After losing 3 quick wickets early on, snellgrove (53) and hine (57) put on an 83 run, 4th wicket partnership to help bootle post 147-8 off their 20 overs. Pick of the bowlers was Harry Killoran who took 3-14 off his 2 overs.

In return, Chester too lost early wickets with Ross Dixon falling for 9 and Warren Goodwin for 20. Lee Dixon (43) and Jordan Clark (85) then had a mammoth partnership of 135 which helped Chester finish up on 180-6 of their 20 overs.

This gave Chester a lead of 33 runs off the first set of 20 over innings. Heavy rain then washed out the second game, giving Chester a 33 run victory, their 7th echo ko victory, and their first since 1996.

1XI - Cheshire County Cricket League Winners 2013 - Oxton (A)

Chester went away to Oxton on Saturday, knowing that a victory would secure them the league title, however if they drew/lost and Neston won, Neston would get the title.

Compliments to the Oxton groundsman who produced a fantastic wicket after the heavy rain last week. Oxton won the crucial toss and decided to bowl first, and got off to a flyer reducing Chester to 24-4 with big guns Goodwin and Ogilby back in the hut. Jordan Clark started playing with great patience and the score moved slowly along to 60-5 when Lee Dixon fell for 17. Ross Dixon and Jack Williams fell shortly after, leaving Chester struggling at 86-6, however a vital 47 runs partnership took place between Clark and Harry Killoran (25) who batted far more maturly than his elder team mates. Clark continued to play the game perfectly, and his partners came and went until he was caught in the 54th over for 89. Chester finished up on 179ao. Neston were batting well against Grappenhall, and a hurst 100 took Neston to 230-5.

Half time, advantage Neston.

During the tea break, word came from Neston's ground that Grappenhall were 14-4, then all out for 58. Even further advantage Neston. This fired the bowlers up, with Keggy and Jordan came out flying after tea to rip through the Oxton order. A bit of top order hitting from Alex Hughes (27) and lower order hitting from Gayan Fernando (41*) were the only threats to Chester and Oxton were finally skittled for 102 in the 29th over. Keggy took 4 wickets for 45, Jordan Clark, 5 wickets for 37 and the league winning wicket was taken by Jack Williams.

Check the facebook page for the party that followed!

1XI - Grappenhall (H)

The 1XI started on Saturday being 12 points behind leaders Neston, after a defeat at Parkgate the previous Saturday.

Seamus won the toss and asked Grappenhall to bat who got to 242-8 off their alloted 55 overs. Adam Roylance topped scored for Grapp with 77, well supported by James McCoy's 46. Jordan Clark took 2-46 off his 8 overs and strike all rounder Warren Goodwin took 3-19 off 11 overs including 6 maidens. A wicket a piece was shared round spinners Jack Williams, Harry Killoran and Mark Rowlands.

The talk at tea time was all about Neston, who had been skittled by Bowdon for 124ao.

The total seemed large, and was made even bigger when Rowlands fell with the score on 31. Warren Goodwin (39) fell shortly after, and was replaced by Jordan Clark who set about the attack with hard hitting to complement Matty Griffiths more defensive style of play. The pair put on 72 for the 3rd wicket partnership before Griff was bowled on 49. Jordan continued to bat well with number 5 Lee Dixon (36*), and the two took Chester over the line in the 42nd over. Jordan scored his 3rd ton in a week, finishing on 106* including 7 sixes and 9 fours off 75 balls.

It was confirmed that Bowdon had managed to score 125-4 beating Neston by 6 wickets. Neston took 1 point from their game, and our 25 has put us 12 points ahead of them with one week to go. A win away at Oxton next week will confirm the Cheshire County League title for CBHCC for the first time ever. Come along to Oxton for a 12.30pm start on Saturday 14th to support the lads.

1XI - CHESHIRE CUP CHAMPIONS 2013 - New Brighton (A)

Congratulations to Steve Ogilby and the 1XI who have won the Cheshire Cup 2013. It’s the second time in a row for the boys after their 2012 triumph against Hyde.

Playing away against a strong New Brighton, Chester were fired up after the beating by Neston the previous day in the league. Put into bat by New Brighton, the dangerous Warren Goodwin fell early with the score on only 19, bowled by Adnan Ghaus. This brought to the crease Jordan Clark who set about the attack with Mark Rowlands, putting on a partnership of 84 before Rowlands fell for 55 (64 balls, 6 fours). Lee Dixon joined Clark in the middle and the pair had the largest partnership of the day amassing 144 runs through Dixons 87 (64 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes) and Clarks 119 (112 balls, 11 fours, 2 sixes). Lee fell eventually for 87, and was replaced by Ross who fell quickly for 1. Steve Ogilby came in and batted well with Clark for the 5th wicket putting on 52 before Clark was finally bowled with the score on 300-5. A further 11 runs were added (including a comedy piece of fielding for 7 off the last ball), before Chester closed on 311-7 off 45.

