CHESHIRE DENIED ANY CHANCE OF WIN AFTER WASHOUT

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

CHESHIRE were forced to settle for a draw after heavy rain meant there was no play on the last day of the Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash with Devon at Bovey Tracey.

Andy Hall's had left their hosts with a victory target of 243, but neither side took to the field, Cheshire edging the points 10-9.

"Anything could have happened on the last day, but we're happy with a draw considering we had a very under-strength side," said Gerry Hardstaff, the Cheshire chairman of cricket.

"Either team could have won the match. It's been a low-scoring affair, but we''ve not lost yet and look to bring a few more familiar faces back for the next game."

The J W Lees-sponsored Cheshire side play Wiltshire in their next match, away at Trowbridge between July 17-19.

Former Lancashire players Chris Schofield and Mark Currie are both expected to return, as is wicket-keeper Stephen Ogilby, left-arm spinner Robin Fisher and all-rounder Jason Whittaker.

All five players missed the trip to Devon, but Hardstaff is prepared to make tough decisions on team selection.

"We've got one or two selection problems, but we'll probably try and field a team quite similar to that which we fielded in our first two matches, against Herefordshire and Cornwall," added Hardstaff.

If Schofield, who ill with the flu, does return to the side, new signing Matthew Cassar will have to make way.

Cheshire are not permitted to play both players in the same team because of strict rules based on the number of games they have both played as former first-class cricketers.

"We've committed ourselves to giving Chris Schofield the opportunity to play for us this season, so unfortunately Matthew might have to drop out," revealed Hardstaff.

"I've spoken to Matthew and told him the situation. The same applies to Matthew Dawson."

Dawson kept wicket in place of Ogilby, but although the Milnrow keeper performed well, he could also drop out of the side.

"Steve is our number one choice keeper, so I've told Matthew he's in the same situation as Matthew Cassar.

"It's not ideal because both lads are good players, but competition for places is healthy for the team."

Final Scoreboard:
Minor Counties Championship - Western Division:

Cheshire 1st innings: 249 all out (Cassar 67, Dumelow 43, Goodwin 42, Jones 3-73, Hancock 2-42).

Devon 1st innings: 181 all out (Bishop 49, Anning 36, Pennett 3-38 including hat-trick, Cutbill 2-25, Jones 2-45, Emmett 2-13, Cassar 1-24).

Cheshire 2nd innings: 174 all out (Goodwin 37, Leech 31).

Devon 2nd innings: 9-0

RESULT: Match drawn, points: Cheshrie 10pts, Devon 9pts.

BOWLERS KEY TO CHESHIRE'S VICTORY CHANCES

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

CHESHIRE will be gunning for early wickets in their quest to beat Devon on the final day of what has been a gripping battle in the Minor Counties Championship Western Division at Bovey Tracey.

Devon were reeling at 78-6 overnight having posted 249 in their first innings.

But despite making early inroads to reduce Devon to 92-8, the hosts battled back to post 181 all out and left themselves 68 runs behind.

Cheshire started well in their second innings, but the loss of quick wickets saw them struggle and they were dismissed for 174.

Debutante Warren Goodwin (37) was again in the runs, the Chester Boughton Hall batsman adding to his 42 from Cheshire's first innings.

Opener Danny Leech (31) was also in the runs, before Devon batted again and reached nine for no wicket at the close of play, leaving the game finely balanced.

The best of Cheshire's bowlers were Dave Pennett, the former Nottingham paceman, who finished with a 3-38 return, while seamers Danny Jones (2-45), Barney Cutbill (2-25), Guy Emmett (2-13) and new signing Matthew Cassar (1-24) took the rest of the wickets.

Gerry Hardstaff, Cheshire's chairman of cricket, is under no illusions that his side will need to claim early wickets to put Devon under pressure, but is confident his team will rise to the challenge.

"It's been a low-scoring game so far. I think anything can happen in their second innings, but we must bowl well," stressed Hardstaff.

"We were quite optimistic when they were 92-8, but credit to Devon, they batted very to post the score they did.

"We found it very hard work and so to score 174 was disappointing, although
there were some umpiring decisions which went against us.

"But we proved that we can cause Devon problems. It will be vital we get some early wickets to put them under pressure at the start of the day."

Indeed, and Hardstaff believes Nathan Dumelow, the former Derbyshire spinner, could play a key role in Cheshire's search for victory.

"Nathan didn't bowl that well in the first innings, but on the last day of a three-day game you need a good spinner," added Hardstaff.

"I hope he can bowl well because it could be the difference for us. All our bowlers will need to bowl well, though."

Cheshire team: Andy Hall (capt, Bramhall); Matthew Cassar (Ochbrook & Borrowwash); Nathan Dumelow, Danny Jones, Danny Leech (Oulton Park); Matt Dawson (Milnrow), Warren Goodwin (Chester Boughton Hall); Alexis Twigg, Dave Pennett (Harrogate); Barney Cutbill (Macclesfield); Guy Emmett (Bowdon). 12th man: Simon Wilkinson (Bramhall).

