Shropshire Cricket League – Swarbrick takes six as Chirk celebrate tremendous double victory

SHROPSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE REPORTS – AUGUST 12

DIVISION ONE

Chirk 1st XI (20) 77-4 Frankton 1st XI (1) 73-10

Andrew Swarbrick produced stunning bowling figures of 6-11 as Chirk blew away second-place Frankton at Holyhead Road.

The all-rounder recorded the fourth-best spell of his career and also passed 350 first wickets for a club he has represented since 2002.

It is unlikely the talented sportsman, who also plays football for Ruabon Rovers, will ever top his greatest return of 9-8 against Forton in 2019, but the latest analysis is the player’s finest of 2023 so far.

Saturday’s contest saw Frankton win the toss and elect to bat, a decision which did not bring much joy as they were bowled out for just 73 in 28.2 overs.

Swarbrick removed both openers very quickly and his 6-11 came from 6.2 overs. Liam Walker claimed 3-21 from eight.

In reply, Chirk reached a winning 77-4 in just 15.2 overs, skipper James Carter scoring highest with 21, Walker adding 16 and Nick Flack 15 not out, with Swarbrick fittingly there at the end on 6 no.

A six-wicket win and 20-1 points verdict for the home side, who lie in fifth spot in the Division One standings.

DIVISION EIGHT

Beacon 3rd XI (3) 64-10 Chirk 2nd XI (24) 248-6

They may be bottom of the six-team table, but Chirk seconds came up with a truly mighty performance to thrash Beacon on away territory at the weekend.

Put in by the hosts, the Welsh visitors amassed 248-6 off a reduced 38 overs, Rob Williams leading the blitz with 89, including 12 fours and a six, while wicket-keeper Gary Bailey ended on 64 not out.

Three heroes emerged when Chirk fielded, all taking a trio of wickets apiece.

Nigel Davies bagged 3-12, Martin Wright 3-19 and George Collins 3-20 as Beacon were blown away for just 64.

A superb weekend for Chirk’s cricketers and indeed the town, as the football team celebrated their first win of the season in Cymru North on Sunday, defeating Llanidloes Town 2-0.