Shropshire County Cricket League – pair of close contests both end in defeat for Chirk

SHROPSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE

Division One

Frankton 1st XI (24) 140-9 Chirk 1st XI (6) 137-9

Chirk snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at Hardwick Park on Saturday.

Defending a score of 137, the North Wales side had hosts Frankton 120-9, but allowed the final pair to sneak the 18 runs needed to win.

Chirk won the toss and elected to bat, setting a modest 137-9 off 45 overs.

Oliver Gough top-scored with 32, while Jonathan Phillips made 23. Stuart Lammie took 5-35 for the home team.

In reply, Frankton looked to be coasting on 78-0, but then a flood of wickets had them in big trouble.

However, final pair Lammie (13 no) and Stuart Jebb got them over the line at 140-9 off 33.1.

Earlier, opener Ryan Kruger had made a vital 58 off 54 balls, striking 11 fours.

In the bowling, Chirk’s Mark Shaw scooped 4-32 and Phillips 4-39. So near and yet so far.

Division Eight

Chirk 2nd XI (7) 153-6 Beacon 3rd XI (20) 154-8

Another close one in Division Eight – but another defeat for Chirk.

The hosts called the coin correctly, opted to bat, and set a useful 153-6 off 40, Martin Wright 28 not out and Barry Wilding retiring on the same score.

Extras came to an astounding 53, 38 from wides.

Beacon thirds edged home on 154-8 with 11 balls to spare, Daniel Jones’ 42 a key knock.

For Chirk seconds, Chris Hughes notched 3-28, Rhys Evans 2-21 and George Collins 2-23.