Torrential rain – but some cricket carried on

TORRENTIAL rain had a major impact on cricket in the Warrington area with matches cancelled, abandoned and ending in rain-affected draws.
But some games were played and in the Vivio Cheshire County League division one, Warrington managed to earn points from a draw against Weaverham at Walton Lea.
Batting first, Warrington reached 154-7 in 50 overs, Will Fleetwood hitting 52 and Adam Green 22.
The visitors, batting with one eye on the weather, went for the runs and reached 135-7 in 24 overs before the rain eventually ended the proceedings. Brad McIntosh took 5-23.
Grappenhall 2nd won by five wickets after asking Bowdon to bat at Broad Lane and bowling them out for 146. Arthur Pennington took 5-47. Grappers reached their target  with ease with Paul Radage hitting 50 and Iain Wright 40.
In the Cheshire League, Appleton managed to play their game against Wilmslow at Lyons Lane. But they were bowled out for 102 in 43 overs and the visitors were able to reach 108-2 in 15.1 overs.
Stretton 2nd hit one of the highest scores of the day – 195-8 – in their victory over Warrington 4th. Umer Zerb hit 55, Will Metcalf 52 not out, Mark Owen 35 and Farhad Qayum 30. John Burgess took 5-22 and Mansoor Naseem 3-40.
Warrington were bowled out for 171, Les Connelly top scoring with 52 and Luke Griffith hitting 43.
Zeb took 3-24.
Warrington 5th earned a six week victory at Northwich where the home side were dismissed for 102. Mike Fagan-Hall took 3-13 and Shashwat Rusia 3-37. Warrington replied with 107-4, Nathan Jeffries hit 29 not out, Mansoor Naseem 24 and William Gilbert 21.
Lymm Oughtrington Park 2nd reached 119-7 in 34 overs, Liam Ramsbottom 34 and Andy Hossack 28 not out before rain ended their game at Runcorn.
Appleton 2nd won praise from opponents Neston for their attempts to produce a result. Appleton were held to 139-9 in 43 overs, Jim Warham hitting 41 and Joe Cooper 29. The home side swung the bat effectively to reach 106-1 in just 17 overs but torrential rain then forced play to be abandoned.