The score looked good, with around 270 seeming par for the good wicket produced by New Brighton. New Brighton lost wickets early, with Louis Boates (19), Tom Horrocks (19) and David While (12) falling and leaving the score on 40-3. John While (48) and Mark Hale put on 89 for the 3rd wicket and Hale continued batting well with batsmen falling round him. Hale finished in the final over for a great innings of 96 (108 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes) before holing out going for his ton. New Brighton finished on 243-8 off their 45 overs, a score which Chester could of kept lower if the un-used Jordan Clark had bowled. The Chester bowlers all bowled well: Ian Linwood (1-37 off 9), Alex Kegg (2-37 off9), Jack Williams (1-39 off 9), Harry Killoran (1-53 off 9), Warren Goodwin (3-29 off 5), Mark Rowlands (0-28 off 3) and Matthew Griffiths (0-15 off 1).

The party continued late into the night with the team and supporters doing some damage in the bar on the return to Filkins Lane. There are unconfirmed rumours that a small number of youth players, led by Jack Williams, ended up in Rosies Nightclub until 3am the next morning.

1XI - Neston (A)

Neston came out on top in the top-of-the-table clash against the 1XI on Saturday.

Batting first, Neston raced away with openers Will Evans (80) and David Hurst (59) putting on 127 for the first wicket. Que Harry Killoran, who kept the score in check with the figures of 4-46 off 16 overs. Neston finished on 242-8 off their 55 overs.

The chase got off to a bad start when Warren Goodwin was bowled for 5 in the 2nd over. Lee Dixon (34) and Mark Rowlands (45) batted well for the 2nd wickets, however when both them fell wickets tumbled at a quick rate, taking the score from 103-3 to 145 all out. Andrew Clarke took 5-52 for Neston.

Onwards to next week, and we must take maximum points from our remaining 2 games, with the hope Neston can drop some points.

1XI - Didsbury (A)

The first team marched on to Didsbury on Saturday hopeful of a positive result against the leagues bottom side. The ground on arrival was a lot dryer than we had expected after heavy rain overnight locally. Though dry, the wicket had clearly been kept under cover and was green and bowler friendly.

Captain Ogilby won the toss and took the decision to back his bowlers and try and put the home side under pressure. The New Ball was taken by Clarkey and Keggy and they went to work on trying to get some early wickets. They did just that removing the openers and the inform Normanton. Didsbury Captain Nick Andersen batted well showing shots were able to be played, the score was moving quickly till removed by Linwood who got 2 wickets on the day.

Didsbury ended up 135 All out, Jc 4, Keggs 3, Linners 2, Wazza 1. Some good fielding from Matthew “the Wall” Griffiths at slip.

Rolo and Wazza set about the chase in a very destructive fashion, they put on 58 for the first wicket when Rolo was dismissed for 40. Wazza went past the Magic 1000 run mark for the season on his way to 56*, he was assisted by me (Dicko) who got a quickfire 36*. Chester 137-1 off 19.4 overs.

The team moves on to the top of the table clash at Parkgate versus Neston, before taking on New Brighton at Rake Lane in the Cheshire Cup Final on Sunday. Please get down and support Seamus and the boys.

Around the Town

Guest Written by Lee Dixon.

1XI - Macclesfield (H)

1XI smashed their way to the huge total of 308-1 dec off 43 overs on Saturday, batting first against Macclesfield. The opening stand of 198* between Warren Goodwin and Mark Rowlands is a club (and possibly league) record for the season and Mark Rowlands batted brilliantly for his 82 before being caught. Jordan Clark joined Goodwin at the crease and scored a quickfire 46* before the skipper called the pair in. Warren finished on 164* including 17 fours and 5 sixes, and also took his season tally to 989. Surely he will complete yet another season of passing 1000 runs, and once again he has been a pleasure to watch.

Macc were initially set 67 overs to get the total, however after a spell of rain this was reduced to 62 overs. Macc got to 262-9 after the 62 overs, and the 1XI just couldnt find the final wicket. Possibly the extra 5 overs would of got this?

Not all bad news, Neston only got a losing draw and failed their appeal against points deduction for slow over rate so currently we are 9 points ahead at the top of the league. We travel to Parkgate at the end of August in the biggest game of the season.

