickly replaced by Shane who bowled with clever flight and good skill and whilst Crissall raced to 50, he found it difficult to get Shane away to the fence. Atko bowled well and deserved his two wickets from a great 14 over spell. Only Toby Hughes has induced more play and miss-ing in recent years. The skipper took over and removed the dangerous Gary Cash for only a handful and as the run rate climbed the wickets started to fall. Crissall chipped RIley's moon ball to Griff, and the door was firmly ajar. Bobby replaced Shane who bowled an excellent 15 over spell to keep the lid on the runs. A further wicket then another for Riley and then Fraancis but victory was just out of reach. Great bowling and fielding, top efforts and 14 plays 7. On to next week when every Chester player seems to be available.

Only the top 2 teams remain unbeaten and Toft look like the team to beat. Better look with the toss required...

2XI - Urmston (H)

Chester Boughton Hall 2nd XI entertained Urmston on Saturday aiming to extend their unbeaten run.

In delightful conditions, Urmston won the toss and decided to bowl first. Chester opened with experienced duo Bob Evans and Jonty Hedgecoe. Both men pounced on anything loose and set the early tone. Sadly Hedgecoe was the first man to go, run out for 26. Jonty later admitted the singing and dancing he’d done at the Blue concert the previous evening really helped his preparation. Adam Dunbavand joined Bobby Evans at the crease and both men started to work their way through the gears. Evans’ up to his usual mischief cutting, flicking and pulling with distain. Dunbavand supporting superbly. Once Evans reached his 50 he embarked upon a scoring spree, racing towards his century. Dunbavand was out sweeping for 25. Evans brought up a splendid 100 shortly after and the emotion was clear to see - Tears of joy rolled down Evans’ face and even the kissing of the turf was a wonderful sight.

Once Urmston’s chief destroyer Matt Downes was introduced, his off-spin began to bamboozle the Chester batsman. He dismissed Evans for a fine 104, and then worked his way through Chester’s middle and lower order returning figures of 8-58. Support from Eddie Roberts 23 and Alex Kegg 13 guided Chester to a respectable 233 all out.

After devouring another delicious tea, Chester began the defence of their total. Sam Mallows and Bob Evans opened the bowling and it wasn’t long before Mallows picked up key early wickets. Urmston’s Chris Watson was the thorn in Chester’s side as he raced his way to a classy 42 before a Dan Riley in-swinger forced an error and the top edge flew to Davey Atkins. Chester sensed victory and with Evans’ drift, Kegg’s pace, Atkins’ enthusiasm and Dan Riley’s wizardry, Chester knew they were within touching distance of a deserved win. However, Urmston’s Number 10 Luke Durkan had other ideas. He blitzed his way to 50 and with Urmston 9 down, with one over remaining, they looked like they would snatch a draw. Skipper Riley was bowling, everyone was tense, the balcony was silent in anticipation and with 4 balls remaining Riley managed to lure the batsman in to a loose shot and a diving Kegg swooped at mid-off and caught a catch sending the Chester players in to wild celebrations, with one player, Bobby Evans, doing the splitz in the process.

Riley finished with fantastic figures of 6-26 off 13.2 overs able supported by Sam Mallows 3-74.

A great team performance. Tommy Evans set the standard behind the stumps, Karl Steadman motivated the team during the fielding session and Shane Patel covered every blade of grass.

Chester celebrated long and hard in to the night by doing some intense World Cup Panini sticker swapping.

Roll on Next Saturday.

