Talbot Cup

by Chris Travers

ALEX Walley spared Meir Heath's blushes with a five-wicket haul to see them edge into the second round of the Talbot Cup at the expense of Division Three side Hanford.

Meir Heath, currently fourth in Division One, looked be to be on their way out of the competition after they were dismissed for 137, despite the best efforts of Chris Guest, who made 42 not out.

However, Hanford, who won for the first time in the league on Saturday, could not capitalise on Roger Davies's 61 as Walley claimed 5-17 to set up a second-round date with Cheadle.

An opening partnership of 123 between Paul Farmer (56) and Gordon Champ (51) was not enough for Meir Heath/Fenton as they pursued Hem Heath/Forsbrook's 175-7.

Terry Slater turned the game on its head with 6-27 to dismiss them for 159 following a dramatic collapse.

Darren Weston had earlier top-scored for the winners with 46, while Chris Mellor took 3-20 for the losers.

Opener Michael Alexander struck 150 and Raj Kumar 102 not out as Weston posted 369-7 against Woore, who could only reply with 156 all out.

Silverdale cruised to a six-wicket victory at home to Oakamoor. Glyn Moore (4-15) and Scott Degg (3-41) helped dismiss Oakamoor for 157. Matt Wolff top-scored with 41.

Mick Moore then cracked an unbeaten 111 to steer Silverdale through.

Division One strugglers Rode Park & Lawton won at Endon thanks to Milanth Thotuwilage smashing 139 not out and Jonathan Gallimore making 75 in their total of 303-4. Endon responded with 213 all out.

Crewe's 265-7 was too many for Bagnall, who fell short on 258 all out. Mark Hurst (129) top-scored for Crewe, while half-centuries from Martin Mason (57) and John Ashby (54) kept Bagnall in the hunt.

Jake Edge was the Caverswall star with 5-18 and 57 as they easily defeated Wedgwood/Stanfields. Caverswall posted 239-9, before Wedgwood/Stanfields could only muster 97 in response.

Darren Snape was in fine form for Betley, following up his 90 with 3-9, as they comfortably progressed at the expense of Stone SP A.

Betley amassed 284-9, despite George Hawbrook taking 4-34. Stone SP were dismissed for 193 in the run chase.

Simon Dyer and Adrian Myatt were the batting heroes for Alsager in their score of 215-7, hitting 63 and 66 not out respectively.

Gareth Rowe then destroyed the Bignall End batting line-up with figures of 4-9 as they crashed to 69 all out.

Iain Carr's 85 helped set up Checkley's win against Ashcombe Park. Checkley ended on 249-6, while Ashcombe Park could only reach 173-7 (Andy Jones 68).

Whitmore's 287-7 was far to many for Eccleshall, who were 165-9 at the end of their 45 overs.

Second round (May 31): Audley v Alsager, Blythe v Little Stoke, Knypersley v Elworth, Leycett v Burslem, Oulton or Norton in Hales v Leek, Checkley v Longton, Rode Park & Lawton v Betley, Hem Heath Forsbrook v Whitmore, Moddershall A or Norton v Stone SP, Sandyford or Newcastle and Hartshill v Kidsgrove or Meakins, Crewe v Weston, Meir Heath v Cheadle, Wood Lane v Porthill Park, Stafford v Barlaston, Hem Heath v Silverdale, Moddershall v Caverswall.