1XI - Birkenhead Park (A)

Match report from Birkenhead Park CC

1XI - Toft (A)

The firsts went top of the league on Saturday, beating Toft by 103 runs whilst Hyde and Neston drew against each other.

Batting first we made 242-8 declared after 54 overs. Runs were shared between Clark (43), Goodwin (39) and Ross Dixon with a quickfire 65. Toft spinner Jimmy Lomas bowled through for 3-87.

In reply Toft lost regular wickets, finally falling 103 runs short on 139 all out in the 50th over.

1XI - New Brighton (H)

Taken from this weeks Newsletter:

CHESTER Boughton Hall reached the final of the Liverpool Echo knock out when they beat former Competition rivals New Brighton by 53 runs at Filkins Lane on Friday evening.

Chester scored an impressive 190-3 from their 20 overs, Jordan Clark 51 not out, Ross Dixon 46, Warren Goodwin 35. New Brighton were restricted to 137-7, Louis Botes 42, Jordan Clark 2-14, Harry Killoran 2-31, Jack Williams 2-38.

The previous evening, Neston lost to Bootle by five runs in their semi-final at Parkgate. Bootle were held to 114-9 (Andy Clarke 3-25), but Neston could muster only 109-9, Luke Camden top scoring with 27.

The final will be a two innings affair of 20 overs each, the venue and date yet to be announced.

1XI - Marple (H)

The firsts had a good win at home to Marple on Saturday.

Batting first, Marple scored 140 all out in the 41st over, held back by Keggy who took 6-36. At one point Marple lost 4 wickets for no runs, going from 81-1 to 81-5. Jordan Clark bowled well for his 2-85 off 20 overs, and Jack Williams took only 2 balls to get the final wicket.

Chester struggled in reply, losing openers Warren Goodwin (6) and Mark Rowlands (8) early on. Runs from Jordan Clark (42), Lee Dixon (69*) and Ross 'The Finisher' Dixon (18*) won the game for Chester. Emergency opener Matthew Griffiths was not required this week.

1XI - Ainsdale (A)

The firsts travelled to Ainsdale last night, and progressed to the semi-finals of the Liverpool Echo KO winning by 9 wickets against an Aisdale team featuring India opening batsman Wazim Jaffer.

Batting first, Ainsdale totalled 134-6 off their 20, including 90 from Jaffa, who was removed by Harry Killoran.

Chester breezed past the total in the 14th over for the loss of only Ross Dixon for 47. Warren Goodwin carried his bat for 74*.

Next round is New Brighton.

1XI - Bowdon (A)

The firsts travelled to Bowdon on saturday and after winning the toss, put Bowdon into bat to give a target.

Bowdon got off the a fantastic start, getting to 135 for no wicket before Simon Marshall fell for 70, and then Trent McCormick fell for 62. 3 further wickets fell on the same score, taking Bowdon from a dominating 135-0 to a more shared 135-5. Bowdon never recovered from the top-order collapse and Chris Ashling was the only other batsman to get a start, finishing on 37. Bowdon finished on 196-9 off their 55 overs. Warren Goodwin finished with the brilliant figures of 4-13 off 7 overs including 3 maidens, and Mark Rowlands with 4-38 off 12.

Chester struggled in the chase falling to 17-2 with both openers being removed for low scores. Griff (18) then took the score to 57 with Jordan Clark before Jordan was joined at the crease with Lee Dixon for a 124 run partnership. When Lee was removed for 65 (six 4s, and four 6's including one into the side of an old Porsche parked at the side of the ground) the score was on 181. Captain fantastic Seamus came in to finish the job with Clark, taking Chester over the line in the 30th over for the loss of 4 wickets. Clark finished on a superb 87 not out.

There is a full investigation into the damage caused to the Porsche parked near the ground. If anyone has any information, please e-mail in.

1XI - Nantwich (H)

The 1XI had a convincing victory over last years league champions Nantwich on saturday.

Winning the toss, Nantwich decided to bat first and fell quickly to 5-2 with both openers being removed by catches from Ross Dixon. Liam Livingstone (97) and Rob Cook-Sievewright (34) had a good partnership followed by Sam Hunt (34) and ex-Chester player Olly Law (24). Nantwich finished on 228 all out in the 55th over Warren Goodwin the pick of the bowlers with 3-38, helped by understudy Jordan Clark (3-58).

Chester dominated the Nantwich bowling, and came home with ease to win the game in the 45th over. Mark Rowland scored a fantastic 92, with MOTM Goodwin chipping in with 62 and Lee Dixon 55.