2XI - Alderley Edge (H)

What an afternoon. Cricket was the winner, fortunately for the home team, they were too. For once the toss went in favour of Chester who chose to bowl first on a wicket that looked like there would be some help for the new ball. With only half a team of bowlers this week, Ben and Sam opened up and immediately made the toss look a good one to have won. Despite the usual no-balls from Ben (yes another wicket off one of them) the two big fellas put Alderley Edge on the back foot. A good batting side we're made to look quite ordinary through the combination of accuracy, a bit of pace and - from Sam - some extravagant seem movement. Tommy Evans looked lively behind the timbers and took a number of good catches. At 70 for 7 and with the sun out, it was going well. A little too well. Ben finished his 6 overs with 3 wickets and Sam had 4 but number 8 Dawson decided to spoil Jonty's early beer plans. He whacked 61 before super Shane Patel bowled him. The innings eventually ending for 152. Good but it should have definitely been sub 100. 5 for 44 for Sam Mallows. The best opening bowler in the league. Shane stamped his mark on the game with 2 for next to nothing and Ben bowled well for his 3 wickets.

Tea. A good tea. No cheesecake but marvellous fruit selection and a choice of fried potato products. Marvellous.

As the third team were about to win on the back pitch, the Chester top 4 of Evans, Roberts, Griffiths and Jonty looked confident in the changing room. They looked a lot less confident on their return at 24 for 4. Adam Dumba and Ben at the crease with the job of seeing off the new ball. Adam looking composed and Ben in good touch. At 99 for 8 though with only Shane and Sam to help Adam dig Chester out of a hole the outlook, not the weather, looked bleak. Shane yorked and a distinctly overfed lady clearing her throat for the opening bars. No chance. Adam drove crisply and flicked off his legs well. Sam's decision not to try and defend anything was paying off. No one was allowed to move for fear of jinx. 4 leg byes, generous field placings and then a straight 4 from Sam greeted by rapturous applause. Fantastic to win. Gutting to lose. Hats off to Alderley Edge for playing their part. Another win and hopefully some momentum.

2XI - Cheadle (H)

What a difference a week makes.

Beautiful blue clouds greeted the teams as they arrived at Filkins Lane for this league fixture. A young Cheadle side, newly promoted and flying high, won the toss and chose to top up their Manchester tans in the field. Ed and Bob back together at the top of the order and Bobby hoping not to be out in the first over for the fourth successive week; of all his many records, that wouldn't be one to be celebrated. A watchful start gave way to steady accumulation of runs without any of the fluency of the previous home games - a trickier pitch maybe. At 100 for 0 with both openers in (Eddie having nudged past 300 runs for the season) the platform seemed set for the sloggers to launch things if required. Pace off the ball and Bob (60) and Ed (41) gone. Jonty came in and launched some brutish blows way over the rope for a typically swashbuckling 35 and that, in terms of run scoring, was that really. Ben Roberts 4 form 33 balls tells the tale of how the run rate almost stopped. 16 from the skipper being the only other score in double figures. All out in the last over for 196.

Oreo cheesecake for tea along with the usual spread of butties saw of experienced player leave a tip - first one ever in 20 years!

Without Francis it was time for the other seam bowlers to step up. Bowling any team out at any time on the front pitch is a tricky thing to do. Sam and Ben began in miserly fashion and Sam dismissed Ives (an ex-member of Goldie Lookin Chain) with a nip backer that took off pole. A waist high full toss wasn't as elegant but just as effective. 2 down. Catch down off Ben. "Nevermind my good man" or words to that effect were the response from the Brymbo express. Keggy and Dan on and pace off, it had worked for Cheadle so seemed the way to go. Although their captain was looking easy, striking wayward bowling to the boundary and watchfully blocking the good ones but wickets began to fall regularly. When Riley removed the skipper, well stumped by Karl for 70 odd, the door seemed firmly ajar. The thirds looking on from the bar having thrashed Oxton expected a win and they weren't disappointed. Atko into the attack and a wicket first over and then another. "Just bowl at the stumps" shouted the experienced heads. Dooler caught behind off Atko. 9 down. Sam tried and Atko continued then the skipper brought himself back, certain he could remove Whitely; he did LBW in the 45th over. Relief and enjoyment parcelled up in the form of 25 points. Unbeaten still but more importantly victorious. Everyone chipped in; Riley 3 for 33, Kegg 3 for 54, Mallows 2 for 20 and Atko 2 for 12. Excellent. How Francis and Shane can be shoe horned into that bowling line up is anyones guess but that is for a different day. Great game.