Scoreboard:
Minor Counties Championship - Western Division (Scores after day 2 of 3):

Cheshire 1st innings: 249 all out (Cassar 67, Dumelow 43, Goodwin 42, Jones 3-73, Hancock 2-42).

Devon 1st innings: 181 all out (Bishop 49, Anning 36, Pennett 3-38 including hat-trick, Cutbill 2-25, Jones 2-45, Emmett 2-13, Cassar 1-24).

Cheshire 2nd innings: 174 all out (Goodwin 37, Leech 31).

Devon 2nd innings: 9-0

Points so far: Cheshrie 6pts, Devon 5pts.

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PENNETT HAT TRICK OUTSHINES CASSAR AND PUTS CHESHIRE IN FRONT

CHESHIRE new boy Matthew Cassar hit a maiden half century for Cheshire in
their Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash with Devon, at
Bovey Tracey.

But the former Derbyshire and Northants all-rounder was upstaged by Dave
Pennett who took a hat-trick to leave Cheshire in a strong position after
day one.

The Harrogate bowler whipped out three top order batsmen to leave Devon
perilously placed at 78-6 at the close, still 170 runs behind.

And that represents an excellent performance from the visitors, much changed
from their previous draw against Cornwall.

Former Notts pace man Pennett had been doubtful for the game with a
hamstring injury. But he showed no sign of discomfort when Devon began their
innings chasing 249 for the lead..

"Dave was our star performer," said Gerry Hardstaff, chairman of cricket.
"But the middle order batsman did a good job after we'd been 2-1.

"We managed to get ourselves out of a bad position and though we might have
finished with 10 or 15 more runs, we'd have settled for our final total."

The day started badly for Cheshire when Alex Twigg and Danny Leech, back in
the side after an appendix operation, fell to Neil Hancock with only eight
on the board.

But then came Cassar's vital contribution of 67, rescuing the innings with
skipper Andy Hall and last match centurion Nathan Dumelow.

Dumelow made 43 and newboy Warren Goodwin from Chester Boughton Hall 42 in
the fight back.

Cassar, who plays for Ockbrook & Borrowash in the Derbyshire Premier League,
has been registered as a replacement for Chris Schofield who opted to play
for Durham Seconds.

"We knew Chris might not be available some games this season, so we felt we
had find another all-rounder," says Hardstaff.

Schofield's absence, along with those of fellow all-rounder Jason Whittaker
and spinner Robin Fisher (both work commitments), and Hyde duo James Duffy
(holiday) and Tom Young (injured) left Cheshire with much work to be done.

Devon reached 25 without loss until Pennett took out Mole, Dawson and Pugh
in successive deliveries.

Seam bowler Barney Cutbill, who plays for Macclesfield in the Murray Smith
Accountants Cheshire County League, backed up Pennett's performance with a
double wicket haul.

And Cassar's first Cheshire wicket left Devon reeling at stumps.

Cheshire team: Andy Hall (capt, Bramhall); Matthew Cassar (Ockbrock &
Borrowwash); Nathan Dumelow, Danny Jones, Danny Leech (Oulton Park); Matt
Dawson (Milnrow), Warren Goodwin (Chester Boughton Hall); Alexis Twigg, Dave
Pennett (Harrogate); Barney Cutbill (Macclesfield); Guy Emmett (Bowdon);
12th man: Simon Wilkinson (Bramhall).

Scoreboard:

Cheshire 249 all out, 87 overs (Cassar 67, Dumelow 43, Goodwin 42; Jones
3-73, Hancock 2-42)

FOW: 1-0, 2-1, 3-68, 4-135, 5-198, 6-207, 7-212, 8-245, 9-245, 10-249.

Devon (close) 78-6(Pennett 3-27 including hat-trick, Cutbill 2-8)

FOW: 1-25, 2-25, 3-25, 4-52, 5-54, 6-67.

CHESHIRE SIGN CASSAR AS HARDSTAFF FORCED TO RING CHANGES

By Neil Goulding (Cheshire Press Officer, 07931 376811

CHESHIRE have signed former Derbyshire and Northants all-rounder Matthew Cassar ahead of their Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash with Devon, at Bovey Tracey, which runs July 3-5

Cassar, who plays for Ockbrook & Borrowash in the Derbyshire Premier League, has been registered as a replacement for former Chris Schofield, the ex-England and Lancashire all-rounder who is unavailable for the trip down south.

Schofield, having starred in both of Cheshire's opening games, has opted to play for Durham 2nd XI.

The leg-spinning all-rounder hopes to one day break back into first-class cricket.

"We knew Chris might not be available some games this season, so we felt we had find another all-rounder. Matthew's a welcome addition who has proven himself at first-class level," revealed Gerry Hardstaff, Cheshire's chairman of cricket, who has been forced to make a string of changes to the side which has started the season in unbeaten fashion.