1XI Cheshire Cup - Hyde (H)

Chester evened up the weekends results in the 2nd meeting of the 1XI and Hyde in 2 days.

Winning the toss and batting first, Danny Berrys Hyde got to 215ao in the 44th over. Tom Twiney scored 75 and James Duffy 64. Mark Rolo took 3-43 off his 9 overs.

In the chase, Chester started losing wickets, however captain Steve Ogilby dug in and scored a solid 65 before being run out. Chester needed quick runs and with 12 needed off the last 2 overs, Ross Dixon went into overdrive, hitting Cheshire bowler Scott Kirwin for 3 fours in the penultimate over to win the game for Chester and give him his half century. Chester won by 5 wickets and progress into the semi-final.

1XI - Hyde (A)

The firsts fell to a harsh 100 run defeat away at Hyde on Saturday.

Winning the toss and bowling first, Chester kept Hyde to 260-7 off their 55 overs. Cheshire Captain James Duffy (73) was supported by Chris Tipper (50) and Tom Twiney (35). Pick of the bowlers were Keggy with 2-63 and Jack Williams 2-68.

Chester struggled in return, losing wickets at regular intervals, before being finally dismissed for a poor 160ao.

1XI T20 - Oxton (H)

The firsts progressed to finals day of the Cheshire T20 competition with a crushing victory over a weak Oxton at Filkins Lane.

1XI - Alderley Edge (H)

The firsts beat Alderley Edge at home, winning by 6 wickets.

Alderley Edge were restricted to 177ao with Jack Williams returning the excellent figures of 5-56 off 20 overs.

Chester chased down the total easily, reaching the figure in 36 overs Goodwin 79 and Dixon 59.

1XI - Oxton (H)

The 1XI entertained last season's title hopefuls, Oxton, on Saturday at Filkins Lane.

Winning yet another toss, Ogilby asked Oxton to bat first on a good wicket who got off to a good start with Simon Stokes (24) and Alex HUghes (15) before both were removed in quick succession by Jordan Clark leaving the score at 46-2. Oxton never really recovered, apart from a cameo innings from Chris Cashin (28) in the lower order, and finished on 125 all out in the 50th over. Praise was given to wicket-keeper/skipper Ogilby for sportingly not taking a run-out, to let Oxton score a few more runs. Pick of the bowlers was junior hero Harry Killoran, who took his first ever '5 fer' for the 1Xi, finishing with the amazing figures of 5-31 off 17.2 overs

Chester opened up again with Emergency opener Matthew Griffiths, an ex-Oxton legend. Matthew got off to a quick start, at one point outscoring gun batsman Warren Goodwin before being bowled for 26. Jordan Clark came to the crease and scored a solid 21, before being judged caught at slip from a bit of bat/pad action. Ex-Oxton player Mark Rowlands then entered the fold and hit 12 off 4 balls, including an exquisite cover drive to finish the game off. Ever reliable Warren Goodwin had been at the crease for the whole innings and improved his average even further with a lovely 59*. Andrew Prestwich's bowling was abused by most of the Chester order leaving him with figures of 0-29 off 2.4 overs.

The win takes us top of the league! Next week the lads host Alderley Edge at home, before hopefully celebrating at the summer ball. Get your tickets now!

1XI - Grappenhall (H)

Another toss win for Seamus and another 25 points for CBH. Asking the Grapp to bat first, the returning Alex Kegg and called-up Sam Mallows opened the bowling. Grapp put on 48 for the first wicket and got to 70-2 before the introduction of Jack Williams meant wickets started to fall at regular intervals. They got to 190 all out in 54 overs with only Mike Sambell (56) getting a decent score. Keggy bowled 21 overs with 6 madiens 1-56, Mallows 1-40 off 6, Cheshire Spinner Williams 5-39 off 19 (including 8 maidens) and all-rounder Warren Goodwin with 3-29 off 5.

Chester were put on the back foot in the chase, losing Warren Goodwin for 6 with the score on 20. Pushed up the order, Matthew Griffiths batted very well for a solid 56 including 10 fours. Ogilby chipped in with 38 before Brothers Dixon finished off the game with some hard hitting. The ever returning form of Lee brought 57 runs from him, and Crazy Frog Ross got 24 brining the victory home in the 45th over with 3 wickets down.

