Alvanley CC | 1st XI Match Reports

Saturday 13th September v Cholmondley

The last game of the season was something of a damp squib as nothing was riding on the game except pride.

Alvanley batted first on a benign wicket but soon lost Andy Bennion caught well at mdi-wicket. Simon Gee and Ben Pearce soon followed in similar fashion wichout breaking double figures and at 29 for 3 off 15 overs Alvanley had much to do. Cei Sanderson and Marcus Gilbert set about the repair work in their own styles. The former attacking while the latter built steadily. They posted 38 for the fourth wicket before Sanderson was run out for 41 including 3 towering 6s.

Gilbert stuck around and played the foil for his skipper, Mark Szymura. They placed the ball well to take a succession of singles and 2s before Szymura opened his shoulders to take the attack to Cholmondley. Gilbert finally went for a stoic 35 but Szymura went onto a high class, unbeaten 50. Lee Ainsworth, on his 17th birthday helped his skipper take the score to 162 for 6 - surely enough in the condidtions?

Cholmondley started their innings solidly if not spectacularly, posting 50 for the first wicket before Pete Pearce induced an LBW. Pickersgill's off-spin soon picked up another and when Pearce bowled 2 more Cholmondley were in trouble at 65 for 4. Gilbert confidently plucked a catch at long-on to bag yet another wicket for Pearce and a win seemed a likely to end the season.

The experienced Jones, well supported by Johnson had other ideas and posted a 50 stand to take Cholmondley to safety, finishing on 153 for 7.

Pearce picked up to very late wickets to finish with 6 for 53 and 50 for the season, only bettered by James Wheelahan's 55, whose 7 for 51 was the season's best return. Chris Fletcher's 2 victims took him to 22 for the season behind the stumps, while Andy Bennion topped the batting with 429 runs. The highest batting partnership was between Bennion and Si Gee posting 128 against Malpas.

The team finished 7th and reached the area final of the Village KO as well as the semi-final of the league 20/20.

With Robin Fisher returning in 2009, joined by fellow spinner Dave Shewring, Alvanley will be hoping to push for the promotion places come next September. The quality of the ground has been as high as ever. Ian Charles and his team have produced great wickets which have been appreciated by the players and opposition alike.

Final mention should go to the miriad of youngsters coming through. They all display great attitudes and committment to the club and will surely take the club forward in the next few years.

Saturday 6th September v Davenham

Match called off to flooded ground at ACC

Saturday 30th August v Malpas

Alvanley eased any lingering relegation worries with a stunning win against Malpas.

Alvanley elected to bowl first on an excellent Malpas track and looked likely to take a wicket early on, without actualy doing so. Lee Ainsworth's early burst was wicketless, while James Wheelahan, playing his last game before heading back to Melbourne, bowled with great control, eventually breaking the deadlock, having Walker caught behind. The scoring rate never got away from Alvanley, mainly thanks to Wheelahan's control, but it was Pete Pearce who grabbed the next wicket, inducing an edge which Fletcher juggled and then caught to keep Alvanley in control.

Phil Jones came on to break a stubborn 3rd wicket partnership but it was at this point with 15 overs to go that Malpas hit the accelerator. Suckley and Madusanka upped the tempo before Wheelahan yorked the latter, then going on to complete a 5 wicket haul for just 55 off 17 excellent overs. Late blows took Malpas past 200 closing on 205 for 7.

Alvanley got off to a cautious reply and were dealt a double blow as Andy Bennion was adjudged LBW soon after Glenn Pickersgill limped off with a pulled calf. Ben Pearce soon followed but a sterling stand of 54 between left handers Si Gee and Marcus Gilbert put Alvanley back on track before Gee walked for 27. Skipper Mark Szymura upped the ante with a cavalier yet considered 31, his work carried on by the experienced Phil Jones (24)

Gilbert's innings glued the Alvanley innings together - always in control and scoring in all parts of the ground, it was a suprise when he left his stumps open for a superb 61. Pickersgill bravely returned to produce a cameo 24.

Chris Fletcher and Lee Ainsworth suddenley found themselves needing 16 off two overs. Just 5 off the penultimate over swung the game Malpas's way but Fletcher had other ideas, swinging a six onto the football ground to grab the initiative back.

The last ball arrived with Ainsworth on strike and 2 needed. A leg-glance and some great running sparked joyous scenes among the Alvanley ranks.

A great game from both teams

Saturday 23rd August v Runcorn

For the 2nd week running the rain thwarted Alvanley's victory push as they steamrollered Runcorn from ball 1.

