17 September 2005 - Simon ensures winning finish (report from MTB)
One of the best all-round performances of the season helped Neston finish on a winning note in fifth place at the expense of bottom team Chester Boughton Hall. It came from Lancashire?s Simon Marshall, who took 7- 35 to despatch Chester for 137, Warren Goodwinb 34. Neston struggled at 138-7, but a sound 55 from Marshall saw them through against Robin Fisher, 3-42.

12 September 2005 - CLUBMARK ACCREDITATION FOR NESTON
Neston Cricket Club has been accredited for the Sport England Clubmark award and has passed with flying colours! It's a great achievement resulting from much hard work led by Don Hurst. Don had this to say about the award......

"We are extremely proud to announce that we have just been assessed for Sport England Clubmark accreditation and have successfully met all the criteria. An official statement will be released by ECB in due course. Well done to all the coaches involved in achieving this prestigious award"

10 September 2005 - Dream team nightmare (report from MTB)
Despite fielding one of their strongest sides including three current or past first-class players, Neston failed badly at home to Hyde, losing by 100 runs. Bradford/Leeds UCCE captain James Duffy scored 82 in Hyde’s declared tally of 210-7 and Neston mustered only 110 in reply, Simon Marshall top-scoring with 30, while pace duo Leigh Heazlewood and Rob Hurlston both had returns of 4-38, Victorian Heazlewood now having 62 wickets.

4 September 2005 - END OF SEASON HOT POT WITH RAY FRENCH
The end of Season Hot Pot will take place at the clubhouse on Friday 23rd September 7.30 for 8pm. Tickets are now available from team captains or Bob Cooke. Rugby League's Ray French will be the guest speaker. This is a mixed do so please bring your wife or girl friend. A single adult ticket is £10 but its only an additional £5 for your wife or female partner. Students are £5 per head. Oh and not to forget Judge Jim Hughes will be your MC for the night.

4 September 2005 - League lose in Final (report from MTB)
AFTER reaching the final of the President’s Trophy for the first time, the League lost by 66 runs to the holders, Derbyshire Premier League at Grappenhall on Sunday.
Scores: Derbyshire 190-8; League 124.

3 September 2005 - Neston's defeat hands title to Park (report from MTB)
Chalking up the 11th victory in 16 completed games by a four wickets margin against Neston at Little Budworth, Oulton Park clinched their first ECB Premier League championship on Saturday. They were set a stiff task by Neston, for whom Lancashire all-rounder Simon Marshall contributed 75 and Gareth Peers 71 not out to an above par tally of 239-8 declared, Danny Jones taking 3-70. But this was the kind of challenge Park have been relishing all season and with a typically racy 70 from Queensland batsman Andy Robinson, followed by 82 by Dorset’s Steve Selwood and rounded off by 42 from ex-Derbyshire all-rounder Nathan Dumelow, Park’s star-studded outfit made it with almost 11 overs to spare. Robinson now needs only 35 runs to become the first league batsman to reach the coveted 1,000. The 20 points collected takes them 54 clear of Bowdon - who lost at Nantwich with only two games remaining and they cannot be caught as they were in the final strait 12 months ago.

30 August 2005 - TRIOS COMPETITION A HUGE SUCCESS
A big well done to Max Bass & Steve Egerton and helpers for running the inter club trios competition last sunday. A total of 28 players took part in what turned out to be an exciting day's cricket. The eventual winners were Steve Carter, Richard Palmer and Max Bass. It was nice to see one or two ex players digging out their kit once more, Brian Beaver was in glorious form with the bat ( seems to have got better since he retired ) while Alex Bass seems to have lost none of his skills despite not having played for 9 years. Rob ' Spike' Davis kept us entertained in the field and had us all in splitting our sides with laughter when he managed to bowl a wide and a no ball in the bowl out for a semi final place. A Big thanks to the umpires Lockie, Bucknor, Derek and The Butler and to Jenny Woolley for the teas and AB for the barbecue. All in all a great day, lets hope everybody enjoyed themselves any suggestions for improvements are most welcome.

27 August 2005 - When they were good, they were very very good... (report from Stimmo)
Neston 1st XI v Bowdon 1st XI
Toss: Bowdon
Result: Bowdon won by 122 runs
and when they were bad......
Neston 1st XI's recent excellent run of results was halted in emphatic fashion by visitors Bowdon, at Parkgate on Saturday. Batting first, the title chasing visitors posted 188-7 in their 55 overs, with the runs shared around. The Neston bowlers stuck to their task well, with Dave Collyer in particular bowling an excellent long spell, and the Senior Fresian catching swallow's at slip In reply, the home side struggled badly against Bowdon's accurate and varied attack. A clatter of wickets (and a comedy run out) ensuring an extremely early end to proceedings, with the home side having mustered just 66 between them.
Gold Award: DC
Champagne Moment: 'Yes, one run - oh s**t, I shouldn't be running'

27 August 2005 - 3rds Overhaul Local and Mid-Table Rivals
Oxton 3s 130 all out (32.4 overs) (Ewing 48, Strong 5 for)
Neston 3s 131-1 (27.1 overs) (Garrett 61*, Tyler 50)
A comprehensive victory for Neston 3s where maximum 25 points were obtained, despite often farcical fielding. Stand-in captain Mark Strong opened with a 10-over spell of 60 good balls, 5 of them wickets, including a maiden THREE wicket over. It could have been over sooner but for some dreadful drops. Amongst the offenders were Strong himself (at gully), Tyler (in the slips) and Palmer (cow corner). But some fielding was sublime. Lewis took an excellent catch for Strong's second wicket; Palmer and Alan Reeve (on his return to action) both ran batsmen out with direct hits. After the early tea, Tyler batted with fluency to reach 50 before being bowled by a good ball. Garrett started slowly but, in Garrett tradition, played himself into form, and played some spectacular shots to reach 61 not out. Reeve hit the winning run that meant a quick 9-wicket victory and maximum points that move the team into the top half of the table.
Gold Awards: Strong, Tyler and Garrett
Thanks for Comings: (might as well have been) the rest of us
Champagne Moment: Joint. Strong's 3 wicket maiden over or Garrett hitting 2 straight sixes off one over to reach 50.

21 August 2005 - 3rd's/4th's reach Final
THE Jack Gardner 3rd XI Cup final is to be played on Bank Holiday Monday (1 p.m.) between Alderley Edge and Neston (at AE). Neston beat Heaton Mersey in the second semi-final at Oakley Villas on Sunday. Heaton Mersey got 135 and we got them for about 4 wickets down with 6/7 overs to go. Don Hurst got 40 odd and Tyler got 30 odd.

21 August 2005 - Finno's fine form finds favour for Final (report from MTB)
THE League have named a strong team for their first League Cricket Conference President’s Trophy final against the Beechwood Derbyshire Premier League, to be played on their ‘lucky’ ground at Broad Lane, Grappenhall on Sunday, September 4th (1 p.m.). It will be captained by Christleton’s Maroof Khan and faith has been kept with the seven other available members of the team which beat Northants Premier by 12 runs in a thrilling semi-final. With Guy Emmett (Bowdon) and Danny Leech (Oulton Park) possibly playing in the Cheshire Cup final that day and James Duffy (Hyde) not available, in come Cheshire batsmen Andrew Hall (Bramhall) and Mark Currie (Alderley Edge) and Neston bowler Chris Finnegan. The full line-up is: Maroof Khan captain (Christleton), Andrew Hall (Bramhall), Mark Currie, Alan Day, Simon Elliott wicket-keeper (Alderley Edge), David Fitzsimmons (Hyde), Paul Sperring (Cheadle), Kevin Waterhouse (Bollington),. John Birchall (Brooklands), Kurt Edginton (Urmston), Chris Finnegan (Neston). Team manager is Harry Bramhall. Scorer: Ray Davies (Middlewich).

20 August 2005 - 4TH PLACE FOR 1ST'S
For the second week running the 1st XI gained points on every other side in the league ! The impressive victory over title chasing Christleton takes Ben Thomas' side up to 4th place in the Premier League.

