Cricket round-up

Premier Division

Whitchurch’s return to Shropshire cricket was delayed as their home clash with Ludlow in the Shropshire Premier Division was called off because of Storm Hannah on Saturday.

Similarly, the second XI’s trip to Newtown was also called off on Saturday, while the third XI’s home clash with Worfield’s third XI was cancelled on Sunday, despite the rain easing.

This weekend, the first team will be making the trip to Worfield for a 12pm start while at Heath Road, the second XI will be looking to pick up points against their Condover counterparts.

Wem’s defence of their title was a non-starter as their fixtures with St George’s failed to survive the heavy rainfall but the second XI picked up a win in their opening encounter against Wellington’s fourth XI.

The hosts decided to give themselves first go of the track but were limited to 158-6 from their 45 overs thanks to Andy Mortimer’s outstanding 5-30 as fourth change bowler, with his bowling proving to be brilliantly accurate with three of his victims bowled.

Mark Ellis picked up the other wicket, removing opener Duncan Taylor for 52 as he threatened to score high.

In reply, Wem’s openers did not hang about to put the outcome of the game under threat of rain, as Jack Davies and Oliver Cooper both scored half-centuries.

Davies, at the top of the order, scored a fine 55 before he was caught off Kamal Aluthgedara but Oliver Cooper carried his bat for a brilliant 68 not out, while Evan Limerick was poetry in motion for Wem, ensuring he had a ‘red inker’ in finishing 17 not out as Wem reached their target of 159 in the 35th over.

This week, the first XI travel to Allscott Heath and the seconds host Much Wenlock in Division Five – on Sunday, the third XI travel to Bridgnorth

Division One

Ellesmere will have to wait for a taste of Division One action as their home clash with Newtown was called off because of the heavy rain that surrounded much of the UK.

They will hope for better fortunes at the weekend when they make the journey to Shelton while the second XI will host Forton’s second string from 1pm onwards.

Division Four

The stand-out fixture over the opening weekend was a the derby clash between Prees and Iscoyd & Fenns Bank; however, Prees were unable to raise a side and conceded the clash with their Welsh rivals.

This weekend, Iscoyd will be looking to build their points total with some actual cricket when Chelmarsh make the trip to their Iscoyd base for a 1pm start, while the second XI head to Lilleshall.

Calverhall were also denied by the weather as their home clash with Wheaton Aston was called off – they hope to get started next week when they make the relatively short trip to Church Stretton.

Prees face Trysull & Seisdon.

Cheshire League Division Four

Malpas’ trip to Wirral to face Tranmere Vics was called off because of the heavy rain.

They host Mossley in what could be a hotly-contested match.