Alvanley were invited to bat first on a great Alvanley wicket and were soon into their stride. Openers Andy Bennion and Nick Geddis raced along at 4 an over, Bennion playing the aggressor while Geddis played a more watchful role. Bennion drove the opening bowlers to all parts as the pair put on 70 for the first wicket before he fell for an excellent 42.

Geddis increased his tempo and combined well with Ben Pearce until a mixup saw the former on his way for a stoic 29. Pearce went on to make a composed 26, but when he and, soon after, Glenn Pickersgill were out Alvanley lost their momentum.

Marcus Gilbert tried to up the tempo in his busy 17. Enter Captain Mark Szymura. Supported well by Phil Jones, he showed his considerable class and power to plunder a run-a-ball 43 including 2 sixes that were worth 8! The late burst took Alvanley to their highest score of the season - 186 for 6.

Runcorn were never in the game from there on. James Wheelahan, bowling fast and straight was too much for the visiting batsmen. He removed the top 5 in his first 10 overs as the score reached the thirties. Pete Pearce weighed in with a brace to add to Runcorn's woes and when Wheelahan bagged his 6th, Runcorn were on the brink at 45 for 8.

Then came the rain. The players endured an hour of steady rain, taking a huge chunk out of the game, before the clouds departed allowing the bowlers one last burst.

Pearce struck immediatly but with 20 minutes to go the last pair dug in to salvage a draw.

Credit the bowlers. To take 9 wickets in just 33 overs on a great batting pitch was a great effort. Pearce ended with 3 for 16 while Wheelahan bagged 6 for 28. Alvanley took 17 points from the game to Runcorn's 5, easing the relegation worries.

Saturday 16th August v Oakmere

Alvanley were left frustrated by the rain in their local derby at Oakmere

Oakmere won the toss and batted first on a green, grassy track but struggled against the outstanding Chris Charles and James Wheelahan The only surprise was that this opening pair didn't prise a wicket. At 20 overs the home team had limped to 40 for 0.

Enter Peter Pearce. Bowling at his very best, the Alvanley slow bowler induced a false shot from Yearsley and next ball found the edge of Wood's bat - expertly caught at slip by Andy Bennion. Charles returned to take his much deserved wicked of Hutchinson and 65 for 3 off 28 overs represented a great start for Alvanley.

Alvanley had no answer to the class of Stuart Eaton. He began cautiously but with measured aggression and good support he gradually took Oakmere to a decent total. Pearce kept up his good work to finish with 5 for 71 from 16 overs but at tea it was advantage Oakmere as they closed on 183 with Eaton unbeaten on 81.

Alvanley started their reply badly losing Nick Geddis and Jacob Newman early but an aggressive stand between Bennion and Ben Pearce suggested that victory was achievable. Then came the rain. With Alvanley 45 for 2 (Bennion 26 not out, Pearce 14 not out) no more play was possible and 7 points was their scant reward for a spirited performance.

Saturday 9th August

Alvanley beat the rain but lost heavily to Ashton on Mersey

The efforts of Ian Charles and the Alvanley team to beat the awful weather were in vain as, despite producing an excellent playing surface, the batsmen went down dramatically to the visiting bowlers.

All the decisions went with Ashton's bowlers but credit should also go their way as Alvanley never came to terms with the seaming ball and subsided to a paltry 72 all out. Glenn Pickersgill (18), Andy Bennion (17) and Chris Charles (16) were the only batsmen that made double figures.

In fairness the Alvanley bowlers could not be faulted. They beat the bat and hit the pads with startling regularity. Chris Charles was particularly luckless, bowling his 8 overs wicketless for just 12 runs. James Wheelahan (1 for 21) and Pete Pearce (1 for 8 off 7 overs) could not have been more unlucky as they watched the visitors edge their way to an 8 wicket win.

Just 1 point from the game will mean that with 5 games to go, Alvanley must pick up some form to avoid getting involved in the relegation scrap.

Saturday 2nd August v Brooklands

Alvanley travelled to runaway leaders Brooklands on Saturday and managed a fighting draw.

Brooklands elected to bat first but were soon in trouble against the new-ball pairing of Chris Charles and James Wheelahan. Charles induced an edge from the dangerous Birchall and then suckered the prolific Sharma with a bouncer. When Wheelahan got in on the act to reduce the hosts to 25 for 3, Alvanley will have felt a shock was on the cards.