20 August 2005 - Fabulous Finegan fires 1st's up to fourth (report from Stimmo)
Christleton 1st XI v Neston 1st XI
Toss: Neston
Result: Neston won by 125 runs (23pts/4pts)
Inspired by Chris Finegan's all round excellence, the 1st XI turned in their best performance of the season against high flying Christleton on Saturday. This was sweet revenge for the Parkgate men, who were comprehensively stuffed at home by the same opposition in the reverse fixture. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Christleton's very attractive ground, the visitors recovered from a shaky start with Finegan (65) and Andy Roberts (38) batting sensibly in the middle order, to push the score towards 200. A late flurry from Alex Yardley (20*) saw skipper BT call a halt after 56 overs with 220-7 on the board. Following a half time eclair (or two), a fired up Chris Hackett then struck early with the new ball, whilst at the other end, Finegan was causing all sorts of problems with his sustained pace and accuracy. Replacing Hackett, Dave Collyer (3-27) immediately found favourable bounce and turn and in the space of a quite extraordinary hour, he and Finegan contrived to bundle the home side out for just 95.
Gold Award: Fin's (65 & 6-49 for Neston's Peter Crouch; a contender for August performance of the month ?)
Champagne Moment: The senior Fresian's (Turk) slip catch

14 August 2005 - Brave 2's just pipped in cup semi (report from Stimmo)
2nd XI cup semi final
Congleton 2nd XI v Neston 2nd XI
Result: Congleton won by 2 wickets
Report from Gregoire Shillingsby...
An excellent 2nd XI cup semi final eventually went the way of hosts Congleton, by 2 wickets. Batting first, Neston were all over the place at 55-7 before a fantastic stand between Bob Yardley snr (70) and R C A Thorn (58) ensured a healthy halfway total of 197 all out. Wickets fell regularly in the Congleton innings, with youngster David Manchett (2-30) bowling superbly in his first game at 2nd team level. Sadly for Neston, a captain's innings saw the home side to victory in the last over, with 8 wickets down.
Gold Award (joint): Senior Bob & RCA
Champagne Moments: RCA's car denting six (Shilly's car) and the skipper fielding one with his scrotum

14 August 2005 - 20Twenty Finals day (report from Stimmo)
A very well organised and extremely enjoyable day, bar the eventual result
Nantwich v Neston (semi final)
Batting first, Neston post 133 in their 20 overs with contributions throughout, and some excellent running between the wickets. In reply, tight Neston bowling (DC outstanding) and some brilliant fielding from Alex Yardley and Simon Marshall ensures a very tight game is beautifully poised going into the last over. A colossal six seems to have swung it Nantwich's way, but, with four needed from the last ball, Chris Hackett's hoop holds up and the Shrimpers sneak through
Neston v Widnes (final)
Having demolished Bramhall in their semi final, the powerful Widnes top order again set off at a fearsome lick. Stimson pegs them back with a couple of world class jaffa's and Bassy takes yet another dull, routine, run-of-the-mill catch at deep long on - a destructive final over sees an imposing total of 160 posted. In reply, Neston make a poor start, and with rain arriving at just the wrong time, the players retreat for tea and the test match. Finegan and Total Keeping Solutions fight hard at the resumption, but both eventually perish and despite some lusty hitting from Yardley jnr, the Shrimpers eventually finish 15 runs short.
Congratulations to Widnes.
Gold Award: DC - An excellent contribution from the human bandage.
Champagne Moment (literally) : Bassy's catch, just pipping BT's six (against the wind apparently)

13 August 2005 - NESTON ONLY WINNERS ON WETTEST DAY OF SEASON (Report from MTB)
Only one game was completed in the Murray Smith Accountants Cheshire County League programme on the season’s wettest Saturday. That was at Parkgate where Neston took advantage of a 3.20 p.m. start on a drying pitch to beat Alderley Edge by eight wickets and move up three places to fifth in the ECB Premier League. Alderley Edge were restricted to 121-7 when declaring at the half-way mark, 33 overs, West Indian Rishaad Harris top-scoring with 39 and Adam Wildig, 31 taking the score from 73-5. Chris Finnegan 4-61 and Simon Marshall 3-58 bowled unchanged. Neston reached their target with 10 overs to spare, Birkenhead Schoolmaster Brad Donelan scoring 40, Andy Crook 39 and Simon Marshall 29 not out.

There was no play in the 2nd's, 3rd's and 4th XI games.

8 August 2005 - 3rd's semi-final date
The 3rd's semi-final KO game is against Heaton Mersey away and has been scheduled for Sunday 21st August. Should we be successful the Final is on the bank holiday Monday, venue to be decided.

8 August 2005 - 20/TWENTY FINALS DAY
THE stage is set for the County League’s JW Lees Fred Graham Trophy Finals Day to be staged at Warrington Sports Club this Sunday, August 14th. As a result of the third round games played in the past two weeks, the semi-finals draw features three clubs from the ECB Premier League plus Bramhall from Division One. It is:

6 August 2005 - 1st's lose 20Twenty dress rehearsal (Report from MTB)
Nantwich collected 20 points from a three wickets win in a low-scoring game against Neston at Whitehouse Lane. They dismissed their Wirral visitors for 116, Barrington Browne 5-43, Nigel Davies 3-44. Nantwich had to battle to reach 117-7 in reply, former Longton star Davies this time figuring with the bat, his innings of 31 being a match-winning contribution. Dave Collyer took 3-26 and Stan Clifford 3-41 against the team Neston will meet in the semi-finals of the Twenty/20 tournament at Warrington next Sunday.

6 August 2005 - 2nd's hang on for draw (Report from Roachy)
Neston 2nd XI V Nantwich
On saturday Neston came away with arguably more than we deserved having been thoroughly outplayed by Nantwich. Fielding first Neston bowled well early on with Tex Richardson and Justin Hackett keeping the runs down in a good controlled spell with the new ball. Tex struck first with a nice out-swinger to find the edge with Gary Peebs taking a fine catch behind the stumps. Magnum Thorn then produced a fantastic bit of fielding on the boudary to result in a run out, followed by Hack picking up the third wicket to leave Nantwich struggling at 30 odd for 3.
Neston never really capitalised on this position and through a combination of good hitting and outright slogging Nantwich managed to rattle up 230 for 7, scoring nearly 50 in the last 3 overs.
Although probably 50 runs more than we should have kept them too, the run chase should have posed few problems due to the flat pitch and short boundary. Neston lost 3 early wickets with poor shots from myself, hack and Larry Murphy leaving us poorly placed at 18 for 3. Marvin Garrett and Peebs then dug in for a while but the only decent efforts with the bat came from Pat Barker with yet another 50 and Magnum, who between them saw out the last 12 overs to get us an extra 2 points. Neston closed on 150 odd for 9.

6 August 2005 - 3rd's frustrated
Neston 3rd XI 262-5 (Masters 70*, Chester 43, Strong/Palmer/Jones/Robinson 30-odd each)
Urmston 3rd XI 160-8 (boring; Masters 5 for)
A team comprising of Birkenhead Old/Current players Palmer, Masters, Owen Jones, Nick Hickley, Richie Higgins and Lewis Robinson was sent in by Urmston captain in the first of many negative decisions made by them at a shockingly-well-kept ground with short boundaries on all sides (some shots actually went for 4!)
6 of the 7 who batted got a start - Derek Hollingsbee had his revenge by giving us out when he was umpiring. A good decision to see the stumping of Robinson, and this biased reporter is going to say that Palmer was NEVER out LBW! (Note - Hollingbee had a better view than me; that is why I didn't hit it.)
Enter James Masters! Entering on the precarious score of 146-4 was never going to stop a gargantuan performance on this ground. The ball found itself being bullied over the ropes. His performance with the willow allowed a dec after 47 overs.
This was after one of the sheet sight-screens fell over, and muggins here went to try and fix it. Being completely incompetent in that regard, the man as wide as the sight-screen had to hold the d**ned thing up!
53 overs to bowl them out in after one of the nicer teas in Cheshire (or is this Lancashire?). Masters bowled some short stuff and got 4 wickets in his opening 7 overs. They were about 30-5 at one point. It was then that the Urmston barriers were erected, and the 6th wicket partnership of about 90 came in a little under 40 overs, but saved them the game. A late Neston rally really was late.

6 August 2005 - 4th's romp to victory
Neston 4th XI vs Irby 3s
After second to bottom side Irby won the toss and elected to bat, a somewhat youthful Neston 4th team took to the field. The Irby innings got off to a disastrous start, with David 'Care Bear' Manchett ripping through the top order. A top spell of opening bowling by the youngster, even with his gargantuan barnett!
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors as wickets continued to fall, and only a late partnership between youngster J.Hurworth nad R.Elston provided any substance to the batting. Manchett (3-11), ably assisted by fellow under 15s Tom Smith (3-23), Greg Thompson (1-29) and the aptly named Tom Bowling (2-13) dismissing the visitors for a meagre 107. A truly delightful 47 from Hurworth came to an unfortunante end - being triggered by a ginger umpire who paid more attention to his jacket than the game. The same cannot be said for Neston skipper Potter, whose sharp glove-work behind the stumps led to the 13 year old's downfall. Highlights of the fielding innings included sharp work by Jules 'The Cat' Manchett and pick of the day D. Hurst's (snr) flying effort at slip to make up for his, and Macpherson's, earlier dropped slip chances. Mention must also go to youngsters C. Lawson and C. Steer who tried hard...... O and also skipper Potski who battled through with an injured calf..Good stuff fellas
After an early tea, the Neston openers, S. MacPherson and Don 'Boycott' Hurst got off to a flyer, with 10 being hit off the first over. The romp continued, with few glitches. Boycott receiving one that 'popped' was dismissed for 21. G. Brooker soon followed for 13 and it was left to MacPherson, accompanied by J. Manchett to finish the innings off. MacPherson ending with a well played 54* and Manchett 11*.
All in all a thoroughly deserved, and well played, victory for the Neston youth.

5 August 2005 - Drama as 1st's reach 20Twenty Finals day (report from Stimmo)
Fred Graham Trophy Quarter Final
Neston 1st XI v Oulton Park 1st XI
Result: Neston won by 14 runs
Neston booked their place in the 20/20 finals day at Warrington on August 14th, following a dramatic win over Oulton Park in the re-arranged Fred Graham Trophy quarter final tie, played on Friday evening. With several of the visiting side still delayed en route at the scheduled start time, the game was reduced to 16 overs a side. Batting first, Neston posted 124-5 thanks to a quickfire 22 from Chris Hackett, a superbly paced 50 from Andy Roberts and an explosive 38 at the death from Chris Finegan. In response, 3-13 from Dave Collyer, 2-18 from Paul Stimson, 2-20 from Chris Hackett and a confusing run out, restricted the league leaders to 110 all out.
Gold Award: Robbo; total keeping solutions.
Champagne Moment: Finn's clubhouse clearing six.

