Match Report: Squirrels Fall Short In 7 Wicket Loss

By Simon Bailey – Marketing Manager

The hopes of 3 victories in a row for Wilmslow Cricket Club’s 1st XI were wiped out after a strong performance from Heaton Mersey Cricket Club saw the visitors leave with a 7 wicket victory after a rain-delayed game.

With matches around Cheshire being called off due to the weather & waterlogged pitches, the Squirrels were lucky to get their game on, but thanks to the incredible efforts of their volunteer groundsmen, Wilmslow was one of just a handful of teams to get their game on.

With Heaton Mersey winning the toss, Wilmslow’s local team were put in to bat first. From the off, Wilmslow struggled with the Heaton Mersey bowlers, with the visiting side striking early and dismissing 4 of the opening 5 batsmen out for a duck each.

Luckily for Wilmslow, opening batsmen Dan Braddock, following on from his fantastic 111 in the Squirrels last game, was able to bring stability along to the batting order along with Steve Fulker as they both scored 66 and 36 respectively.

At the end of the innings, the Squirrels had set Heaton Mersey a score of 132 to win. The foul weather also decided to make an appearance right at the end of the 1st innings, and after a lengthy delay, Heaton Mersey was set a reduced target of 95 off 24 overs 

Wilmslow was able to pick up some early wickets, with Jegadeeshwaran Narayanan & Jake Woodhouse picking up early wickets, leaving the victors for 19-2. However, Heaton Mersey’s Damian Stringer & Dom Gandy dug in and batted well for the remainder of the game, with Wilmslow struggling to bowl well with the poor conditions. Toby Rowe picked up a final wicket for the Squirrels, with the visitors needing 1 run to win – and Stringer saw that off to seal the 7 wicket win for the visitors.

The Squirrels 1st & 2nd XI both face Ashley Cricket Club next Saturday, with the 1st XI away at Ashley against their 1st XI, and the 2nd XI hosting Ashleys 2nd XI at Wilmslow Leisure Centre. Both matches start at 12:30 pm, so why not come on down and support Wilmslow’s local cricket club – The Jackson Stops sponsored Wilmslow Cricket Club!