1XI Red Insure T20 - Grappenhall (A)

Grappenhall batted first on a good batting track and Chester got off to a good start, reducing The Grappers to 23-3 off 6 overs thanks to some good fielding and some fine bowling from Warren Goodwin and Jordan Clark. Grappenhall put together a good 4th wicket partnership of 88 thanks to Aussie import Josh McClelland (61no), and Luke McCoy (55). This partnership, along with a quick-fire 24 from Adam Roylance, left Grapp on 165-6 from their 20 overs. Pick of the bowlers were Goodwin (2-14 from 4 overs), Clark (1-26 from 4) and young spinner Shane Patel (0-28 from 4).

In reply, Chester opened with Ross Dixon and Jordan Clark, with Warren Goodwin coming in at 3. Rumour has it that Warren was still reeling from a ‘terrifying’ trip to the ground with Matthew Griffiths, and had to surrender this usual opening slot to get his head on the game. Chester fell short of the target by 9 runs, finishing 154 all out, with only Lee Dixon (45), Ross Dixon (34), Matthew Griffiths (26) and Warren Goodwin (24) getting into double figures.

Chester have to await the result of Davenham vs Warrington tonight, and for the net run rate to be calculated, to see if we have made the quarter final stage.

1XI Cheshire Cup - Didsbury (A)

The 1XI went through to the next round of the Cheshire Cup on sunday with a victory over Didsbury.

Batting first, Chester raced to 53 before Matt Griffiths fell for 15. Wickets then continued to fall at regular intervals with only Warren Goodwin 59 and Ross Dixon 57 going on to score big runs. Ryen Spencer-Wolfe batted brilliantly at the end, including one fantastic dive to get back into his crease when the ball was no-where near him. Chester finished on 192 all out in the 45th over.

All rounder Lee Dixon was the star of the show in the bowling performance, taking 5 wickets for 32 runs in his 9 overs. Warren Goodwin was equally as useful taking 3 wickets for 31 runs in his 8 overs. Didsbury finished on 150 all out in the 38th over, leaving Chester winners by 42 runs.

Hyde or Parkfield Liscard in the next round of the cup, which will be played at Filkin's Lane on 14th July.

1XI - Neston (H)

A top of the table clash at Filkins Lane resulted in a 18 run defeat for the 1XI in a close fought game at the weekend.

Winning the toss, Ogilby decided to have a bowl however wickets were hard to come by until the spinners entered the bowling attack. Jack William's removed the top 3 with the score on 124 before Harry Killoran joined the party and picked up his wicket. A smart run out from Warren Goodwin was the next wicket, however Luke Camden was at the other end keeping the Neston innings together. Luke's 82* included 6 sixes and was scored off only 84 balls. Neston finished after 55 overs on 251-7, with Jack Williams the pick of the Chester bowlers taking 4-93 off 20 overs.

Chasing the large total, the first wicket was lost early with Guy Dunbavand being caught at 2nd slip with the score on 7. Emergency number 3 Matthew Griffiths, got stuck in with Warren Goodwin and enjoyed a 55 run partnership before he was caught also at slip for 21. The middle order all got starts, Dixon (22), Ogilby (21), Ross Dixon (17), Williams (18), however lost their wickets in going for the run chase. The draw seemed the likely result in the penultimate over with only 1 wicket remaining, however after blocking out the first 5 balls of the last over, Ian Linwood was caught on the final ball of the game. All Chester batsmen were caught in the innings, which finished up on 233.

1XI - Didsbury (H)

A beautiful day and a nice hard wicket greeted the players at Filkins Lane on Saturday. Winning the toss, Ogilby decided to bowl first.

Opening the bowling was the returning Ian Linwood and Warren Goodwin, who both bowled short spells before being changed for Dave Atkin and Jack Williams. Atko got the breakthrough with the score on 28, and Didsbury batted well to take the score on to 86-2 before young spinners Harry Killoran and recent Cheshire addition, Jack Williams tore through the attack, dismissing Didsbury for 150. Jack finished with a 5'fer (20.3 overs, 5 maidens, 5 wickets, 49 runs) and Harry with 4 (15 overs, 5 madiens, 4 wickets, 29 runs).

CBH opened up with the T20 partnership of Ross Dixon and Warren Goodwin. Ross got to a quick 10 before being bowled with the socre on 21. Brother Lee then joined Goodwin at the crease and the pair enjoyed a partnership of 84, when Lee was dismissed for 54. Guy Dunbavand fell shortly after for 0 and then Warren straight after then for 43, leaving the score on 111-4. Ogilby put on 10 before being caught off the bowling on Simon Normanton, and it was left to the returning Michael Robinson (15*) and Jack Williams (10*) to take Chester over the line.