4 August 2005 - Under 21's go out
The Under 21's played Wallasey in the Cheshire Cup today but were comprehensively beaten.

3 August 2005 - 20/TWENTY DATE
Neston will meet Oulton Park in the quarter final of the League Knockout on Friday 5 August 2005 (6.00pm). It's the tie of the round with the winners claiming a place in the Finals Day at Warrington. A large crowd is expected - get there early !!!

3 August 2005 - Simon makes Lancs debut
Neston's Simon Marshall is in the Lancashire 1st XI for their 4 day County Championship match against Leicestershire at Grace Road starting today. He has been selected following consistently good performances for the 2nd XI. This will be his championship debut, and he is afforded this opportunity as a result of a hand injury to Gary Keedy. I am sure that everybody will wish him the very best.

1 August 2005 - FINNO LEADS LEAGUE SIDE TO VICTORY OVER OLD RIVALS
Our own Chris Finegan led the Cheshire County League to victory over the Liverpool Competition on Sunday in the Northern Rock League Cricket Conference President's Trophy at Grappenhall. The Cheshire County League side totalled 243-7 (45 overs, Fitzsimmons 58, Sperring 45*, Duffy 35, Hall 32, Birchall 28). The Liverpool Competition were then dismissed for 155 after 40.4 overs (Finno picking up 3-33 from his 10 overs). A very satisfying day for all involved - especially Finno !!!!.

30 July 2005 - Tea's the toast at Toft (report from Stimmo)
Toft 1st XI v Neston 1st XI
Toss: Toft
Result: Match Drawn (Toft 14pts, Neston 8)
A forgettable game in miserable weather, brightened immensely by a world class tea. Batting first, the home side roared out of the traps, exploting the short boundary on one side. Two wickets for Dave Collyer put a brake on proceedings, and at 130-3 things were evenly poised. Cue the rain (and 90 minute tea ) during which some UN style negotiations promised a quick declaration, and subsequent run chase, should things improve. Restarting in dank, murky conditions Toft progressed to 179-5 before calling a halt. In reply, Chris Hackett perished early on for the visitors, but a good 2nd wicket partnership between Phil Davis and Simon Marshall kept the score ticking over. Sadly for Neston, both were dismissed when seemingly well set, and, as the asking rate rose, some tight Toft bowling saw further wickets fall in the drizzle. In the end, David Hurst and Steve Carter calmly collected a 3rd batting point to ensure the day hadn't been completely wasted, Neston closing on 150-7.
Gold Award: The Toft tea lady, service excellence
Champagne Moment: Scone's, butter, jam, clotted cream (x5)

30 July 2005 - 2nd's run out of steam against Toft (report from Stimmo)
Neston 2nd XI v Toft 2nd XI
Toss: Neston
Result: Match Drawn (Neston 11pts, Toft 9)
A somewhat lop-sided game saw the home side shade the draw points 11-9, after the vistors chose to bat out their full 55 over allocation, whilst posting 204-7. Neston skipper Greg Shillinlgaw continued his excellent season with the ball, snatching three more wickets, and youngster Lawrence Lewis snared a couple for himself. 205 in 45 overs was a stiff ask of the home side. Forty from Jamie Hackett, and a composed half century from the ever improving Mark Garrett kept them in touch, but, as wickets fell and the overs ran out, a halt was eventually called, Neston finishing on 181-8.
Gold Award: Lesley Garrett

30 July 2005 - 3rd's game all over in less than two hours
Warrington 4s 35 all out (19 overs)
Neston 3s 36/3 (Masters 20odd not out)
A game that finished less than 2 hours after it begun saw much drama combined with little run-scoring. Seeing a slow wicket and sensing the divine intervention of the weather, captain Chester chose to bowl first. It was an inspired decision. 2 of their players failed to wear whites and all failed to reach double figures, being bowled out for 35, with the wickets shared between all the bowlers. Even though we were in the field for less than 20 overs, there were still some incidents of comedic value. The overseas star of Neston 3s, former Welsh international Mark Strong, managed to parry an easy stop at mid off into a painful position that may ensure that child production is a thing of the past in his house (probably much to Mrs Strong's relief). Later, it was discovered that Strong had the same size feet as 14-year-old debutant Tom Smith when he decided to share cricket spikes with him for bowling purposes. The casually easy catching of slip fielder Andy Wooley must be commented upon. The busy player took an excellent low catch off pacy 15 year old Richie Higgins followed by the slowest slip catch in history off Dougie "Waqar" Chadwick, who picked up 3 wickets.
Chasing 36, there was always going to be drama. Chester made the cunning decision to send out-of-form and horrendously nutse part-time fielder Richard "Patsy Pastie" Palmer in to open the batting. The Sheffield University 3rd team captain got himself out for a duck when his leg-stump was uprooted by an 11 year old. Later, the fat Heswall one claimed that he was beaten by, "a lack of pace." The said 11 year old also got stand-in wicketkeeper and run machine Nick Hickley out 2 balls later for the same score. Thankfully, leviathon James Masters was in no mood to waste time playing cricket when he could be sitting on his arse doing nothing, and decided to slog 20 runs to win the match comfortably by 7 wickets.

30 July 2005 - 4th XI at Birkenhead Park
The 4th XI got around 200 off around 20 overs before the rain came down to bring the match to an early end. Ian Roberts hitting a blistering 120+ before retiring hurt due to a hamstring problem, caused by slipping on the wicket. Don Hurst also got a very good 50 whilst Nathan Wilkes and Mike Potter missed out on a run fest, scoring 8 and 0 disrespectfully.

24 July 2005 - 3rd's into semi-finals of KO
The 3rd team cup match on Sunday saw an excellent unbroken partnership of 170-odd between Alex Tyler (83*) and Stevie Carter (75*) through constant rain (or "Spitting" to any Peter Kay fans) to see us to a comfortable 9-wicket victory with 8 overs to spare without the help of the fast outfield that Upton had in their innings.
Earlier, we had restricted them in their 45 overs to 175, due to fine bowling by Stevie C, Tyler, Andy Watkins, James Masters and Strongy (back from his holiday). Star with the ball, however, was Jonny Brown who picked up a 4 wicket haul to go with his 5 wicket haul against Upton 4s the day before.

23 July 2005 - 1st's in rare comfortable victory shock (report from MTB)
Poynton slipped to the foot of the table when they were comprehensively beaten at Neston after posting only 167, Derwen Thompson top-scoring with 52 before being magnificently caught by Adam Bass off the bowling of Chris Finegan, who had an impressive 5-45 return. With some quality shots in his 68, skipper Ben Thomas played his best innings of the summer as the Parkgate men coasted home with six wicketsto spare, teenager David Hurst again impresing with 44.

23 July 2005 - 2nd's reach the top ! (report from Stimmo)
Upton 2nd XI v Neston 2nd XI
Toss: Upton
Result: Neston 2nd XI won by 3 wickets
A third successive 25 point win for the 2nd XI see's them hitting top form at just the right point in the season. Saturday's Host's, Upton, posted a competitve 219 in their innings, with Greg Shillinglaw increasing his season's victim return to 28, following another 5 wicket haul. Jamie Hackett then made the home side pay for dropping him early in his innings. His excellent unbeaten hundred, together with useful contributions from Gareth Peers and Peter Barber, ensured the current winning run continues. Meanwhile, defeat's for the top two at the weekend have allowed Neston to draw level with Alderley Edge at the head of the 2nd XI premier division (207 points each). Chester Boughton Hall and Hyde lie close behind, as we enter the final third of the season.
Gold Award : Jamie Hackett
Champagne Moment's : Roachy's run out & Loz Lewis fielding the ball with his eye in a 'John Merrick' style.
The following postcript is from Roachy;
1) we did bloody well to keep them to 219 as they were 160 for 3 after 25 overs.
2) ROACHY TOOK A BRILLIANT 3 FOR 18 WITH HIS FLIGHTED FILTH AND SINGLE HANDEDLY TURNED THE GAME ROUND, HE IS NOW KNOCKING ON THE DOOR AS 5TH CHOICE 2ND TEAM SPINNER.
3)ROACHY'S RUN OUT WAS ENTIRELY BARKERS FAULT(MAYBE)

23 July 2005 - 3rd's struggle against Champions
The 3rd team on Saturday were the only team not to beat Upton this weekend; a poor batting display saw the top 6 all get a start, but only youngster Lewis Robinson (41 - on debut!) went on to do anything of note. We were bowled out for a shocking 164. In the 47 overs, Upton only used 2 bowlers! An early wicket for debutant Richard Higgins led to nothing more as their 2nd wicket put on about 150. Masters got another wicket when Upton were 2 short of victory. They then completed their victory with many overs to spare.

23 July 2005 - 4th's on a roll
The 4th team helped their outside shot at the title by beating Upton 4s by 1 wicket at home on Saturday. Johnny Brown steering his side home in a nail biting conclusion ably assisted by Matt Jones who made a splendid 1* and took 5-1-16-1.

21 July 2005 - 2nd's meet Congleton in semi-final
After beating Timperley on Sunday the 2nd's now face Congleton in the semi-final of the 2nd XI KO. Semi final's by 14th August, final 21st August.

