Cricket: Stone survive scare to end Caverswall hopes

STONE survived a huge scare to book their place in the Talbot Cup third round at the expense of Caverswall.

Victory appeared to be a formality for Premier Division Stone after Caverswall were dismissed for 73.

James Ecclestone captured 3-3 for the visitors, who then made serene progress to 36-0 in reply.

However, their Division Two hosts roared back into contention as Gregory Phillips (5-22) and Jeandre Ludick (3-14) instigated a collapsed to 70-9.

But final pair Calum Price and Andrew Winfield showed cool heads to complete a one-wicket victory.

The closely-fought all-Premier Division tie between Leek and Wood Lane turned into a one-sided affair.

South African Leodolff Potgieter struck 50 to anchor Leek's 150-6 from their 45 overs.

Wood Lane, though, fell victim to an inspired new-ball spell from Matt Bowcock, who quickly reduced the visitors to 1-5.

Jamie Loska stemmed the tide with an unbeaten 34, but Wood Lane were eventually bundled out for just 62 at Highfield.

Bowcock ended with 6-8 from seven overs.

Wedgwood Stanfields crushed Moddershall A – even though they struggled with the bat.

Wedgwood Stanfields could only muster 90 all out, but the Modd men were rapidly routed for a dismal 28.

Ramzan Mohammed (5-12) and Adrian Lello Junior (3-13) did the damage.

Premier Division strugglers Burslem found some respite in the cup by preventing a potential giant-killing at home to Alsager.

The Division Two visitors found the going tough at Festival Heights and were quickly bowled out for 61.

Adeel Khalid led the way with 5-23, while there were two wickets apiece for spinner Michael Brown and Australian seamer Phil Adams.

Burslem lost four wickets overhauling their target, but Michael Rowley's 20 enabled them to progress.

Whitmore were comfortable winners over Division One rivals Betley.

Darren Snape's 78 not out helped Betley amass 167-8, in which Matt McCall took 3-19.

Opener Joe Bridgewater provided a solid platform for the response and was still there at the end on 52 to complete a six-wicket triumph.

The tie between Oulton and Woore proved to be a tighter affair before the latter prevailed by four runs.

Solid contributions from Mark Bengry (31) and Atique Hashmi (30) guided Woore to 165 all out, despite Tom Spruce's 3-12.

Dries Nell and Tom Phillips struck 34 and 30 respectively after tea, but Oulton were dismissed for 161.

Silverdale transferred their impressive league form into the cup arena with an 81-run success against Division One rivals Sandyford.

Half-centuries from Richard Redman (80) and Greg Bailey (73) underpinned Silverdale's imposing 271-7.

Scott Degg's 5-54 ended Sandyford's challenge on 190. Sohail Rauf (72) and Nick Atkinson (50) impressed with the bat.

Moddershall executed a fine run chase to beat Barlaston by five wickets.

Set 160 to win, Fraser Hawkins (54) and Khalid Malik (35) guided them to a relatively comfortable win.

Chris Dyer had earlier top-scored for Barlaston with 26 in their 159 all out.

IN The Sentinel Talbot Shield third round, Woore progressed after dismissing Kidsgrove for 38 and completing a nine-wicket win.

Audley had Oliver Horne (74no) and Tom Perkin (60) to thank for overhauling Checkley's 167-8.

There were also wins for Longton, Hem Heath, Ashcombe Park and Porthill Park.