Neston at home next week in a top of the table clash!

1XI - Caldy (H)

1XI Red Insure T20 - Warrington (H)

The first XI took on Warrington at home last night in the group stages of the Red Insure Cheshire T20.

Batting first, Warrington got off to a good start, reaching 63-1 within 7 overs. Wickets started to fall soon after the good start, and Richard Heaney, who was starting to look dangerous, unfortunately had to retire hurt on 30. We wish him the best for a quick recovery. Warrington were further pegged back with the young spin attack of Harry Killoran, Shane Patel and Jack Williams who took 6 wickets between them. Shane ended up with the fantastic figures of 3-15 off 4 overs. After 20 overs Warrington closed on 115-6.

The total was always going to be easy to chase down for CBH and the task was completed in the 11th over for the loss of 2 wickets. Ross Dixon scored a quickfire 38 off 19 balls, Warren Goodwin with 50 off 25 balls and Lee Dixon 22 off 15 balls including 2 massive 6's, much to the crowd and musicmans pleasure.

1XI Cheshire Cup - Rode Park and Lawton (H)

On Sunday the 1XI welcomed Rode Park and Lawton to Filkins Lane in the 2nd round defending the Cheshire Cup with a team weakened by Cheshire taking Jack Williams and Warren Goodwin. Jordan Clark was also away on county duty, top-scoring 72 in Lancashire’s Pro 40 game against Durham (we won’t mention his bowling).

Rode Park won the toss and were immediately faced with the pace of ex-Ireland international Stephen Ogilby opening the bowling, before taking over from Matthew Griffiths behind the stumps. Ogilby then went on to prepare the tea, roll the wicket and even scored at one point. Rode started well, getting to 101-5 before the last 5 wickets fell for 42 runs. Chief destroyers were young spinners Shane Patel, 13 and Harry Killoran, 16 who returned figures of 3-12 off 4 overs and 2-30 off 9 overs respectively. Senior spinner Ross Dixon also returned 3 wickets for 29 runs off his 9 overs. Rode Park finished on 143 all out in 39.3 overs. Chester had 45 overs to score the 144 required runs.

The score was achieved fairly easily with the loss of 5 wickets within 38 overs, the runs being shared between Guy Dunbavand (20), Tom Simmons (23), Adam Dunbavand (21), Lee Dixon (22*) and the Irish all-rounder Ogilby (13*).

1XI - Macclesfield (A)

The 1XI travelled away to Macclesfield on Saturday, in the 6th fixture of the new season and completed a mammoth run chase to secure 25 points.

Losing the toss and being asked to field, Macclesfield amassed the huge total of 276-6 off their 55 overs. The runs were shared out between the top order, Morrison (78), Sawas (60) and Porter (53). We saw the return of Lee Dixon to the bowling attack, who bowled with precision and accuracy for his 2-49 off 10 overs. Jordan Clark also put in a marathon sprint bowling 20 overs returning 1-88.

Chester lost early wickets in reply and at 47-3 were struggling when Goodwin was removed for 32 before 2 match winning partnerships. Steve Ogilby and Jordan Clark with 4th wicket partnership of 115 before Ogilby went for a fine 72 and then Lee Dixon joined Clark at the crease and the pair enjoyed a 5th wicket partnership of 87 until Clark fell for 83. Lee Dixon then finished the task with younger brother Ross (8*), finishing on a solid 65*.

1XI - Toft (H)

The firsts entertained Toft at home on saturday, looking to bounce back after last week's loss away at Marple.

Losing the toss and being asked to field, Chester opened the bowling with Jordan Clark who struck early twice leaving Toft on 10-2. Toft recovered through Jake Hancock who took the score to 144-4 before he was dismissed by the returning Mark Rowlands for 72. Patrick Roberts was the only other Toft batsmen to score well, finishing on 67 before being bowled by Jordan Clark. Clark finished with figures of 5-42 off 10 overs, with Alex Kegg, Harry Killoran and Mark Rowlands taking a wicket a piece. The final wicket came from a good run out by Andy Metcalf. Toft finished on 224-9 off their 55 overs.

Chester opened the batting with Mark Rowlands and Warren Goodwin with Rowlands looking to push the score along quickly before being removed on 15 with the score on 38. Lee Dixon then entered the fold, putting on 50 with Goodwin for the 2nd wicket before Dixon was removed by a fantastic catch from Jimmy Lomas at point for 18. Jordan Clark and Goodwin continued along well and took the score to 161-3 when Goodwin was caught on 93, taking his runs for the season to 404 already. Guy Dunbavand quickly followed Goodwin back to the pavillion without troubling the scorers, and Clark finished up his innings on 44 finishing the mini-collapse and leaving the score on 182-5. Ogilby and Dixon put on a vital 24 for the 6th wicket and Tom Simmons (8*) finished the job with Dixon (28*) in the penultimate over, chester back to winning ways, winning by 4 wickets.