17 July 2005 - 2nd's through to KO semi's (report from Stimmo)
Sunday saw a side packed with young talent travel to Poynton for the 2nd XI cup quarter final. Batting first, Neston posted 178 in their 45 overs with James Masters to the fore, smashing a brisk 40. After the interval, three early wickets for Greg Shilinglaw and four from the impressive Steve Carter saw the hosts shot out for 150 in reply - well done lads. The Shrimpers will face the winners of the Congleton v Timperely tie in the semi finals.
Gold Award: James Masters / Steve Carter (shared)

16 July 2005 - 1st's woe at Widnes (report from MTB)
Cockspur Cup quarter-finalists Widnes lie fourth place as they kept up the momentum of their winning streak with a five wickets home victory over Neston, who opted to bat their full allowance of 60 overs to post 222-8. Adam Bass scored 89 and Brad Donellan 36, while Bapa Mukherjee’s 4-80 makes him the division’s top wicket-taker with 37. Widnes reached their target with two overs to spare thanks to a hard-hit 80 from Aussie Chris Park and Tony Hurdley’s 62 not out.

16 July 2005 - 2nd's continue climb up table (report from Stimmo)
Neston 2nd XI v Widnes 2nd XI (16.07.05)
Toss: Widnes
Result: Neston 2nd XI won by six wickets
A second league win on the bounce for Neston 2's sees them heading in the right direction in the table, as the season heads towards the 'business end'. Electing to bat first, Saturday's visitors Widnes were dismissed for just 151, with Richard Thorn (5-8) outstanding for the home side.
After tea, four quick wickets had the home side reeling, but Tom Hollingsbee (53*) and Greg Shillinglaw (41*) produced the sort of match winning batting partnership so badly lacking in recent weeks, to ensure a maximum 25 point haul for the Shrimpers.
Gold Award: R C A Thorn
Champagne Moment: Stimson's slower ball that missed the wicket, the keeper, the fielders and landed somewhere near The Old Quay

17 July 2005 - 2nd's through to KO semi's (report from Stimmo)
Sunday saw a side packed with young talent travel to Poynton for the 2nd XI cup quarter final. Batting first, Neston posted 178 in their 45 overs with James Masters to the fore, smashing a brisk 40. After the interval, three early wickets for Greg Shilinglaw and four from the impressive Steve Carter saw the hosts shot out for 150 in reply - well done lads. The Shrimpers will face the winners of the Congleton v Timperely tie in the semi finals.
Gold Award: James Masters / Steve Carter (shared)

16 July 2005 - 3rd's topple Timperley (report from Pete Chester)
Toss - Neston
Neston 241-8, 49 overs (198 @ 45) - S.Carter 87, J.Masters 56*, P.Chester 37, Lucas 6/60
Timperly 183, 49.1 overs (162 @ 45) - Kyte 32, Lucas 30, P.Carter 4/40, S.Carter 3/38
Neston won by 58 runs
Neston 25 points, Timperly 8 points
On another sunny Saturday, Neston III's entertained Timperly and on winning the toss decided to bat. The decision looked to have backfired with the loss of four wickets in the first 20 overs with only 44 on the board. Timperly's opening bowler Lucas (6/60) bowling the first three Neston batsmen, exploiting some variable bounce. S.Carter (87) after a couple of escapes early on and Peter Chester (37) then accelerated the run rate before Lucas returned to hit the timbers a couple of more times and with an LBW had an impressive 6 wickets. It was left to James Masters (56 not out) compiling (if that's the right word) his first 50 which included eight 4's and two 6's, making a dec possible on 241 for 8. The Timperly reply got off to a sluggish start and Steve Carter (3/38) soon removed the openers. Wickets and runs then came at a steady rate, Peter Carter (4/40) being the principal wicket taker. A stunning catch by Richard Palmer and a smart stumping from Gareth Peers eventually ended the Timperly innings in the penultimate over to give Neston a victory by 58 runs.

12 July 2005 - Shrimper's coast through in 20/20 (report from Stimmo)
Fred Graham Trophy 2nd round
Neston 1st XI v Irby 1st XI
Toss: Irby
Result: Neston 1st XI won by 8 wickets
Neston eased into the quarter final's of the 2005 competition with an impressive team performance. On a beautiful summer's evening at Parkgate, visitors Irby were restricted to just 87-6 from their 20 overs.
The Neston bowling and fielding was exemplary, with Collyer, Finegan, Stimson, Hackett and Marshall all shining with the ball, backed up by Bass and Edwards in the field.
In response, a quickfire 41* from Marshall ensured an early finish, and sets up an exciting home quarter final matchup against premier league rivals Oulton Park.
Gold Award: The team performance
Champagne moment: Finegan's Jayne Torvill impression in the deep.

9 July 2005 - 1st's back on the winning trail (report from MTB)
Neston won their Wirral derby against Oxton by four wickets with one ball to spare at Parkgate after restricting their visitors to 181-7 in the maximum 60 overs, Marc Debrabender 60, Peter Benson 39 not out, Simon Marshall 4-82. Left with 50 overs, Neston just made it thanks to a solid batting effort led by Chris Hackett, 47 and Stan Clifford, 32.

9 July 2005 - 2's just edge gargantuan struggle (report from Stimmo)
Oxton 2nd XI v Neston 2nd XI
Toss: Oxton
Result: Neston won by one wicket
A nail biting finish in the Oxton soon-she-eye-nah on Saturday evening saw the visitors snatch 25 points, by the smallest possible margin. Earlier in the day the home side had posted 191 on a worn, used pitch, with a lightning fast outfield. Having stuggled to bowl an obelisk down a hill recently, your correspondent finally managed to land the ball somewhere near the stumps, and returned a 4 wicket haul.
The early loss of both opener's did not bode well for the Neston run chase. Middle order leviathan's Hackett (54) and Hollingswasp (48) steadied the ship, but both perished at crucial stages. Thereafter, some frankly dreadful shots, and one truly fantastic running catch, accounted for everyone bar Rickers and Selleck T.
In the end, a crucial 21* from the man from the MCC was enough to win a truly levithanical epic.
Gold Award: Rickers: courage under fire from the car dealer.
Champagne Moment: Shilly, silly mid off, nuff said

9 July 2005 - 3rd's struggle at Cheadle (report from Pete Chester)
Toss Cheadle
Cheadle 224 all out - 49.4 overs (205 @45) - Worsley 73, M.Stewart 35, Hambleton 42, Masters 3/42, Chadwick 3/42, Tyler 3/31
Neston 174 all out - 46.1 overs (174@45) - S.Carter 25, M.Knight 32, Griffiths 5/46, O.Potts 3/45
Cheadle Hulme won by 50 runs
Cheadle Hulme 25 points, Neston 9 points
Neston III's visited Cheadle Hulme on Saturday and in bright sunshine were asked to field first. Cheadle got off to a good start but both openers were soon removed. Worsley (73) and Stewart (35) then started to put the home side on top and a big total looked likely. Good bowling from Masters (3/42), Chadwick (3/42) and Tyler (3/31) kept the runs in check and wickets fell at fairly regular intervals before Hambleton (42) added some impetus to the end of the innings. The last wicket falling in the 50th over with the score on 224. Whether it was the excellent tea or the effects of the sun is not clear, but the Neston batsmen showed little application in the run chase and while runs came quite quickly, so did the wickets. Steve Carter (25) showed the application but could not get on top of some tight bowling from Griffiths (5/46) and Potts (3/45). Towards the end of the innings Matt Knight (32) batted well and took the score to 174, giving the home side victory by 50 runs.

9 July 2005 - 4th XI thrash Chester
Neston 257-6(?)(50 overs); Chester 3rds 115 (42ish overs). Toss: Not the Bob.
After being held to a draw by relegation contenders Neston 3rds the week before, the 4ths returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over high flying Chester BH. After being stuck in, the Shrimps rattled up a Gargantuan 257 in 50 overs, despite the efforts of Don 'Boycott' Hurst. Yardley junior was the pick of the home batsmen with a hard hitting 70, whilst Mike Potter helped himself to another 50. Useful cameos from Brown and Brooker only added to Chesters woes.
The visitors reply got off to a dreadful start with the removal of Latvian international, Obelisk Behemoth, for single figures. From then on it was an uphill struggle for Chester, and they never threatened to overhaul the target. Most of the home bowlers got in on the action, with Richardson (4 wickets) being the pick.
Man of Match: Don Hurst, a brave but vain effort to score the slowest untelevised single figure score.
Mammory of the Match: Alex Yardley: The boy's just a Leviathan. Smashed roof tiles in his boring innings, then compounded this by knocking out two fence panels with some rash fielding. A ban should be considered.

3 July 2005 - Under 21's progess in Cheshire Cup
Neston 197-7 off 40 overs.
Main run scorers were Mark Garrett - 106,Tom Hollingsbee - 27 and Steve Carter - 29.
Grappenhall 190-9 off 40 overs.
Best bowlers were Tom Richardson 3-18 and Steve Carter 3-38 both off the maximum 8 overs.
The Neston fielding was superb and kept us in the game after Grappenhall were at one stage 130-0 and entering the final ten overs only needed 40 runs with 9 wickets left.
We are due to play the winners of the Hyde v Wallasey game which was abandonded in tragic circumstances when a Wallasey player Tim Melville colapsed and died at the crease during his innings last Sunday. Both sides and the organisers are currently taking stock of the situation and we are awaiting further instructions.