The next half an hour saw the edge being beaten and the ball dropping into gaps but credit to the home side. They dug in and eventually upped the ante. The 4th wicket pair hit 131 taking their team from trouble to a commanding score. Wheelahan returned to bag another scalp but procedings ended on 207 for the loss of just 4.

Alvanley start began brightlly but Andy Bennion cut to point for 15 and fellow opener Ben Pearce was adjudged LBW soon after. Simon Gee looked in control for his 14 but again perished run out and the pattern continued as a third youngster, Nick Geddis got into the teens before being sent packing LBW.

Alvanley will have felt in the game when Mark Szymura and Glenn Pickersgill were at the crease. But yet another teen-terror struck as Pickersgill fell for 15 followed next ball by Szymura for a powerful topscore of 27.

Ian Charles ensured that some bonus points would be picked up in the draw effort with some powerful drives in his 17. Chris Fletcher was yet another LBW victim and the pressure was building to salvage the draw but Wheelahan and Pete Pearce (13no) have good experience in these situations and calmly guided their team to 151 for 9 and a creditable draw.

Saturday 26th July v Trafford

Alvanley lost a thrilling game off the last ball with Trafford's last pair at the crease.

Batting first on a scorching day Alvanley got off to a good start with Mark Szymura and Andy Bennion combatting the swinging ball to post 30 of 6 overs. Szymura was unluckily out caught behind, when withdrawing his bat for 11 while Bennion soon followed, yorked for 20. Simon Gee was found LBW for 5 and it was down to Marcus Gilbert (13) and Glenn Pickersgill (21) to rebuild. They took the score to 69 before both fell with an over. Ian Charles followed 1st ball and Nick Geddis, Chris Fletcher and Pete Pearce continued the procession.

100 for 9 was disasterous on a good wicket but all was not lost with Chris Charles (25) at the crease. Supported well by James Wheelahan, he dug in and then gradually increased the tempo to lift the score to 140 - surely a minimum on this wicket? Crucially Alvanley were all out in 37 overs, handing 7 overs to Trafford.

Trafford soon lost an opener after tea to the excellent Chris Charles and Pearce made it 2 inducing an LBW. Wickets fell steadily and the run rate neevr got out of control but the obdurate Warner was proving to be the difference. Enter Nick Geddis. Bowling by far his best spell of the season he hit Warner in the head, who was unable to carry on. Geddis ended with 2 for 25). Meanwhile, Pearce was bowling with skill and accuracy and the chance of all 4 results became a possibility.

A stubborn 8th wicket stand was ended by Pearce (4 for 39 of 18 overs) and Alvanley were in the ascendancy. Park the bowler became a thorn in Alvanley's side as a batsman and calmly took things down to the wire. The last pair needed 1 run from 1 ball and a scrambled leg bye game them the victory by the narrowest of margins.

Alvanley will feel unlucky on lots of counts but took just 11 points from a game they feel they should have won.

Saturday 19th July v Ashley

Game called off on Saturday morning. Even more annoying we have been docked 8 points for slow over rates against Oakmere and Runcorn

Saturday 12th July v Mere

Alvanley secured a dramatic win over mid-table Mere on Saturday to maintain their position in the top half of the table.

Mere were asked to bat first on a damp Alvanley track and soon lost 2 wickets to the excellent James Wheelahan. He and Chris Charles ensured that runs were also difficult to come by.

Mere’s middle order rallied and slowly but surely upped the rate to 3 per over. Pete Pearce 2 for 39) weedled out two important wickets but it was Wheelahan that ensured a moderate total with a devastating late burst. Mere subsided to 148 all out in the 42nd over, leaving the Alvanley paceman with season-best figures of 7 for 53.

Alvanley’s reply was similar. Andy Bennion departed early but then a stand of 51 between Mark Szymura and Simon Gee put their noses in front. Szymura departed for a classy 34, full of powerful drives and watchful defence. Marcus Gilbert (22) kept Gee (39) company but when both departed, soon followed by Ian Charles, Glenn Pickersgill and Chris Fletcher, Alvanley were struggling. Enter the youngsters! Nick Geddis kept a cool head for a clever 10 not out but the hero of the day was Chris Charles. The 17 year old blasted 23 off just 12 balls to take Alvanley to 20 points with 3 wickets and 4 balls to spare, sparking jubilant scenes from his team-mates.

