Chirk go run crazy as Gareth Partridge and Andy Swarbrick both smash tons

SHROPSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE – SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Division One

Worfield 2nd XI (2) 130-10 Chirk 1st XI (20) 358-3

Gareth Partridge and Andrew Swarbrick both scored huge unbeaten centuries in a mammoth Chirk victory.

Partridge finished on 156 not out and Swarbrick 142 no, the pair putting on an unbroken stand of 251 for the fourth wicket at Worfield.

It was neither man’s highest career score, but was certainly the biggest for both since Chirk entered the Shropshire League.

The Welsh visitors won the toss and elected to bat, dipping to 48-2 before Nick Flack (36) helped Partridge lead the recovery.

Partridge’s knock comprised 146 balls, 22 fours and two sixes, but Swarbrick’s effort by comparison was savage, his 142 taking just 79 deliveries and including 10 maximums.

Chirk finished their 45 overs on 358-3, leaving the Bridgnorth hosts a well nigh impossible victory target.

If Chirk’s batting was all about two men, the bowling performance was a totally combined success, five players all claiming two wickets.

Worfield were dismissed for 130, Dale Randall 2-1, Andrew Swarbrick 2-20, Flack 2-28, Billy Swarbrick 2-35 and Mark Shaw 2-43.

Division Seven

Chirk 2nd XI (4) 128-10 Corvedale 1st XI (22) 132-4

A six-wicket defeat for Chirk seconds, who were invited to bat at Holyhead Road.

The hosts were all out for 128, opener and skipper Ian Skinner performing best with 38, while there were 29 extras.

Jim Alderson scooped 5-23 for the visitors.

Corverdale made it to 132-4 in 28.4 overs to seal a 22-4 points success.

Connor Bailey grabbed 2-32 for the home side.

Chirk 1st XI are home to second-place Shifnal 2nd XI next Saturday, while Chirk 2nd XI visit Quatt 3rd XI.