2 July 2005 - 1st's have best of draw with CBH (report from MTB)
Only a few hours after playing for Lancashire in the Twenty/20 Roses match at Old Trafford, Australian all-rounder Andy Crook starred in Neston’s winning draw at Chester Boughton Hall. With 107, Crook scored his second century in eight days to help Neston post a total of 200, Robin Fisher 3-47. Then his canny off-spin kept Chester in check to such a degree that they managed only 124-8 in a 55 overs reply. Eddie Roberts held firm with 51, while Crook finished with 3-45 off 18 overs, while back after injury Simon Marshall had 2-29 off 17 overs.

2 July 2005 - 2nd's struggle again (report from Stimmo)
Neston 2nd XI v Chester Boughton Hall 2nd XI
Toss: Neston
Result: CBH 2nd XI won by 32 runs
A fouth league defeat in 11 games leaves the defending 2nd XI champions with much to ponder as the second half of the season commences. Visitors Chester ran out comfortable winners at Parkgate on Saturday. Invited to bat first, they ticked along nicely at 4 an over, posting 209-8 in 50. Graeme Rickman and Greg Shillinglaw comfortably the stand out bowlers for the home side. In response, a fighting fifty from John Fennah and some late fireworks from an injury hampered Shilly were not enough to stave off another defeat. Whilst individuals are contributing, the lack of regular batting partnerships in games is costing the side dearly at present. It's 3 wins, 4 draws and 4 defeats for the 2's going into the reverse fixtures.

2 July 2005 - 3rd's and 4th's share a draw (report from Pete Chester)
Toss - Neston III
Neston IV 267 for 9 - 49 overs (242@45) - Roberts 41, Potter 66, Brown 68, S.Carter 4/45, Strong 2/43
Neston III 245 for 9 - 51 overs (221@45) - Peers 25, Garrett 78, S.Carter 57, Chester 36, Watkins 2/56, Brown 4/32
Match Drawn
Neston III 12 points, Neston IV 17 points
The thirds entertained the fourths on Saturday, Mike Potter captained the fourths in Bob Yardley's absence and was asked to have first use of a wicket positioned on the edge of the square. Steve Carter (4/45) on his return from University opened the bowling, but it was Mark Strong (2/43) who made the first break through removing both openers relatively cheaply. Ian Roberts (41) then took the attack to the bowling, but when he fell to Dougie Chadwick with the score in the sixties the thirds were on top. A sensible stand between Captain Potter (66) and John Brown (68) put the fourths back on top until a few late wickets for Steve Carter allowed a declaration on 267 for 9 after 49 overs. The thirds reply got off to a good start with Gareth Peers (25) and Mark Garrett (78) scoring at over 5 an over before two quick wickets fell, one to 12 year old Tom Greenfield who removed Alan Reeve with his first ball, it was thought Tom had recognised a weakness in Alan's ability to cope with the long hop during while he was coaching the juniors! Steve Carter (57) then joined Mark Garrett who was now batting very well and between them they took the score up to 161 before Steve was run out. Peter Chester (36) added a further 40 with Mark before some smart work behind the stumps by Mike Potter saw the end of an excellent innings. With wickets now falling more regularly principally to John Brown (4/32) in the chase for runs it was left to George Mills and Dougie Chadwick to see out the last couple of overs, the final score being 245 for 9. An excellent game played in a good spirit, over 500 runs, 18 wickets and honours even!

26 June 2005 - CHESHIRE CUP EXIT (report from Stimmo)
Sunday saw a very strong Oulton Park side arrive at Parkgate for the eagerly anticipated Cheshire Cup 2nd round tie. In glorious weather, and roared on by a large home crowd, the home side struggled against a potent bowling attack. Jamie Hackett (52) played the only real innings of substance, and a final total of 150-7 in 45 overs didn't look anything like enough at halfway. But, led once again by Finegan, the home side roared back into the game in the second half. Tight spells from Collyer, Stimson, Chris Hackett and David Hurst, backed up by one of the best catches you will ever see from Adam Bass, saw wickets fall regularly and left the game finely poised. The difference in the end proved to be Oulton's opening batsman Steve Selwood. The former Derbyshire player survived one difficult chance during his unbeaten 90, whilst effectively marshalling the lower order to a 3 wicket win.
Gold Award: Jamie Hackett

25 June 2005 - Crook century in high scoring defeat for 1st's at Hyde (report from Stimmo)
Neston 1st XI lost by 3 wickets in a high scoring game at Hyde on Saturday. Batting first, a fantastic second wicket partnership between Andrew Crook (108) and Phil Davis (83) saw the visitors post 239-8 in their 55 overs, a total probably around 'par' on a very small ground with fast outfield. Hyde struggled initially against Chris Finegan's new ball spell, but as the ball softened, some excellent middle order batting saw them eventually ease home. Dave Collyer returning a respectable 3-78 for the Shrimpers.
Gold Award: Crooky (hopefully the first of many 100's)
Champagne Moment: Bob Cooke fielding for the Turk, after the pit crew were unable to put the big man back together again

25 June 2005 - 3rd's win at Upton (report from Pete Chester)
The thirds travelled to Upton for the second week in a row to meet their fourth team. The team was a real mixture of youth and experience, with Tom Greenfield, George Mills and Mike Thompson all making their senior debuts. It was the experience in Dougie Chadwick (3 for 38) and Mark Strong (5 for 21) who made the initial breakthrough with four quick wickets. All the youngsters bowled and Mike Thompson, an under 12, took his first wicket as Upton looked to bat the maximum overs, their innings closing in the 52nd over on 149. The Neston reply got off to a good start with Mark Garrett (62) and Ian Roberts (36) putting on a 50 opening stand before Roberts was unfortunately run out when a return drive was deflected onto the bowlers stumps. A collapse then followed reducing the innings to 97 for 6, George Mills(10 not out) an under 13, then showed how it should be done, batting very sensibly with Mark Garrett adding 35 for the seventh wicket. Alan Reeve (16 not out) nursing a sore hamstring then finished the in a flurry of boundaries giving the thirds victory by 3 wickets.

25 June 2005 - 4th XI report
Urmston 3rds 136 (49 and a bit overs); Yardleys Chaps 137-8 (47+ overs). Toss: Them.
There was a low scoring thriller on the back pitch on Saturday, with all results possible going into the last few overs. Veteran skipper 'The Bob' claimed 7 wickets, whilst Asif's wily mixture of beamers, long hops and half volleys, deservedly saw him claim 3 wickets. Asif's incident packed spell included the 'Lager Shandy Moment of the Match' as Yardley dived high to his left to take a stunning one handed catch as another full toss looked to be flying to the boundary. Meanwhile police were called to intervene when Urmston's Mr Chuckles, complained that Asifs bowling was offering him too many six hitting opportunities. Urmston were all out for 136.
Nestons new opening partnership of Pansy Potter and Wicketless Watkins got the chase off to a flyer as they scored at nearly one an over with the ball flying to no parts of the ground. Watkins then impressed with his fine calling to bring an abrupt end to Potters innings. As wickets continued to fall, Brooker batted surprisingly sensibly until a vicious rumour spread that the Guinness was running out, at which point he allowed his stumps to be removed. It was left to Johnny Brown to steady the ship, and through a combination of playing too early and down the wrong line he rustled up a crucial fifty. It was Yardleys day though, as he hit the winning runs with just 2 overs and 2 wickets remaining.

23 June 2005 - 20Twenty victory at Oxton (report from Stimmo)
Fred Graham Trophy 1st round
Oxton 1st XI v Neston 1st XI
Result: Neston won by 57 runs

Neston 1st XI progressed to the second round of the 2005 league knockout with a comfortable win against near neighbour's Oxton. Batting first on a glorious summer's evening, the vistors rattled up 157-4 in their 20 overs. Brad Donelan anchored the innings expertly, hitting a patient 50, while the rest played their shots around him. A fine effort from all the bowler's (zero no balls or wides) backed up by some very good catching, then saw the home side bundled out for just 90. Special mention to Shilly for 3 wickets in an over. Neston now face the winners of the Birkenhead Park v Irby tie in the second round.
Gold Award: Brad 'Stanford' Donelan

20 June 2005 - Young talent shines as 2's progress in cup (report from Stimmo)
Taylor Insurances Trophy 2nd round
Warrington 2nd XI v Neston 2nd XI (19.06.05)
Toss: Neston (game reduced to 38 overs per side)
Result: Neston won by 37 runs
A superb all round team performance from a young 2nd XI side saw Neston progress to the 3rd round of the 2005 competition.
Batting first, Lloyd Murphy's excellent 93 was the foundation for an impressive total of 214-4, from a rain reduced 38 overs. Nick Roach (56) continued his recent good form, with Mark Garrett and Greg Shillinglaw both contributing to a healthy halfway total.
Resuming after a 90 minute weather delay, 2 wickets each for messrs Edwards and Watkins then put the visitors on top.
The introduction of the spinner's allowed 15 year old keeper Matt Knight the opportunity to showcase his obvious talent. He had a hand in two run out's and took a smart catch, as the home struggled to keep up with the required rate, eventually subsiding to 177 all out.
Neston will be on the road again in the 3rd round, playing the winner of the Poynton v Brooklands tie.
Gold Award - Lloyd Murphy

20 June 2005 - 1st's IN HIGH SCORING DRAW (report from MTB)
Sixteen draw points for Oulton Park in a fine game at Neston enabled them to keep top place after they had rattled up 242-6, former Derbyshire all-rounder Nathan Dumbelow hammering an unbeaten 128, aided 51 from Stuart Eaton, while Simon Marshall claimed 4-76 off 21 overs. Marshall injured his hand attempting a caught and bowled in his 21st over, was taken to hospital and did not bat after tea. Without their leading batsman, Neston still put up a solid effort with Phil Davis (56), Chris Hackett (42), Stan Clifford (38) and Andy Crook (33) all going well as they reached 225-8. For Park, spinners Chris Jones and Dumelow took 5-54 and 3-78 respectively.

