Poynton 166-4 dec, Bollington 168-4. Bollington won by six wickets
Bollington deservedly claimed their first win of the year against Poynton, who produced a strangely off key bowling and fielding performance. Bollington were always in control of their run chase, with Martin Knight and Rick Hough both batting excellently.
Hough and Gary Wood got the chase of 167 in a rain reduced 41 overs off to a brisk start. Wood fell for 27 at 66-1, but Knight then complemented Hough superbly, with Hough playing the anchor role and Knight playing more aggressively.
Hough departed to Simon Turner - who took 3-53 to maintain his record of taking wickets in every game this year - but Knight rammed home his side's advantage, hoisting two straight sixes shortly before completing his 61 ball half century. Knight fell for 50 just before the close but the winning runs came with 10 balls to spare.
Poynton batted well at times, but perhaps they could have posted a slightly larger total, on a wicket which played much better than seemed likely at start of play. Only two runs came from the final over of their innings.
Brian Kingham made 42 from 48 balls, including 23 from one over, and Nafees Din (43 not out) and Derwin Thompson (32 not out) shared an unbroken stand of 62.
For Bollington, maybe this will finally kickstart their season, and who knows a great escape may yet be on the cards. For Poynton, whose sights were always set on promotion, this fourth defeat of the season could prove very damaging to their ambitions.
** Poynton moved into second place in The Tytherington Club Cheshire Women’s League with a comprehensive win at Appleton, but leaders Chester Boughton Hall still look uncatchable. The home side made only 36, with Rebecca Platt taking 4-11. Spinners Coral Murphy (2-1 in five overs) and Molly Gilmartin (2-5 in three) also played a big part. Despite two early wickets for Natalie Lyons, this small target was never likely to trouble Poynton, who won by seven wickets with Platt top scoring on 16 not out.
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