2XI - Grappenhall (A)

It was going to be one of those days. Unavailable players and injuries meant changes to the side but no less optimism for that elusive first victory. The omens were not good. Torrential rain in Chester and throughout the journey along with the sight of a cow jogging down the hard shoulder of the M56 were not promising.

Grappenhall seemed to have escaped the very worst of the weather and although the ground was wet, the pitch was perfect. Grappers batted and Ben quickly removed the dangerous Barnes snicked off to Tommy. Will Sharp was quietly getting himself in with characteristic drives and flicks, but he found things tricky against Sam who got the ball to move around on a flat pitch; welcome back Sam. Keggy and Francis came on and Francis removed Sharp who left one that jagged back into his off pole. The pressure began to mount and sustained periods of dots left Grappers scoring 8 from one ten over period, crucially however, they didn't lose wickets. Francis felt a little bit tired and had to have a bit of a nap to recover and the skipper came on and kept up the pressure. Still no wickets and shots began to be played. The fully revitalised Francis came back on (possibly he ate one of Ben's 13 tuna baguettes). Wickets fell regularly but runs flowed too. 196 for 6 was the finish. Keggy was unlucky not to take a wicket (no dropped catches this week though). Francis finished with another 4.

A good tea whilst it rained and there was a definite sense that the game was there for the taking if the new ball could be effectively seen off. Unfortunately it wasn't. Bobby continued his run of bad luck by finding another way to get out in the first over, this time off his sleeve. 'Call him back lads...' shouted the crowd. Jonty, Ben, Treeny and Tommy Wyatt (who looked the most comfortable against the opening bowler) all came and went. The unbeaten record looked under threat. At 74 for 8 with Tommy, The Colonel and Dan back in the hutch, the game looked done. But in Keggy and Francis, we have two real class acts. They defended watchfully, struck powerfully when required and most importantly they took responsibility. Sam remained with his pads on; unrequired. The rain came and went. Jonty became a firm favourite with the gathered females in the bar but Grappers didn't take any more wickets. 12 plays 5.

The season has not gone as well as hoped from the outset in terms of points. But lost tosses against Hyde and Neston could have turned out differently and with availability looking good again in the coming weeks, optimism remains high. Responsibility is now the watch word for the season. We have to take it.

2XI - Hyde (H)

A brilliant match unfolded on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Filkins Lane as the 2XI took on a notoriously strong Hyde side. Skipper Dan Riley lost the toss and Chester were asked to bat first on a wicket that had a bit of moisture, and was only going to get better to bat on throughout the day.

Young Bobby Evans and the evergreen Eddie Roberts opened up the batting and for the second week running, Evans had gone inside the first over for just 4. This brought man mountain Jonty Hedgecoe to the crease who took about the bowling with his usual hard hitting approach. Hedgecoe was the next to go for 17, seeing his middle stump cartwheeling back like a Gymnast. While the wickets kept falling at regular intervals at the other end, Roberts continued to accumulate his runs in his typical stunningly fluent fashion. Gillson was next to depart for 14, Ben Roberts came and left for 18, then Tommy Evans joined Eddie Roberts at the crease. These two Rum Herberts put on 80 for the fifth wicket, Roberts stroke making taking him to a delightful century and Evans’ power hitting working in perfect harmony before Evans was caught on the boundary for 39 with 4 overs to go trying to up the run rate even more. Riley departed without troubling the scorers which left Eddie and Dave Atkins to smash 35 runs off the last 3 overs, including 19 off the last over and 12 off the last 2 balls! All very important runs in what was to be a spectacular finish. Eddie finished on a superb 129 not out, reminiscent of his best form throughout the 2000s.