19 June 2005 - 3RD'S LOSE AT TABLE TOPPERS (report from Pete Chesters)
Toss - Upton
Neston 190 all out - 48.2 overs (186@45) - Reeve 65, Palmer 34, Garrett 32, Chester 25, Lloyd 3/45, Keenan 6/67
Upton 191 for 3 - 40.3 overs - Sharrock 78, Jarvis 31, Drummond 29, Cotter 34 not out
Upton won by 7 wickets
Upton 20 points, Neston 12 points
Neston 3's visited table topping Upton 3's on Saturday and in near tropical conditions the hosts asked Neston to bat first on a very dry wicket. Although all the top five Neston batsmen got a start, only Alan Reeve (65) built an innings, Palmer (34), Garrett (32) and Chester (25) all got themselves out when looking set. At 42 overs with the score on 178 for 4 a score well above 200 looked likely, however some tight bowling and poor shots removed the last 6 wickets for only 12 runs. A score of 190 was never likely to be enough against a strong looking Upton batting line up and it wasn't. Stand in skipper Sharrock (78) - Kenny was having trouble with his water works, but did turn up to dress the wicket at tea!, was top scorer and the target was reached in the 41st over with not much trouble, to give Upton victory by 7 wickets.

18 June 2005 - EASY WIN FOR TWOS (report from Stimmo)
Didsbury 2nd XI v Neston 2nd XI
Toss:Neston
Result: Neston won by 8 wickets
Neston 2nd XI's improved recent form continued with an emphatic 8 wicket win against a poor Didsbury side. In sweltering conditions, the home side mustered just 91 runs against a disciplined Neston attack. Skipper Greg Shillinglaw (4-15) once again led by example, backed up by an excellent spell from Graeme Rickman (3-21).
Fresh from their excellent opening stand the previous week, Nick Roach and Peter Barber then posted 60 for the first wicket. Barber was eventually (and unluckily) adjugded caught behind, with John Fennah following soon afterwards. Fittingly, it was left to Roach (46*) to hit the winning runs and secure the 20 point win.
Gold Award: Shilly - A captain's performance in the boiling Mancunian sooon-she-eye-naah

17 June 2005 - 20TWENTY RETURNS TO PARKGATE
After the success of the experiment last season 20Twenty crticket returned to Parkgate on Wednesday when the Neston Blues lost to the New Brighton Reds.

14 June 2005 - SATURDAYS REPORTS
Neston, who opened the season by taking 18 points from a level-scores draw at Oxton, were involved in a similar thrilling finish to their ECB Premier League game against reigning champions Bowdon at South Downs road. After being bowled out for 62 by Christleton seven days earlier, Neston gave a much improved performance although they may feel this was a game they should have won. Put in to bat, Bowdon declared at 192-9 with 70 from Jon Bean and 58 by Jon Gray, Chris Finegan capturing 4-36 and Stan Clifford 4-37. Neston were going well after a classy 61 from Simon Marshall and the experienced Stan Clifford still at the crease. But when they needed only 10 to win with four overs left, Neston found the experienced Gary Yates hard to get away and closed with the scores level at 192-7, taking 18 points to Bowdon’s 14. Clifford closed on 57 not out, while Yates had a match-saving 3-46.

Neston 2nd XI v Bowdon 2nd XI (Played with 9 men)
Toss: Neston
Result: Match drawn
A greatly improved team performance saw Neston 2's take 16 draw points from a game played against 9 man opposition throughout. Given the numerical advantage, the home side will however feel slightly disappointed not to have taken 8 wickets to win the game.
Batting first, Nick Roach and Peter Barber exploited the inevitable gaps in the field, and some very ordinary bowling. Both played excellently for 89, enabling a declaration at 226-3 after only 45 overs.
With a full 55 overs in which to dismiss the visitors, early wickets for Stimson and Shillinglaw put the home side firmly on top. Thereafter, some sensible batting from the Bowdon middle order against the spinners saw them keep pace with the required run rate, ensuring a potentially close finish. Three wickets from Richard Thorn swung the game back in favour of the home side, but despite 6 overs at the last pair, Neston were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Gold Award: Roachy & Barker (shared)

3rd XI
Toss - Neston
Neston 199 for 5 (35 overs) - J.Manchett 28, M.Garrett 42, R.Palmer 51*, Venables 3/68
Irby 50 for 7 (all out) - A.Jones 37, L.Lewis 3/22, P.Carter 2/16
Neston won by 149 runs
Neston 25 points, Irby 3 points
Irby IV's visited a sun drenched Neston to play the thirds in a bottom half of the league clash. Neston won the toss and batted first with Peter Chester bolstering up the numbers in the field for the Irby side. Runs came quickly for the Neston openers, Julian Manchett (28) and Matt Knight (19), however after the Neston sub caught Matt Knight a collapse followed that reduced the thirds to 61 for 4 and the Neston captain running off to get padded up! Order was resumed with a fine partnership between Mark Garrett (42) and Richard Palmer (51*), batting with the confidence that having your dad umpiring brings! Following Garrett's dismissal, Peter Chester (22*) added a further 50 runs with Palmer allowing a declaration on 199 after 35 overs, Venables (3 for 68) being Irby's best bowler. The Irby reply relied on their skipper Jones who scored 37 of the 42 runs that came from the bat and a total score of 50 gave Neston victory by 149 runs. All the bowlers chipped in with wickets, Laurence Lewis (3 for22) and Peter Carter (2 for 16) taking the lions share.

6 June 2005 - PAST PLAYERS LUNCH
The 2005 Past Players Lunch was a great success. If you want a high quality copy of the group photograph taken by Andy Beddard just click on the image below

6 June 2005 - 2nd's fail to chase 80 to win !!!! (report from Stimmo)
Timperley 2nd XI v Neston 2nd XI
Toss: Neston
Result: Timperley 2nd XI won by 20 runs
On a truly forgettable Saturday afternoon in south Manchester, the defending 2nd XI premier league champions were humbled by their hosts Timperely.
On a green, muddy wicket, repeatedly soaked by constant weather interruptions, the visitors somehow contrived to be dismissed for a pathetic 59 in response to the home side's less than daunting target of 79 all out.
It should all have been so different. Greg Shillinglaw's excellent new ball spell (5-15) had torn the heart out of the Timperely batting, with the help of some superb catching from the Neston slip cordon. Paul Stimson chipped in with four wickets, from a variety of styles.
That was as good as it got for the visitors. With not one Neston batsman prepared to graft against a patient Timperely attack, wickets fell as steadily as the Manchester rain, ensuring a soaking wet finish in near darkness, and thoroughly miserable return home down the M56.
Gold Award: You must be joking
Personal comment: If you played in this shambles yesterday, I hope you are as angry and determined to put it right at the earliest possible opportunity as I am. See you at 6.00pm this Thursday evening ?
Paul Stimson

6 June 2005 - 1st's crash to defeat
AFTER their fine performance to beat leaders Alderley Edge seven days earlier, Neston flopped against Christleton at Parkgate when they were bowled out for 62, the season’s lowest tally in the ECB Premier League.
The newly-promoted Chester village club were on top throughout, posting 200-5 led by a wellcrafted 64 from Maroof Khan, 36 from Trinidadian Daron Cruikshank and an unbeaten 33 by Guy Newell. The only Neston bowler to make any impression was spinner Dave Collyer with 3-34. Neston’s reply was a disaster with Simon Marshall brilliantly caught by Simon Ratcliffe for a duck and his Lancashire colleague Andy Crook going for 10. Stan Clifford proved to be the top scorer with 15 as Maroof Khan (3-7 off six overs) completed a fine personal performance, backed up by former Wales seamer Alex Barr with 4-23 and they were all out for 62 in the 25th over on a good pitch, 138 runs short.

31 May 2005 - Annual Poll Result - Who will win the Premier League
The annual poll is now closed and incredibly for the 4th year running you, the impartial voters, have made Neston favourites for the Premier League. It's no great surprise that Oulton Park come second. Current league leaders and the title holders Bowdon were well down in the voting It would seem that we don't have many viewers from Widnes.