Saturday 5th July v Congleton

The second half of the season began with disappointment for Alvanley, as their visit to Congleton ended with a heavy defeat. Alvanley batted first on a crusty wicket and openers Andy Bennion and Mark Szymura worked hard to reach 36 before Bennion played-on to an inside edge. 43 for 1 became 43 for 4 as a remarkable change of fortunes took place. A bowling change brought on a slower bolwer who got the ball to behave alarmingly. Simon Gee was unlucky to be caught down legside. He was followed by Ben Pearce, Glenn Pickersgill, Szymura (15) and Ian Charles as Congleton grabbed the initiative. Chris Fletcher and Ian Brodie provided a mini-revival but they soon joined their colleagues to leave the team reeling at 78 for 9. Pete Pearce and James Wheelahan stuck in and gradually mastered the condidtions to post a face-saving 42 stand for the last wicket. Wheelahan struck 16 not out while Pearce top scored with 17. Alvanley closed on 120.

The wicket was a helpful one and as last week proved, Alvanley are capable of defending a low score. Lots of playing and missing was the pattern of the opening overs with edges flying to the boundary. Wheelahan managed to remove one opener and Pearce supplied the second breakthrough and 50 for 2 brought some hope. this hope was dashed in an instant as Congleton's Aussie, batting at 4, destroyed the bowling with a succession of sixes. Congleton lost two further wickets but, in fairness, romped home by 6 wickets with 18 overs to spare.

Alvanley must improve and can do so this week at home to Mere, looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.

Thursday 3rd July v Barrow

Alvanley’s Cup season extended into July but ended on Thursday night with a shattering loss against Barrow in the quarter final of the league KO.

Barrow batted first on a wet Alvanley wicket and made good progress despite the loss of two early wickets. Bell and Barclay rattled up 38 for the 3rd wicket and at 93 for 2 after 13 overs, a huge total looked likely, Pearce (2 for 25) returned to remove Barclay while Wheelahan bowled well at the death to finish with 3 for 20. Lust blows from the middle order saw Barrow to a par score of 137 for 6. at the halfway stage. Too many twos and extras contributed to this score.

Alvanley began brightly but completely lost there way against some tight bowling. Only Ben Pearce (38) and Ian Charles (20) mastered the conditions. Their assertive batting taking the score to 99 for 2, but in fading light, the task was too great and Alvanley well 15 runs short and must now make do with league cricket for another year.

Saturday 28th June v Cholmondley

Alvanley and Cholmondley have been throwing up extraordinary games for years now and Saturday’s encounter at Cholmondley Castle was no exception.
Alvanley were asked to bat first on what looked a good wicket but soon lost Andy Bennion to a brute and Si Gee to a shooter. Nick Geddis (13) and Glenn Pickersgill soon followed and at 17 for 4 the visitors were in trouble.
Ben Pearce set about repairing the damage but the wicket kept tumbling at the other end. At 40 for 6 Guy Ford had taken all 6 wickets and was at times unplayable bowling with skill and aggression.
Mark Szymura, Chris Charles and Chris Fletcher all made double figures and together with Ben Pearce's 31 managed at least to push the score to three figures.
Ford just kept going taking 8 out of 8 before bowling Pete Pearce neck and crop. Could he achieve the impossible? Yes he could. An incredible performance saw him break the league record with staggering figures of 10 for 47 in 17 relentless overs.
Alvanley felt that 105 was defendable with the wicket giving the bowlers alarming assistance and so it proved to be. Chris Charles got them of to a great start, sending Heritage on his way. Wheelahan was firing in at the other end and bowled over after over of unplayable balls but could not find the edge. Pete Pearce was having more look and grabbed two early wicket to leave Chums 27 for 3. A fighting stand between Simon Gardener (53) and Guy Ford seemed to take the game back from ALVANLEY taking the score into the 90s but Pearce struck twice again to open the door at 96 for 6.
Then followed the most extra-ordinary performance. James Wheelahan dug in and bowled fast and straight sending back the remaining batsmen for 2 runs in 14 balls. Cholmondley were just 2 runs short when Cooke was bowled, sparking jubilant scenes among the Alvanley players and lifting them into 5th place at the season's 1/2 way stage.
Wheelahan and Ford can both take a bow for two extraordinary performances.
Alvanley host neighbours Barrow on Thursday night in the 1/4 final of the League 20/20 and then travel to Congleton on Saturday.

Saturday 21st June v Davenham

Alvanley crashed to a 10 wicket defeat on Saturday against an unpredictable Davenham team, in damp conditions and on an interesting wicket.