1XI - Marple (A)

The 1XI made the trip over to Marple on Saturday, and upon losing the toss were asked to have a bowl first on a damp wicket.

Chester made a good start restricting Marple in all areas, leaving the score on 104-5 when Harry Killoran took his 2nd wicket. A missed run-out, along with some sensible batting allowed Marple to recover and Sam Hudson (56) and Garry Cash (39) had a 87 run partnership taking the score to 191-6 when Cash was removed by Harry Killoran. Marple continued well over the last few overs and finished on 222-8 after 55 overs. Pick of the bowlers was young Harry with 4-60 off 15 overs.

During the break, a fantastic tea was provided for the team and spectators, including onion bhajis, scones, pate, potato wedges and a large slab of battenburg.

Feeling well fed and ready for action, Simmons and Goodwin went to the wicket to start chasing the total. The task was made difficult when both Goodwin (0) and Simmons (9) fell with the score 9-2. Guy Dunbavand (16) and Jordan Clark made a small partnership, however wickets continued to fall with only Clark (43) and Ross Dixon (33) showing any resistance. Chester finished on 136 all out in 38 overs, and hope to bounce back to normal form next week.

1XI - Bowden (H)

The firsts recorded their second win of the season at home to Bowden on Saturday. Winning the toss, Ogilby decided to bat second.

Chester started well with Kegg and Goodwin on fire restricting the visitors to 23-2 early on. Ex-Lancashire player, Simon Marshall, held the innings together and had a decent partnership with Matt Foakes before Foakes fell for 24. In between various rain stops, wickets continued to fall with some tight bowling from Jack Williams and Harry Killoran. The two young spinners finished with 6 wickets between then, Killoran 2-32 off 7 overs and Williams 4-63 off 15 overs. Keeper Matty Griffiths was back to form with 2 good stumpings and a catch behind the stumps. The rain meant the game was reduced to 47 overs per side, and Bowden finished on 172-8 off their 47, helped mainly by 97 from Marshall.

In return, Chester lost Tom Simmons (9) early with the score on 22. Lee Dixon (2) then fell early in his innings with the score on 34-2. Goodwin and Clark turned the game back in to Chester's favour with some hard hitting and sensible batting to take the score onto 109 before Goodwin was judged too of edged behind for 59. Clark then had another good partnership with skipper Ogilby pushing the score onto 169-4 when Clark was bowled by Zafir Patel for 68. Ross Dixon (2*) entered the frame and finished the game off with Ogilby (30*).

25 points leaves Chester in 2nd Place in the CCCL premier league, with an away trip to Marple next week.

1XI - Nantwich (A)

The 1XI travelled to Nantwich on the weekend, and came away with a win after a close fought game.

Winning the toss after being given advice by daughter Maisie, Steve Ogilby put Ray Doyle's Nantwich into bat. Nantwich reached 29 before Alex Kegg removed Sam Hunt for 15. Cheshire keeper Jonny Kettle, and Liam Livingstone pushed the score up to 67 when Kettle fell for 26, a smart catch taken by Ross Dixon off the bowling of Goodwin. Livingstone (79) and ex-Chester batsman Olly Law (38) then had a 101 run partnership before they both fell quickly to leave the score on 170-4. Wickets continued to fall, with some tight bowling by Jack Williams (2-57 off 13) and Jordan Clark (4-37 off 9), and Nantwich finished up on 203-9 off their 55 overs.

Tom Simmons and Warren Goodwin opened up the batting for Chester in reply, against one of the leagues best opening bowlers, Jimmy Warrington. Simmons fell early for 9 and was followed quickly by Guy Dunbavand who went for 4. Goodwin and Dixon then had a useful partnership of 45 leaving the score on 82 when Goodwin fell for 44, and Dixon (24) fell shortly after leaving the score on 91-4. Ogilby (16), Jordan Clark (24) and Jack Williams (6) all fell in quick succession leaving the score on 142-7 and Chester with an uphill task, until Matty Griffiths joined Ross Dixon in the middle. The pair went about the Nantwich attack with caution, putting away the bad balls and earning singles where possible. They had taken the score to 186-8 when Dixon fell for 35, leaving Chester to score 18 for victory with 2 wickets remaining. Harry Killoran came in to join Griff, and they scored the winning runs in the final over of the game. Matty Griffiths finished on 26*, a match winning performance.