Final Results for Champions 2005 ?
Who will win the Premier League In 2005?
Answer	Graph	%	Votes
Alderley Edge		10.00%	9
Bowdon		6.67%	6
Chester BH		10.00%	9
Christleton		3.33%	3
Hyde		1.11%	1
Nantwich		1.11%	1
Neston		30.00%	27
Oulton Park		18.89%	17
Oxton		14.44%	13
Poynton		3.33%	3
Toft		1.11%	1
Widnes		0.00%	0
Total		100%	90
Return to:  Neston Cricket Club

31 May 2005 - Weekend Summary
Simon Marshall led the 1st XI to a convincing win at Alderley Edge with 5 wickets and 82 not out. Edge were restricted to a below par 204 for 8 declared with Andy Crook taking 3 wickets. Neston's reply started with a rapid fire 41 from Crook and an excellent 42 from skipper Ben Thomas. Once those two had departed Marshall survived a first ball drop but thereafter he took control and eased Neston to victory with ten overs to spare. Mention also to young David Hurst who made a very mature 24 before being unfortunately run out at the non-strikers end. All in all an excellent and very professional performance.

The 2nd XI found themselves chasing an imposing 211 at Parkgate against Alderley Edge. Tom Hollingsbee and John Fennah were the main contributors to the home sides valiant reply but a halt to the chase was called with 20 still required and only one wicket remaining. The resulting draw leaves Nestin just outside the top five in the early season table.

The 4th XI had a similar game to the 2nd's but in this case it was Neston who couldn't find the elusive tenth wicket that would have brought victory against Macclesfield.

31 May 2005 - Brooklands III v Neston III (report from Pete Chester)
Toss Brooklands
Neston 265 for 5 - 49 overs (228 @ 45) - Thompson 96, Garrett 86
Brooklands - 267 for 3 - 36.1 overs - Willard 83, Hart 98
Brooklands won by 7 wickets
Brooklands 20 points, Neston 12 points
The thirds visited Brooklands on Saturday and were asked to bat on losing the toss. Russ Thompson (96) and Mark Garrett (86) got Neston off to their best start of the season with a stand of 193 in 37 overs. With runs continuing to come at a quick rate, or at least that is what was thought at the time a declaration was possible after 49 overs on 265 for 5. The Brooklands reply got off to a quick start with Dougie being deposited for 6 of the first ball, only Tom Richardson with two good spells bowling 12 overs for 39 kept some control on the Brooklands openers, Willard (83) and Hart (98) who put on 181 in 22 overs. With the ball disappearing to all corners of the ground Brooklands soon overtook Nestons score in the 37th over for the loss of 3 wickets.

23 May 2005 - Weekend details (report from Stimmo)
A lively weekend of weather brought mixed fortunes for the Neston sides.

Batting first, a promising position for the 1st XI was ultimately rendered academic by an epic electrical storm that flooded the entire ground at Parkgate on Saturday afternoon. Despite frantic squeegying, further intermittent rain (accompanied by horrendous clouds of midges) meant that visitors Nantwich never started their reply.

Worringly, the 2nd XI suffered a second consecutive heavy defeat, with Nantwich 2's posting 200+ then dismissing their guests for 140.

The 3rd's were washed out at Parkgate.

On Sunday, the 1st XI managed to dodge the worst of the weather and recorded a thumping win over hosts Birkenhead St Mary's, in the 1st round of the Cheshire Cup.

Fielding first, Neston restricted the home side to 157 all out, with Simon Marshall returning the quite extraordinary figures of 5-4 from 7.4 overs, a fantastic effort given the overall size of the ground and it's boundaries.

In reply, the Hackett brothers made it look even smaller, blazing the ball to all parts in a cracking start. Jamie Hackett eventually departed, to be followed almost immediately by Simon Marshall, but the 'Hero Honda' Chris Hackett, would not be denied. With the help of Brad Donelan, who unselfishly farmed the strike, Chris completed a quite superb undefeated 105* (six sixes) as Neston romped home with 20 overs unused.

20 May 2005 - Echo KO ko(report from Stimmo)
Neston were eliminated from the 2005 Echo Knockout at the first hurdle by visitors Formby at Parkgate on Thursday evening. The home side mustered just 93 in their alloted 20 overs, with Ben Thomas and Jamie Hackett the only real contributors to a score considered 30 runs short at halfway. A much improved second half bowling and fielding display however put the vistors under real pressure, and victory was only secured in the final over with seven Formby wickets down.

16 May 2005 - 3rd XI details (report from Pete Chester)
Toss - Neston
Birkenhead Park 263 for 4, 48 overs (221 @ 45) - D.Gain 72, Marsden 69*, Carlton 55*, P.Carter 2/43
Neston 162 for 7, 52 overs (153 @ 45) - A.Reeve 53, M.Strong 54, Carlton 2/41, Gain 2/28
Draw Neston 7 points, Birkenhead Park 16 points
Neston 3's entertained Birkenhead Park Exiles on Saturday, the Park team were waiting for Neston to arrive at 1.00pm having played the 4th team the week before and playing their fourth fixture "on the road" this season, in fact they are not due a home game until the 28th May!! Neston had a very young side, with two under 14's, Matt Gould and Greg Thompson making their debuts. On winning the toss, Neston asked Park to bat first on what looked a dry wicket with some strange cracks running across it due to a drainage initiative during the winter. The Park batsmen were soon amongst the runs, opener Gain scoring 72 before Peter Carter (2/43) had him caught at long on. The fireworks really started with Marsden (69*) and skipper Carlton (55*) hitting the Neston bowling to all parts, runs probably came a bit too easily at the end and a declaration was made after 48 overs on 263 for 4. The Neston reply started well with 40 of 10 overs, before Carlton (2/41) and Gain (2/28) removed the first four batsmen, Alan Reeve (53) and Mark Strong (54) then put on a century stand before it was left to youngster Matt Gould to play out the final overs. The draw was a reflection of a very flat wicket and the bowlers of both sides only managing 11 wickets between them in 100 overs.

15 May 2005 - Simon leads 1st's to victory
Brief details of the weekends games.......
In the 1st XI game Toft won the toss and batted. After a reasonable start they then floundered against a decent bowling and fielding performance from Neston. Wickets were shared around with Stan Clifford, Simon Marshall and Dave Collyer each taking two and Chris Finegan and Andy Crook one each (plus two run-outs). The visitors finished on 163 all out. After tea Neston lost the early wicket of Crook but Phil Davis and Simon Marshall confidently set about the Toft attack with very few problems. Davis reached 40 before being bowled but by that time Marshall was well on the way to a century that would give his side an easy win. The win duly arrived but sadly a'deliberate' wide denied Marshall (98*) his three figures.

The 2nd's 'lost their way' twice on their trip to Toft. A detour north up the M6 meant the late arrival of four players and after that nothing went Neston's way. A below par 142 (Paul Stimson 52) was unlikely to be enough and sure enough Toft duly overhauled their target with 7 balls to spare.

The 3rd XI were set a massive 260 to chase by Birkenhead Park. It was never a realistic target and the game ended in a tame draw.

10 May 2005 - Turk's ton in two's triumph (Report from Stimmo)
Neston 2nd XI v Upton 2nd XI
Toss: Neston
Result: Neston won by 4 wickets.
Gold Award: Turk

A superb hundred from Phil Davis was the highlight of an excellent game against Upton at a raw Parkgate on Saturday.The 'Turk' crashed 14 fours and two sixes in his 114 as the home side successfully chased Upton's challenging target of 224, in a game slightly reduced by rain to 48 overs a side. Paul Stimson completed a memorable win with 6 balls to spare, blasting 44, including 4 sixes.
Ian Sharrock and his Upton side deserve huge credit for the positive way they approached the game throughout.
With first use of the now customary excellent surface, the visiting skipper (64), together with Chris Camden (76 including seven sixes !), smacked some distinctly ordinary Neston bowling around with minimal fuss. Heads drooped and standards dropped briefly under the weight of the onslaught.
Youngster Ben Edwards was tidy with the new ball and a measure of control was eventually regained by Thorn (2-58) and Stimson (3-55).
A halfway declaration, some excellent Neston batting, and a visiting captain prepared to keep faith with his young bowlers all contributed to a hugely enjoyable game.
To Stimson the glory, to the Turk the plaudits.

5 May 2005 - CORRECTION
The Press Complaints Commission have upheld an 'anonymous' complaint concerning last weeks report of the 2nd XI game at Widnes. The PCC have pointed out that the statement.."Veteran Dickie Thorn was the pick of Neston's bowlers" was incorrect. The real pick of the bowlers was actually Rickers. (The bit about being a veteran is of course accurate !).

5 May 2005 - NEW FACES FOR 2005
A belated welcome to three new faces at the club for 2005. Far left is Andy Crook who is contracted to Lancashire (click here for career stats). In the middle is Andy Roberts our new wicket keeper replacing Andy Roberts our old wicket keeper !. This Robbo joins us from Caldy. On the right is former Somerset and Sussex all-rounder Brad Donelan (click here for career stats). Brad will become more available once his cricketing commitments with Birkenhead School are over. Welcome and good luck to all three.

4 May 2005 - Crooky sets record for Lancs
After grabbing 3 wickets and 21 runs for Neston on Saturday Andrew Crook made 162 not out on his C&G debut against Buckinghamshire and in the process set a new record by a Lancashire batsman in any form of one-day cricket.His innings took 155 balls, and eclipsed the previous best of 143 (off 66 balls, incidentally) set by Andy Flintoff in the Sunday League at Chelmsford in 1999. - Congratulations to Andy from everyone at Neston.)

