IT’S one of the oldest sayings in cricket: ‘Catches win matches’.

And that came home to roost for Whitchurch on Saturday, according to chairman Iain Marsh, as they lost for the first time in five matches, with defeat against Madeley at the weekend.

But Marsh feels there were still plenty of positives for the Heath Road side to take from the match, including more runs for Matthew Batkin, and the chairman is looking forward to a weekend double-header.

“Unfortunately, I think that dropped catches cost us the 20 points,” said Marsh.

“After an opening partnership of 42 between Matt and Salim Ahmed, we slumped to 121-5 but a quick-fire partnership of 79 between Ijaz Yousaf and Pat Phillips got us to 211-7 off 50 overs.

“Again, Matt Batkin with 43, a return to form for Ijaz Yousaf and some outstanding shots from Pat Phillips, who was 41 not out off 25 balls, got us to a good total.

“Madeley cruised to 212-3 off 44 overs because of 50 dropped chances and I think that only Vansh Bajaj performed to his standard with 2-19 off 10 overs.

“I was pleased to play eight Whitchurch players on Saturday showing the things we are trying to do at the club.”

Marsh knows that Whitchurch have an instant opportunity to bounce back from the defeat and go on another run like the last three weeks, as well as making the last four of a prestigious cup competition.

“This Saturday we entertain third-placed Quatt at Heath Road, and they are a good side that will test us a lot.

“Then we travel to Quatt on Sunday to play Frankton in the Summer Slam quarter-final, which is a chance for a semi-final and is a north Shropshire derby as well.”