Poynton 226-6 dec, Bramhall 148-8. Match drawn.
The 23rd century of his remarkable career by veteran campaigner Brian Kingham lit up a gloomy Poynton afternoon. And it was the weather that had the final say as the umpires took the players off with three overs remaining, denying Poynton the chance to grab the two wickets still required.
In producing their highest total of the year, Poynton's batsmen were into their stride early, punishing some variable length bowling.
Damian Stringer (27) batted well in adding 61 for the second wicket with Kingham, but the best batting came in the 112 partnership between Kingham and Nafees Din. Kingham cut and pulled superbly, and after a slow start Din's trademark straight drives were soon in evidence on his way to his first Poynton half century. Kingham finally fell for 106, made in 133 balls with 14 fours.
Even with Bramhall reduced to 38-4 chasing a formidable total, Poynton were counting no chickens, as this brought together Cheshire captain Andrew Hall, one of the country's finest batsmen outside the first-class game, and county wicketkeeper Matt Dawson. But for long periods, Hall struggled, unable to make contact with many prodigious swinging deliveries from Simon Turner.
Hall fell to Jamie Maltman for 32, ending Bramhall's victory hopes, but Poynton were unable to dislodge Dawson, who occupied the crease for 32 overs for a dogged 61 not out. Derwin Thompson returned the best figures with 4-35.
* Poynton exited the Fred Graham Trophy Twenty20 Cup after a nailbiting second round tie. After a poor start, 46 not out from Thompson led Poynton to 131-8. Rick Clark then produced an analysis of 3-12 to leave Timperley in trouble, but from 82-8, their lower order saw them home by one wicket with one ball to spare.
* Poynton Ladies made it three wins out of three in their Twenty 20 East Division campaign last week. Replying to Poynton’s 85-3, Trafford lost regular wickets, but were still in contention at 65-6 with four overs left, before a triple wicket maiden from Coral Murphy ended their chances.
