Chirk kick off new season with hard-fought victory

SHROPSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE

Chirk 1st XI (24) 140-7 Wellington 2nd XI (4) 122-10

Mark Shaw’s crucial 51 not out played a key part in Chirk beginning the 2023 Division One campaign with a narrow victory over Wellington seconds.

The hosts lost the toss and were put into bat, a decision that looked a sound one from the visitors as the North Wales side slumped to 80-7.

Apart from opener Liam Walker’s 23, no-one made any real impression for the home team until Shaw and Shashika Meistry joined forces at the hall of the seventh wicket.

Shaw’s unbeaten half-ton included three fours and four sixes, while Meistry ended on 27 not out off 24 balls as Chirk set 140-7 from 45 overs. Shaw and Meistry put together an undefeated stand of 60 which proved a match-winner.

Lewis Gough led the way for Wellington with 4-44, while new-ball bowler Matt Stinson claimed a fine 2-15 from 10 overs.

Wellington looked well set for victory at 80-4 in reply, but steadily Chirk worked their way through the batting and sent the visitors packing for 122.

Number three bat Henry Morris ended on a very patient 35 not out but simply ran out of partners.

Veteran Jonathan Phillips was the home team hero, scooping 5-64, while Nick Flack was economical in taking 3-22 off 14 and Shaw pocketed 2-21 off 11.

Points went 24-4 to Chirk.

Chirk 2nds’ Division Eight clash at Cae Glas 2nds was cancelled.