Next week we entertain Bowden at Filkins Lane.

1XI - Hyde (H)

The first XI hosted Hyde on saturday with the game finishing in a draw. Losing the toss and being put into bat, Chester started well with new boy Tom Simmons and Warren Goodwin putting on 42 for the first wicket. Hyde opened the bowling with spinner Danny Cramner who took the wicket of Simmons (16) before removing Lee Dixon shortly after for 10. Fresh back from hitting 6 sixes for Lancashire 2s in the week, Jordan Clark then joined Goodwin at the crease and 116 was put on for the 3rd wicket before clark fell for a hard-hitting 56. Goodwin continued to a fine 116 including 24 fours before being removed by Scott Kirwin. Rain during the innings meant 4 overs were lost off the game and skipper Ogilby decided to declare on 292-8 off 54 overs. There were useful contributions from Matty Griffiths (31) and Jack Williams (35*) to push the score on towards the end. Pick of the bowlers was Danny Cranmer for Hyde, who finished on 6-130 off a marathon 27 overs.

After tea, Hyde had 52 overs to reach the total. Dave Fitz and Danny Berry opened up, and put on 81 for the first wicket before Goodwin removed Berry LBW for 44. Ian Linwood bowled 2 overs, before injuring his side and having to lead the field of play. Sub fielder was Alex Townsend, who came over from the 3XI pitch after taking 7 wickets! Hyde continued batting well with Chris Tipper posting a well composed 91 to keep Hyde in touch with winning the game. Danny Cranmer and Tipper had a 5th wicket stand of 113, but when Tipper fell, the game ran its course to finish a draw. Cranmer finished on 55. Chester best bowlers were Jack Williams 3-92 and Warren Goodwin 3-47.

Next week we are off to Nantwich.

1XI - Alderley Edge (A)

The first team opened their campaign with an away trip to the lovely Alderley Edge. Losing the toss, captain Ogilby was asked to have a bat and opened with Mike Robinson and Warren Goodwin. Robinson fell early, bowled by Jason Whittaker for a duck, which bought Lee Dixon to the crease with Warren. They put on 140 with some hard hitting and sensible batting, before Dixon fell for 62. Jordan Clark (25) and Steve Ogilby (32) both joined Warren before he finally fell for 92 (11 fours, 2 sixes). Ross Dixon (32) and Matthew Griffiths (14*) added some important runs near the end and Chester finished on 273-7 off 55 overs. Charlie Reid (3-92) and Alan Day (3-10) finished with the best figures.

After a spectacular tea, Chester started well by removing the dangerous Currie for 5 runs by Ian Linwood, caught by a fantastic 2nd slip catch by Jordan Clark. Alan Day (4) and Shiv Shegal (0, hit wicket) fell in 2 balls from Jordan Clark leaving Alderley Edge on 29-3. Some hard hitting by Jon Steele (43) took the score to 74-4 before Steel was removed by Ross Dixon, caught by Bob Evans. Adam Worrell fell shortly after for 32, caught by Bob Evans off the bowling of Alex Kegg leaving Alderley Edge struggling at 88-5. This bought Jason Whittaker to the wicket with Charlie Read, and the two players set about recovering the innings with a partnership of 92, before Harry Killoran got Whittaker LBW for 47. Read and Wildig played out the game for a draw with AE finishing on 203-7 off 55 overs. Bowling highlights were Jordan Clark with 2-51 and Keggy with 1-29.

1XI - Leeds University (H)

Chester 1XI entertained Leeds University in a friendly on Saturday, resulting in a close game, but winning by 6 runs.

Chester posted 206-8 mainly helped by a solid start from young Guy Dunbavand, who scored a great 38. Lee Dixon started well also and scored 34. Jordan Clark entered the mix, and hit possibly the largest six ever seen at Filkins Lane, with the ball travelling well down Boughton Hall Avenue. Leeds bowled and fielded with accuracy, and the score only crept above the 200 mark with some sensible batting at the end by Bob Evans (17*) and Harry Killoran (8*).

Leeds opened their innings and quickly started to lose wickets due to some good bowling from Jordan Clark. Restricted at 120-6, a final wicket stand of 80 took Leeds to within 6 runs of the target, however some tight bowling near the end ensured Chester of the victory.

The main contest took place in the bar that night, with a boat race, karoke and lots of jelly and ice cream for Ross Dixons 21st Birthday. Happy Birthday Ross!