Victory over Herefordshire at Kingsland and a winning draw at home to Cornwall, at Alderley Edge, have seen Cheshire sitting pretty in third position in the Western Division.

But Schofield's absence, along with that of fellow all-rounder Jason Whittaker and spinner Robin Fisher (both work commitments), and Hyde duo James Duffy (holiday) and Tom Young (injured) - the latter who would have come into the side - have hampered Cheshire's preparation for the Devon clash, opponents who are just 13 points ahead of them in the table.

"It's not ideal, but we're going to approach the game in the same manner we did against Herefordshire and Cornwall - we want to win," added Hardstaff.

"Nathan Dumelow told us Matthew was available, so we jumped at the chance to sign an all-rounder.

"With Chris (Schofield) and Jason (Whittaker) both out of the side it has left us a little short in that department."

Another good piece of news for Cheshire is the return of experienced pace ace Dave Pennett, the former Nottinghamshire bowler.

Pennett has recovered from a hamstring injury he sustained against Herefordshire, while opening batsman Danny Leech returns to the side having been out for a month after having his appendix removed.

Seam bowler Barney Cutbill, who plays for Macclesfield in the Murray Smith Accountants Cheshire County League, is also given the chance having played for the county during the past few seasons.

The last change to the side is the introduction of talented Chester Boughton Hall batsman Warren Goodwin, who will make his Minor Counties debut against Cornwall.

Left-arm seam bowler Guy Emmett, now a teacher at Millfield School in Somerset, will accompany the team as twelth-man.

"We've had to make a lot of changes, which is disappointing because we wanted to keep a settled side," added Hardstaff.

"But that's the way it goes. We've got a strong team and we'll need everyone to pull together because Devon are a very strong side."

Devon beat Cheshire by five wickets at Oxton last year, but skipper Andy Hall is looking for a change of fortunes this time around.

"Devon are a top side, we know that, but we're confident of our chances," added Hall.

"A victory would be a great result in the Championship. Devon are one of the title-contenders, so we'd like to beat them and stay in contention at the top of the table."

Cheshire team: Andy Hall (capt, Bramhall); Mark Currie (Alderley Edge); Matthew Cassar (Ochbrock & Borrowwash); Nathan Dumelow, Danny Jones, Danny Leech (Oulton Park); Steve Ogilby (wkt kpr), Warren Goodwin (Chester Boughton Hall); Alexis Twigg, Dave Pennett (Harrogate); Barney Cutbill (Macclesfield). 12th man: Guy Emmett (Bowdon).


ends....

HALL RELISHING DEVON REVENGE MISSION

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

CHESHIRE captain Andy Hall believes his side are benefiting from a fresh sense of confidence having started the season unbeaten.

Hall's team thumped Herefordshire by 211 runs in their opening match of the Minor Counties Championship Western Division, and with their backs against the wall against Cornwall at Alderley Edge, fought back in admirable fashion to nearly snatch victory.

Cheshire found themselves outplayed for two days, but spirits never dropped and the skipper was understandably delighted that his side "refused to lie down" with the odds stacked against them.

Full points against Herefordshire and 11 points against Cornwall has left Cheshire sitting pretty in third position in the Western Division, behind leaders Berkshire and Devon, the latter whom Hall's team meet in their next match.

"Winning both games would have been the perfect start to the season, but to have won one and drawn one is a perfect start," said Hall, who is confident his team can make strides this season with a squad boasting new talent which has quickly settled.

"All or our new players have settled into the side and have been performing, which bodes well for the season ahead.

"It can usually take a couple of games for players to settle, but the new players have been good to the side and helped with confidence and built on the team bond we've established in the last couple of years."

Next up for Cheshire is Devon at Bovey Tracey, an intriguing tussle which could make or break either side's title aspirations.

Devon defeated Cheshire by five wickets at Oxton Cricket Club last season - and Hall is only too aware of their opponents' qualities.

The Cheshire skipper plays alongside Devon skipper Bobby Dawson for the Minor Counties Representative side, and with the likes of off-spinner Andy Procter and all-rounder Neil Hancock in the home side, Hall's team face a tough test.

"Devon are a top side, we know that, but we're confident of our chances," added Hall.

"A victory would be a great result in the Championship. Devon are one of the title-contenders, so we'd like to beat them and stay in contention at the top of the table."

Cheshire are expected to make changes to their team which battled so bravely against Cornwall earlier this week.

"Dave Pennett should be fit to play against Devon and we'll also have to see if Danny Leech is fully fit," revealed Cheshire chairman of cricket Gerry Hardstaff.

Leech has missed all of Cheshire's games this season after having his appendix removed. He is itching to get back into the county side after starring with the willow last term.

"I've really missed playing," admitted Leech. "We've had a great start to the season and I'm willing to fight for me place. I love playing for Cheshire."


ends....