Chester took the field after tea with the wiley Alex Kegg taking the first over from the John Le’gry end with young paceman Ben Roberts bowling from the Roger Miln End and a return behind the stumps for Tommy Evans. The two Hyde opening batters managed to play Kegg and Roberts well, albeit with some crucial catches going down at crucial points. After 14 overs Riley decided slow bowling was the key and brought himself on for Roberts, and replacing Kegg with spinster Shane Patel. Both bowled with accuracy and The Patelster finally made the breakthrough with the score on 103. Even with the loss of the wicket, Hyde seemed to be in the box seat requiring 134 from 23 overs with 9 wickets left. In the 32nd over Riley made what turned out to be an inspired bowling change, replacing himself with Francis Robson. Cometh the man, cometh the hour, cometh the Robson. He bowled brilliantly in tandem with Patel, the Atkin and finally Kegg to leave the match delicately poised with 4 overs to go. Being thoroughly cheered on every ball that went from the 4th team (who had already won handsomely by this point), Mr Pringle on the balcony and George Robinson, on what appeared to be his grandmothers bike, the score was left on 229-6.Chester needed an unlikely 4 wickets. Hyde needed 9 runs. Drama. Robson steadied himself at the end of his run up. First ball: single. 4 wickets/8 runs from 5 balls. Second ball: Kegg takes a catch on the boundary. 3 wickets/8 runs from 4 balls. Third ball: Run Out! Hedgecoe with a delightful throw to Tommy who whipped the bails off enthusiastically. 2 wickets/8 runs from 3 balls. Fourth ball: 2 runs. 2 wickets/6 runs from 2 balls. Fifth ball: Dot ball. Chesters hopes of a win were out the window barring a miracle run out off a no ball. Hyde were still in it needing to clear the ropes for the win. Final ball: Bowled! A fantastic yorker from Robson splatters the batsmans stumps and leaves Hyde 5 short on 232-9. Robson finished the match with figures of 4-31 from 9 overs, Kegg finishing with 3-61 from 14, and Patel getting the other wicket with 1-36 from 8.

Great team performance with everyone chipping in with important contributions with either bat, ball or in the field. Chester took 15 points, Hyde took 7. Next week the 2XI are off to Grappenhall hoping to break the duck and get the win to get our season off to a flyer.

2XI - Didsbury (H)

The first home game of the season for the second eleven was ushered in the previous evening by heavy rain and an uninspiring forecast. Saturday arrived though with a breeze and broken clouds; game on. Didsbury to Filkins Lane. Guy and Sam out and Atko and the returning Tommy Evans welcomed back in their stead. A thorough warm up and a won toss promised much. Chester bowling first on a flat wicket but a stiff breeze firing down the ground towards Leggers balcony.

Ben Roberts sprinting in with the wind behind him and Atko manfully battling up hill and into the gale. A breakthrough early off the bowling of Ben. Quick, straight, yorker; out. Marvellous. A stunning catch by Eddie at gully removed Stoneman and things looked to be going to plan. Didsbury rallied with their middle order, Francis came on and bowled a great line and length to snare two wickets in an over, both bowled. Riley and Kegg both had a go at bowling into the breeze but thought better of it and Atko came back to take a smartly juggled caught and bowled. Shane Patel came on for the first half of his eventful day. Bowling tight lines and clever lengths he went on to take 3 for 27 from his ten overs. All good with a first team game to come the following day. A couple of lusty blows at the end and a run out left Didsbury all out for 191 in the last over. Ben Roberts finishing with 3 wickets and Atko team man of the day for his 17 overs into the wind.

A worse start to the Chester innings could not have been possible. Bobby run out by a length off a no ball. Where there's blame there's a claim and all that but Bobby was probably guilty of sailing his own ship down the river a bit too early. Ed and Ollie Law knuckled down under the pressure of the moving ball. Both drove with authority and punished any waywardness. The spin options of Stoneman and Rab (after C Nesbitt apparently) were introduced and wickets began to fall. Ollie caught at slip, the Ben fell quickly after. Tommy and the skipper both biffed some bad balls for 4 then fell for 13. Next, with pressure mounting, Eddie was brilliantly caught by Stoneman at mid-on. Favour returned and Chester looking to salvage a draw. Atko, Karl and Francis came and went without much ink required from the scorers pen. Enter Super Shane Patel (for the second part of his eventful day) and Alex (once mistaken for Warren whilst batting) Kegg. Ten overs to bat for an extra point but more importantly, to maintain an unbeaten start to the season. The setting sun, some intimidating field placing’s and bowling changes did nothing to deter the pair from sticking to the task in hand. Draw.