Alvanley were asked to bat first and soon lost Nick Geddis LBW. Scoring was slow and laying bat on ball was a real challenge as the new ball moved around alarmingly. Simon Gee stuck around for a while before falling to another LBW and with few scoring opportunities about, at 20 for 2 off 17 overs, things were looking bleak for Alvanley. Glenn Pickersgill joined Andy Bennion and injected some life into the innings. A stand of 40 was broken when the patient Bennion fell for 26. Each batsman that tried to accelerate found themselves walking back to the pavillion as Davenham tightened their grip. After Pickersgill perished for 28,only Marcus Gilbert 22no mastered the conditions as Alvanley closed on 123 all out - not far off par surely on this most difficult of wickets?

Apparently not! One of the most devastating innings ever seen, followed. What should have been a tricky passage of play for Davenham turned into a cakewalk. Opener Dave Holden smashed 12 sixes in an incredible 105 not out, taking his team home by 10 wickets, with 28 overs to spare.

Alvanley travel to Cholmondley this Saturday.

Thursday 19th July v Wirral CC

Alvanley made smooth progress to the Quarter Finals of the League 20/20 on Thursday night with a comprehensive win at Wirral CC.
Alvanley batted first on a green wicket and got off to a steady start. Mark Szymura and Andy Bennion pinched singles and put the bad balls away to post 50 within 9 overs before Szymura fell for 29. Marcus Gilbert kept the score ticking, expertly rotating the strike and occasionally pulling powerfully, but it was Bennion who provided the impetus. Pulling and cutting powerfully, Bennion struck 4 sixes and 7 fours on his way to a determined 83 not out. Gilbert was out slogging for 26 and the innings ended at 153 for 2.
Wirral had no answer for the pace of Wheelahan (1 for 2) and the guile of Pearce (4 for 17) and were reeling at 39 for 5. Chris Charles, Phil Jones and Nick Geddis all chipped in with wickets, backed up by a top rate catching display, to send Wirral back for just 69.
The quarter final will be at Alvanley against Barrow on Thursday July 3rd.

Saturday 14th June v Malpas

Alvanley secured a fine victory over a talented Malpas side on Saturday and in doing so lifted themselves into the top half of the table.

Malpas won the toss and elected to bat first on a fast, bouncy track at Alvanley but made the worst of starts losing both openers for just 10, a wicket apiece to James Wheelahan and Ian Brodie. A change of end gave Brodie a further wicket and with the run rate in check, attacking fields were employed.

None of the Malpas batsmen ever got going and further inroads were made by Brodie (4 for 41) and Whelahan (2 for 43). The tail had no answer to the wiles of Pete Pearce and his 4 for 38 ensured that the batsman were chasing a managaeable 163.

Alvanley too lost an opener early, but then followed a sublime stand between Andy Bennion and 17 year old Simon Gee. Gee had made a 90 and a 100 for the 2nd XI in his last two innings but was tested early on with some short agressive bowling. His charactor was up to the task and gradually an assertive stand was put together with his senior partner. Bennion was scoring all around the wicket while Gee concentrated on piercing the cover. Their stand reached 128 before Bennion departed for 67. Gee followed next ball for his maiden 1st team 50. The game was finished by Marcus Gilbert (13no) and Ben Pearce (18 not out) for the most comprehensive of victories and 25 points to boot.

Saturday 7th June v Runcorn

A game that Alvanley dominated throughout yielded 17 points as their perspiring bowlers tried everything to force a win but had to settle for a winning draw at Runcorn.

Alvanley won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision acting captain Andy Bennion nearly regretted as the new ball zipped about alarmingly. He and Nick Geddis though negotiated this tricky period and soon stamped their authority to post a quickfire 78 for the first wicket, Bennion going first for 46 and Geddis soon following for an excellent, maiden 1st team 50. Ian Charles kept up the pace with a stylish 20 but there followed a collapse as 117 for 1 became 148 for 8. This did not phase 16 year old Lee Ainsworth. In the family tradition his attacked from the start and smashed a ten ball 19 including a towering 6 to take his team to 172 and maximum batting points.

Runcorn got off to a steady start, posting 57 for the first wicket but all the time falling behind the rate. In a remarkable turnaround, Ian Brodie (3 for 24) removed both openers and 5 ducks followed as James Wheelahan (3 for 43) and Pete Pearce (2 for 22) got to work. The wicket became as benign as the batting and forcing a win was always going to be a challenge. 9 bowling changes and attacking fields nearly did the trick but Runcorn's experienced tail did just enough to hang on at 134 for 9.

