Cricket: Abbas and Goodwin steer Knypersley into county cup last four

KNYPERSLEY progressed to the Staffordshire Cup semi-finals with a rain-affected victory over Stone.

Opener James Dawson underpinned Stone's 202-7 with 94, which included seven fours.

Skipper Richard Harvey (23) and Phil Cheadle (21) also chipped in with useful contributions, while Nayyar Abbas claimed 3-22.

A rain break early in Knypersley's run chase saw them lose six of their 45 overs and left a revised target of 175.

Abbas and county captain Paul Goodwin added 64 for the third wicket, before Abbas fell for 60.

However, Goodwin ensured their partnership wouldn't be wasted by finishing on 51 not out to seal a five-wicket victory with nine balls remaining.

Walsall are also through to the final four after comfortably easing past Milford Hall.

Javaid Ram (4-4) and Staffordshire spinner Paul Byrne (4-19) routed Milford Hall for 64.

Walsall lost four wickets chasing down their target inside 17 overs.

The tie between Cheadle and Old Hill was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and will now be played on Sunday, July 29.

WHITMORE made light work of Division Three leaders Wedgwood Stanfields in the Talbot Cup third round.

The basement division front-runners were shot out for 47 as paceman Imran Arif took 5-22.

The Division One high-fliers were quickly celebrating a place in the next round with a seven-wicket win.

Top-flight Longton also advanced after ending Woore's spirited challenge.

Tom Redfern (48) and Richard Hassall (33) ensured Longton posted a competitive 177-8 from their 45 overs.

Andy Kenvyn (3-23) and Mark Bengry (3-29) took the bowling accolades.

Opener Harry Oliver (33) led the reply, but Michael Longmore's 5-33 put the skids under the Division Two side's victory hopes as they were dismissed for 139.

Burslem prevailed in their all-Premier Division clash with Audley at Festival Heights.

Three wickets apiece from Kevin Mountford (3-29) and Adeel Khalid (3-35) restricted Audley to 122 all out.

Steven Lowndes top-scored with an unbeaten 33 after the interval to complete a seven-wicket success for the home side.

BAGNALL survived a tense finish to reach The Sentinel Talbot Shield semi-finals at the expense of Leycett.

Michael Barcroft's 5-13 limited Bagnall to 122-9 from their allotted 45 overs.

And once Ian Boulton struck 32 in the run chase, it looked as though Leycett would be heading for victory.

But Daniel Grocott (3-19) led the Bagnall fightback as they skittled the visitors for 107 to secure a 15-run win.

Hem Heath are also through following a six-wicket victory over Longton.

Hosts Longton were in early trouble after being reduced to 9-3, but a spirited recovery, led by Adam Whalley (47), enabled them to reach 151-9.

Dean Baxter was the pick of the Hem Heath attack, taking 4-22.

Skipper Carl Colclough then plundered eight fours and two sixes in his 62, while Grant Ridgway made 32 not out, to see Hem Heath past the post.

A disciplined bowling performance enabled Porthill Park to see off Audley.

Andy Viggars (3-22), in conjunction with double strikes from Chris Matthews and Alex Lockett, saw Audley bundled out for 112 – a total helped by the concession of 34 extras.

Porthill Park benefited even more after tea as Audley shipped 40 extras, including 32 wides, to give the home side a helping hand en route to a five-wicket win.