In truth Chester never fully recovered from the disaster that was the first ball and with very accurate bowling it was a difficult task without someone making a telling, match winning innings. Eddie and Ollie were the scoring stars, Eddie with his second half century, but the blocking at the end was for the greater good.

Hyde next week who have won both and are the bogey team of Chester seconds. Richard du Jour...Ollie.

2XI - Neston (A)

The first Saturday of the season welcomed in by glorious sunshine and a shirt front of a wicket at Neston. The Parkgate ground looked in top condition with a gentle breeze keeping the things cool. Toss crucial; toss lost. Batting first.

This season is a big one for CBHCC. To build on the successes of last season will take work and commitment from everyone involved and with an excellent winter of netting and recruiting of new players complete, the actual action could begin. A club debut for Francis Robson and a second team debut for Keggy certainly helped strengthen the bowling attack. Dan and Sam continuing to provide baldness and experience, Shane Patel looking to build on his success from last season and Ben steaming angrily in from two miles away. If that attack wasn't impressive enough at second team level, the top four of Bobby, Ed Roberts, Guy and (the returning) Ollie Law certainly was. Karl behind the timbers too; he was one of the leagues top all rounders last season you know!

From the first ball of the day which was dismissively pulled away for 4 by Bobby, batting was made to look easy. Great entertainment from all the top 4 as each of them made the best use of the excellent batting wicket, a genuine pleasure to watch. Eddie drove expertly, Bobby pulled and punched the ball just like he did last season and the first 100 partnership of the season was quickly realised. Marvellous start. Bobby went for 66 and young Guy strolled to the crease to join Eddie. Guy batted with genuine class, finding gaps with deft touches one minute then smacking a 6 over mid-wicket the next. When Eddie went for 82 (just as little Arthur strolled off for his chips) Ollie marched out to the wicket. Ollie is a talented batsman; fast feet and quick hands combined with pure striking and an ability to clear any boundary but what he needed was a good first knock. That's what he delivered. Superb stuff. When Guy and Ollie departed for half centuries, Ben 'David Luiz' Roberts finished things off with skipper Dan. 300 for 4. Too many? Not enough against an excellent Neston batting line up? Indeed the reigning champions

Fantastic tea and time to think and reflect.

The loss of Sam at the 11th hour with his girlfriend Kate taken ill was not the way any team would want to begin a season. Our thoughts and best wishes are with them. Neston were as gentlemanly as you would expect in providing a sub fielder for the next 50 overs - much appreciated (especially the catch by Dave Manchett). Keggy opened up with Ben and both quickly realised just how flat the pitch was. Their innings began and then continued watchfully. No real attacking urgency against some accurate bowling. Ben gave way to Francis who showed that he could bowl a controlled line and length. He will be hard to score quickly off in the coming weeks. Keggy got the first breakthrough courtesy of an excellent Ollie Law catch. The skipper bowled with his usual pace and variations and then Shane came on and showed great control of his flight, line and length. But this was a bowlers nightmare of a track. Despite further changes and a flurry of shots from Crick once a victory was mathematically impossible, Chester couldn't find the win. In truth there were enough chances. 3 dropped catches, a missed stumping and Garret bowled from a no-ball. What if?

13 points to 6 was a fair reflection on a game that Chester dominated with Neston finishing 200 for 6. Keggy 3 for 74, Dan 2 for 34 and Shane the other wicket. Plenty more positives than negatives but there are definitely marginal gains to be made in the fielding department.