4 May 2005 - 3rd XI details (report from Pete Chester)
Neston III v Chester III
Match reduced to 84 overs due to late start
Toss Chester
Neston 159 for 7 (42 overs), 134 @ 37overs - Strong 26, Chester 24, Palmer 22, Law 3 for 27
Chester 104 for 9 (42 overs), 84 @ 37 overs - Ramsey 25, Carter P 3 for 15
Draw Neston 11 points, Chester 6 points

Chester III's visited a very wet Neston and after a delayed start, reducing the game to 84 overs, asked Neston to bat first. With the weather improving and the sun now shining Andy Wooley (20) and Russ Thompson (21) got the innings of to a good start. Further contributions from Peter Chester (24), Mark Strong (26) and debutant Richard Palmer (22) kept the scorboard moving. Some sensible hitting from Peter Carter and Matt Knight allowed a declaration at halfway on 159. Neston invited a run chase with some leg spin bowling from Laurence Lewis, but Chester's innings never really got going and they were soon behind the clock. With the required run rate at over 7, skipper Ramsey (25) tried to restore some respectability, but when he was removed by Peter Carter (3 for 15), Neston scented a chance of victory, however resolute batting from the last pair saw the game out to a draw.

Jack Gardner Cup
Stockport v Neston
Toss Neston
Stockport 35 for 3 - 19 overs
Game abandoned - Heavy rain and flooded pitch

Cup holders Neston visited Stockport in the last game of the mini league round. Winning the toss, Neston asked Stockport to bat first, however after 19 overs, with the score on 35, the heavens opened and the game had to be abandoned. With Nantwich having defeated Stockport on the previous day, Neston topped the group and move on to defend their title in the quarter finals.

3 May 2005 - Some quick notes about last weekends games
The 1st XI were weakened by the late loss of Simon Marshall (injured), Chris Finegan (injured), Martin Noakes (injured) and Stan Clifford (work commitments) - some consolation that ex-Somerset and Sussex player Brad Donelan was able to make his league debut.

Slightly delayed start due to rain - Widnes won toss and elected to bat and scored 207 all out in the 55th over. Neston reliant upon a spin attack of Dave Collyer (4 for 49) and Lancashire's Andrew Crook (3 for 91).

Neston made a reasonable start after tea - makeshift opener Chris Hackett scoring a quick-fire 31. Crook (21) looked confident until he mis-timed one to mid-wicket and was quickly followed back to the pavilion by Donelan who was undone first ball by a wicked lifter from Steve Titchard. Jamie Hackett (30) looked to be leading a splendid recovery but he was bowled attempting a tired looking sweep shot. From a reasonable position of 100 for 4 with plenty of overs in hand Neston then collapsed completely to 121 all out with only Andy Roberts (31) putting up any kind of resistance.

It was a disappointing outcome for the home side who were left to ponder what might have been had a full team been available.

The 2nd XI just failed to grab the last Widnes wicket that would have given them victory. Neston totalled 201 with Nick Roach the hero with 83. Veteran Dickie Thorn was the pick of Neston's bowlers but in the end Neston had to settle for the draw.

The 4th Xi's game at Chester BH was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

On Saturday The 3rd XI did beat the weather but could only draw with Chester's 3rd XI. On Monday they were back in action - briefly ! Only a few overs off their Jack Gardner Trophy at Stockport were possible before the weather intervened. The eventual abandonment left Neston top of their mini-group and as such they now progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

28 April 2005 - Neston III v Irby III (Report from Pete Chester)
Toss - Neston
Irby 49 all out - Lewis 5/22, P.Carter 4/10
Neston 50/3 - Garrett 21*
Neston won by 7 wickets
Neston 20 points, Irby 2 points

The third XI season started away at Irby, with a team whose average age was consideraby lower than last years and the honours on the first day definitely went to the younger members of the team. Having won the toss, Neston asked Irby to have first use of what was still a very damp track. With Dougie Chadwick bowling the first ball of the season and landing straight on a length things got underway. Progress was very slow and the total had reached 20 in the 19th over before Laurence Lewis took the first wicket. With Lewis and Peter Carter now bowling, wickets fell steadily, and a race developed as to who would be the first to 5 wickets, the race was won by Lewis who took the last wicket to finish on 5 for 22. Peter Carter bowled equally well and finished with 4 for 10. Both bowlers were indebted to debutant 15 year old wicket keeper, Matt Knight, who took three stumpings and an exceptional catch standing up to Carter, another debutant was Hannah Chester who fielded well in the cold. The Neston reply started before tea with Thompson and Garrett digging in and some very tight bowling from Overend, 7 overs for 4 runs, made progress very slow. The total was eventually reached in the 20th over with Garrett 21 not out, leaving Neston winners by 7 wickets.

As a footnote both the third and fourth teams struggled to fill their teams after some last minute cry off's and team changes at the top end of the club potentially left the fouth team with 9 players and the thirds with 10. A number of playing members from previous seasons have either hung up their boots, playing golf or in the case of the younger players, playing school matches. If anyone reading this note knows of potential untapped playing reserves please contact either Peter Chester or Bob Yardley, thanks for your help.

25 April 2005 - Sunburn, Sausages & Success (Report from Stimmo)
Pink faces and aching hamstrings on Sunday evening signalled the conclusion of an extremely successful opening weekend at Parkgate. Five wins out of six (the other game being tied) in superb weather, was a great way to get the season underway.

The barbecue's were just being lit as the 1st XI completed a comfortable 8 wicket win, against visitors St Helens, in the 1st round of the ECB National Knockout.

Fielding first, Chris Finegan led the Neston attack superbly, ripping out the first 4 opposition wickets in quick succession, assisted by some tidy glove work from Andy Roberts. Tight spells from Dave Collyer, Simon Marshall & Brad Donelan (on debut) meant the St Helens innings never gained any momentum, and they eventually succumed for a disappointing 116.

In reply, Neston lost Ben Thomas and David Hurst early on, but composed half centuries from Simon Marshall and Brad Donelan ensured the sun drenched crowd would enjoy an early evening drink and barbecued sausage.

24 April 2005 - 1st XI in level score draw (Report from MTB)
The Wirral derby clash between Oxton and Neston resulted in a level-scores draw, the Parkgate men shading the points 18-11. Oxton skipper Neil Cross was the star of the show, top-scoring with 81 in his side?s modest 145 against tight bowling from Lancashire?s Simon Marshall, 4-42 and the evergreen Stan Clifford, 4-57, who delivered 42 overs out of 53 between them. Neston wickets tumbled after tea before a match-saving knock from tail-ender Chris Finegan gave them hope of victory. When he was dismissed for 52, Oxton held Neston to 145-9 as time was called, thanks to the steadiness of former Bowdon and Cheshire paceman Andy Birley, 3-31 and Cross, 3-32. Unable to make his debut in this game was Neston?s useful acquisition Brad Donelan, the former Sussex, Somerset and Cambridgeshire all-rounder. Donelan was recently-appointed cricket coach at Birkenhead School.

24 April 2005 - Oxton slain in opening day Dragon drama (Report from Stimmo)
Neston 2nd XI v Oxton 2nd XI match report
Toss : Oxton
Result : Neston 2nd XI won by 42 runs

Neston 2's started the defence of their 2nd XI premier league title in the best possible way, with an opening day victory against local rivals Oxton.

In pleasant early spring conditions, an opening stand of 70 between Peter Barber and Nick Roach laid the foundations for a competitive total. Phil Davis, Ian Roberts and Paul Stimson all made useful contributions, enabling a declaration at 50 overs, with 173 for 8 on the tins.

In reply, two early wickets for new skipper Greg Shillinglaw put Oxton firmly on the back foot. The game was then briefly held up by a pitch invasion from a six foot green dragon, being chased by two St George's - after hurdling the stumps, the dragon was apprehended by the knights of the round table and hauled off in the direction of the nearest pub !

This display of patriotism inspired the Oxton batsmen, who immediately took the game to the Neston bowlers with some great hitting. A hideous dropped catch from Stimson looked to have cost his side dearly, as Oxton cruised towards the total.

Enter Peter Barber, who, assisted by some great work behind the stumps by Graham Lea-Swain, removed the Oxton danger man. With Paul Stimson picking up wickets regularly from the other end, a seemingly comfortable Oxton position at 111-3 descended into an astonishing collpase, that saw the vistors lose their remaing 7 wickets for a paltry 20 runs.

Gold award : Peter Barber (43 runs and 4-20) for the 'Hand'

8 February 2005 - EARLY SEASON FIXTURES
First league game for the 1st XI is local rivals Oxton away. We've entered the National Knockout for the first time in a number of years and will play St Helens at Parkgate. In the Cheshire Cup our 1st round tie is Birkenhead St Mary's away. In preparation for all of this we will be welcoming newly promoted Toft to Parkgate for the annual pre-season warm-up game on Saturday 16 April 2005. Both 1st & 2nd XI's will be playing each other with Toft kindly travelling to Neston for both matches. The following day there is another warm-up arranged, with Birkenhead Park visiting Parkgate.

7 February 2005 - INDOOR NETS
Senior indoor nets have started !!. Every Sunday 1.00pm til 2.30pm at Birkenhead Park. Please make every effort to get down (£2.00 per session)

7 February 2005 - BUMBLE AT NESTON
A Pre-Season Hot Pot has been arranged with David Lloyd as guest speaker. The date is Tuesday 5th April 2005, 7.30pm for 8.00pm. The event will take place upstairs at the club and tickets are £15. If you want to go please contact Bob Cooke on 336 5901 pretty quickly - it's sure to be a sell out.

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