Alvanley face Malpas at home on Saturday and then, on Sunday, entertain Compstall in the Area Final of the National Village KO - 2pm start.

Thursday 5th June v CCO (League KO Round 1)

Alvanley travelled to Chester CO in Thursday evenings 20/20 cup encounter, lost the toss and were asked to bowl first in thundery condidtions.

Lee Ainsworth and James Wheelahan began well, the latter gaining an initial breakthrough. CCO gradually put some life into their innings, with Mike Rowlands playing some exquisite shots all round the wicket. With very little support though the score never got away from Alvanley and Pearce, Leadbetter and Charles picked up wickets as the innings came to a conclusion. A late burst from Ian Barlow took the total above 100 - respectable on a slow wicket.

Mark Szymura got Alvanley's reply off to a positive start with some classy drives but his dismissal, followed by 3 more left Alvanley in a pickle at 24 for 4. At this point Andy Bennion dropped anchor and left the shot making to Marcus Gilbert. His determined and powerful innings gathered momentum and as he passed 50 the run rate became manageable once more. 3 needed off the last over, became a 6 into the old pavillion and Gilbert walked off with 61 super runs to his name, while the stodgy Bennion remained 23 not out.

Alvanley travel to Clatterbridge in round 2 on the 15th June to play Wirral. Kingsley or Barrow will await at home if Alvanley win.

Sunday 1st June v Tattenhall (Area Village KO SF)

Sunday saw Alvanley's season explode into life with a thrilling win at Tattenhall in the area Semi-final of the National Village KO.

In damp conditions Tattenhall were asked to bat first but found life difficult against the new ball attack of Lee Ainsworth and Ian Broady. Infact, none of the bowlers were dominated by the home team but it was Nick Geddis (3 for 35), Chris Charles (4 for 19) and Pete Pearce (2 for 31) - topped off by a great run-out from Ian Charles - that ensured an early finish to the innings at 148. This looked below par, but Tattenhall are top of their league and Alvanley expected a fight in the second half.

Andy Bennion and Mark Szymura got Alvanley off to a great start posting 45 for the 1st wicket before Szymura fell to Dobson for a well crafted 29. Two more wickets fell soon after, but Bennion stuck in and then began to accelerate, taking the score to 119 before falling for an excellent 49. Ian Brodie and Cei Sanderson confidently finished the job with 5 wickets and one over to spare to the delight of half of the sizable crowd at the Flacca.

Alvanley host either Compstall or Malpas in the Area Final on June 15th.

Saturday 31st May v Oakmere

Saturday's league encounter offered a sharp contrast to Sunday's performance. Oakmere batted first and struggled early on against Lee Ainsworth and James Wheelahan, Ainsworth taking his first 1st XI wicket. Regular wickets fell but Ian Eaton stood firm, gradually accelerating on an exellent wicket and quick outfield. With nobody else making 20, everything sat on his shoulders and how he responded! 144 not out took his team to a respectable 230 for 9.

Tea-time chat was all about the win but things could not have gone worse. On a wicket that deserved a close game, Alvanley's batsmen underperformed and eventually succumbed for a paltry 120. Ben Pearce looked the most composed with a stylish 28, whilst Andy senior weighed in with 21.

This Saturday, Alvanley travel to Runcorn, looking to build on Sunday's success at Tattenhall.

Saturday 24th May v Ashton-on-Mersey

Alvanley bounced back from last week’s disappointment with a thrilling win at high-flying Ashton-on-Mersey.

Alvanley chose to bat first on a wicket that would assist the bowlers but was essentially good. A 6^th opening combination of the season – Andy Bennion and Nick Geddis got Alvanley off to a great start. Bennion drove powerfully while Geddis worked the ball effectively to take the opening stand to 75 before Bennion (36) mistimed a pull. Geddis then needlessly ran himself out for 34 and the most spectacular collapse followed.

75 for 0 became 113 for 7. All the time Ian Charles stood at the other end watching the procession. He coolly gathered runs in the mayhem to construct a stylish 34. 140 was seen as a minimum and it was 16 year old Lee Ainsworth who took Alvanley there with a mature 13 not out off 12 balls. 145/8 at tea

The Ashton innings took a similar form with the openers posting 50 for the 1^st wicket. Pearce started the ball rolling for Alvanley and another procession began. Wheelahan was at times unplayable and Pearce produced some gems to put Alvanley in control at 94 for 7. This included at excellent direct hit run out from Ben Pearce and two excellent catches from Ian Charles.

