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,