Cheshire Entry in Suffolk Match Programme

By Neil Goulding (Cheshire Press Officer, mobile 07931 376811)

CHESHIRE finished the season unbeaten with three victories and three draws under their belts.

The county had the perfect start to their Western Division campaign with a 211-runs victory away to Herefordshire at Luctonians CC.

Former England and Lancashire leg-spinning all-rounder Chris Schofield starred on debut with 150 runs, while captain Andy Hall (106 runs), Mark Currie (71), Jason Whittaker (73), former Derbyshire all-rounder Nathan Dumelow (9-96) and spinner Robin Fisher (5-66) made important match contributions.

Cheshire drew with Cornwall in an exciting finish at Alderley Edge in their second match, Dumelow taking four wickets for two runs in the visitors second innings, as well as hitting a brilliant century (114). Schofield (85), Jason Whittaker (54) and Hall (57) were also in the runs.

Matthew Cassar, another former Derbyshire player, to-scored with 67 as Cheshire drew with Devon in rain-affected clash at Bovey Tracey, before the county chalked up their second win of the season, beating Wiltshire by nine wickets in Trowbridge.

Dumelow (4-51 & 79), Danny Leech (54), pace bowler Dave Pennett (5-54) and Schofield (70) the star performers.

Next up was Oxfordshire at home and Hall's men triumphed by 125 runs at Nantwich to take a giant step closer the title.

Debutant Nick Cantello (82) had a good opener for the county, while Hall (106), Dumelow (151 runs) and Pennett (10-116) led the victory trail.

Cheshire's last match resulted in a draw against Wales, although Dumelow finished with match figures of 10-139, while Cantello (110no). Leech (83), Schofield (8-168) nearly gave the home side a dramatic victory in a thrilling run-chase.