The game was to take another twist as Chris Roscoe, batting at 9 unfurled an spectacular array of shots to take Aston to the brink. Szymura carefully set fields to get Roscoe off-strike and with the victory target approaching, Pearce did the rest. An LBW was soon followed by Bennion snaffling the winning catch at slip to seal the closest of wins as the home team finished 138 all out.

This Saturday Alvanley host Oakmere and then travel to Tattenhall for the Area Semi-final of the Nation Village KO

Saturday 17th May, Alvanley v Brooklands

Alvanley's unbeaten start to the season came to a shuddering halt on Saturday with a horrendous display at home to league leaders, Brooklands.

A very fast and bouncy track at Alvanley convinced the visitors to put Alvanley in first and what followed was carnage. A succession of poor shots and good bowling and catching saw Alvanleys batsmen capitulate to just 57 all out in 30 overs. The only resistance came from Ian Charles who, 20, was the only player to make double figures.

Brooklands struggled early in their reply, losing a wicket in the first over to the hostile James Wheelahan. At this point, had some luck gone Alvanley's way, things may have got interesting - but it didn't. A remarkable innings from Sharma saw him hit 57, while opener Birchall remained 3 not out as the winning runs were posted in the 11th over.

A disasterous game for Alvanley yeilded just one point. Things must improve.

Saturday 10th May, Trafford v Alvanley 1st XI

Alvanley extended their unbeaten run to 5 games, but will reflect on a draw at trafford as points lost rather than gained. A green undulating wicket was revealed and Mark Szymura had no hesitation in inserting the home team.

James Wheelahan and Lee Ainsworth opened the bowling but it was the home team that grabbed the initiative, launching an all-out assault from ball 1. It was the 17th over before Wheelahan removed the innovative Warner for 44 with the score on 75. From here on the wickets tumbled but so did the runs as too much width was afforded on a helpful pitch. Sloppy fielding and catching didn't help the cause

Wheelahan picked up five further wicket to end 6 for 60, while Pete Pearce weighed in with 3 for 65. 173 for 9 the tea-score.

Chris Fletcher perished early in the response but Marcus Gilbert and Andy Bennion consolidated well to see of the lively new ball. Gilbert fell for 13 to a wrong'un but Ben Pearce stuck around to take the score to 60 before perishing to a quicker ball. Chris Charles was promoted to inject some life. he was another who got into the teens (including a towering 6) before falling to the excellent Ashad.

When Bennion finally succummed for 39, followed next ball by Szymura, the writing was on the wall but another mini-revival between Ian Charles and Simon Law gave some hope. Law hit two big sixes in his 20 not out, but the draw won the day as wickets fell and the pressure grew. Law and Wheelahan batted well to ensure the extra 2 points as Alvanley closed 124 for 8.

This Saturday Alvanley face table toppers, Brooklands while on Sunday they are at home in the Village KO round 3 v Pott Shrigley or Henllan

Sunday 4th May, Alvanley 1st XI v Halkyn. National Village KO Round 2

Alvanley made it two wins in two days on Sunday with an exciting home defeat of Halkyn in the Village KO. The home side progressed to Round 3 thanks largely to contributions from the younger members of the squad.

Batting first Alvanley scored 139 in 40 overs .Chris Fletchers 25 set the tone but demanding bowling asked the batsmen to work hard. It was Chris Charles who handled the situation best for a mature 24 and younger brother Steve batted like a young Gower for a valuable 16 down the order. Everyone chipped in contributions and 139 was a good score on a wet wicket and slow outfield.

In reply, the bowling of Steve Charles (2 for 32) and Lee Ainsworth (1 for 19) - both playing under 15s last year - again showed the quality of the youths coming through. Backed up by Pete Pearce (1-17), 3 run outs and outstanding catches from 13 year old James Eccleston and Chris Charles, Halkyn were always behind the rate and ended 12 short of their target in the archetypal Village KO conditions of thunder and rain.

Alvanley will entertain either Pott Shrigley or Henllan in round 3 on May 18th

Match Report 4th May 08 v Ashley (home)

An excellent day cricket from Alvanley saw them extend their unbeaten start and this time, they secured a win, at home to Ashley.

A super wicket, considering the recent weather, greeted the teams. Ashley decided to bat first in idyllic early Summer conditions but were struggling from the outset against excellent new ball bowling from Lee Ainsworth and James Wheelahan. Indeed Wheelahan’s first 7 overs were maidens including 2 wickets, both well caught by Chris Fletcher.

A mini-revival ensued but the score never got far ahead of overs as Pete Pearce kept the pressure up replacing Ainsworth. Backed up by keen fielding Alvanley chipped away and it was a surprise that at 45 overs Ashley had broken three figures, finishing at 100 for 9. Pearce bowled with great control to end with 4 for 47 but this weeks honours went Wheelahan, who's 4 for 35 came from a marathon 23 over unbroken spell.

Alvanley were confident of victory but suffered early set-backs as Andy Bennion, Nick Geddis and Marcus Gilbert went before the 8th over. Ben Pearce defied his age (14) and played with maturity and a full range of shots. He and Andy Senior took the score to 64 for before Pearce (30) and soon after Szymura departed in quick succession. Andy senior had things under control though. In the company of Phil Jones, he pulled and scampered singles with ease to take Alvanley over the line for a well-deserved 25 points.

A fine all-round performance from Szymura’s men will hopefully kick start the season. This Saturday, they travel to promoted Trafford MV

Match Report 26th April 08 v Mere (away)

Alvanley fought out a hard earned draw at promoted Mere on Saturday. Winning the toss, Szymura inserted the home team on a wet wicket, giving the new ball to Wheelahan and debutant Lee Ainsworth, at just 16.

Both bowled well but it was Wheelahan who broke through first and he followed that up with a run out to leave the home team on 30 for 2. All the time Ekstein was growing in confidence with the bat and he really began to open his shoulders as the new ball wore off.

Changes of bowling had little effect until Leadbetter was introduced in the 16th over. His accuracy and persistence kept Mere in check and in the process bagged him 4 for 32. Wheelahan returned for his second wicket and ensured a manageable target of 166 - the same as last week.

Bennion and Pickersgill opened up for Alvanley but the latter soon departed trapped in front. Gilbert joined Bennion and the pair set about counterattacking the home bowlers. 40 for 1 off 10 overs represented a good start and it was a very tight run out decision that broke the stand, Gilbert being deemed short of his ground. Ben Pearce came and went to a shooter and on 27, Bennion was given out , adjudged LBW. Szymura and Fletcher sooned followed and when Charles walked following a nick behind the writing was on the wall at 55 for 7.

With the win out of the question and the pitch becoming dangerous, it was going to take a monumental effort for the tail to fashion a draw. Wheelahan and Pearce set about their task with determination and stuck around for an hour before the former perished for a 56 ball 4. Pearce stayed to the end and deserved the plaudits for a 108 ball 18 not out.

Two draws out of two now for Alvanley. This Saturday Ashley are the visitors as Alvanley endeavour to break their duck. On Sunday Halkyn from North Wales are the visitors as the Village Knockout begins.

Match Report 19th April 08 v Congleton (home)

Almost freezing temperatures, bitter winds but an excellent wicket greeted ALVANLEY and their visitors, Congleton for opening league game of the season.
Captain Mark Symura won the toss and elected to field. His opening pair of Chris Charles and Aussie, James Wheelahan kept things very tight early on and in the 8th the pressure told as a quick single to Dave Shewring resulted in a stunning run-out. Charles doubled the wicket tally and at 20 for 2 from 12 overs things were going Alvanley’s way.
A stand of 87 then developed as Shewring and Pearce were put away for regular boundaries. Pearce stuck to his task and picked up three wickets as Congleton tried to accelerate and Wheelahan returned to produce an excellent ‘death’ spell and both teams would have been reasonably satisfied with the score at half-way of 166 for 5.
Shewring and Andy Bennion opened for ALVANLEY and got things off to a brisk start. The score had reached 35 off 8 overs before Shewring was out LBW. Bennion drove and cut to good effect until clipping one to square leg for a sound 27. Gilbert edged one that stopped on him but ALVANLEY continued to press for the win. Szymura looked in good form as he and 14 year old Ben Pearce took their side to 90 for 3. Pearce was quick to pull and Szymura strong down the ground until Pearce was given out caught pulling a beamer. Si Gee was out trying to force the pace but Ian Charles and Szymura looked in full control until the captain perished trying for a third run.
ALVANLEY kept pressing for the win but wickets fell at crucial times and it was left to Pearce the elder and Charles the junior to see out the last 2 overs and secure a draw.
An excellent game of cricket played in great spirit, but ALVANLEY will feel that a win should have been the outcome. They travel to Mere this Saturday, looking for that 1st win.