12th September 1999 - DODGE's FINAL FLING
Neston's 1st XI finished their season on a high on Saturday with a comprehensive 7 wicket victory which condemns visitors Brooklands to the 1st division next year. Hero of the day was Paul Evans who smashed the oppositions bowling to all parts of the ground as he raced to a magnificent match winning 120. Earlier in the day Dave Jones (3-70), Dave Collyer (2-31) and skipper Stan Clifford (2-54) had all bowled well in the Brooklands total of 234 for 8 declared.

It was a fitting end to the season for the popular bleached blonde haired Aussie who returns home to Canberra at the end of the month. Phil Davis (47) and Mathew Ennion (32 not out) also played their part as Neston comfortably reached their target of 235 with 6 overs to spare.

The 2nd XI wrapped up their championship winning season with another comfortable win this time at Grappenhall. Neston declared on 199 for 4 with Peter Barber (79) capping a fine season and Ken Peers (47) and Jerry Scriven (43 not out) also contributing before Greg Shillinglaw (6-33) destroyed the Grappenhall batting to give Dickie Thorn's men victory by 72 runs.

The 3rd XI title was finally clinched by Andy Joslins 4th XI although their run of ten successive victories was brought to an end as they were held to a draw by Warrington 3rd's. Neston were made to struggle for their runs but were eventually able to declare on 182 for 7 with Don Hirst (77) and Jim Hughes (38) top scoring. The same two players were also on top form with the ball with Hughes picking up four wickets and Hirst three including the vital one which brought the 9th crucial bonus point that ensured the championship. Warrington managed to hold on for the draw at 158 for 9 but the all important title was already secure.

Meanwhile the 3rd XI's disappointing run in to the season ended in abject misery as they shared a dreadful draw with a Warrington 4th XI. John Brown (53), Pete Chesters (52) and Greg Schofield (54) all played their part in Nestons total of 225 for 5 declared. Desperate for the win to retain any chance of catching the 4th XI at the top of the table Neston were then reduced to watching the Warrington side make no effort to gain a result from the match as they crawled their way to 138 for 3. Skipper Russ Thompson tried everything in his power to encourage a more positive approach from the visitors including bowling himself (and incredibly picking up a wicket !) but it was not to be and the draw left Thompson reflecting on the dramatic last seven weeks that saw his side lose a 70 point lead at the top of the table.

7th September 1999 - THOMAS AND THOMPSON DEBUTS
Youngsters Dan Thomas and John Thompson have been called up to make their first team debuts in the last game of the season this Saturday. Thomas has impressed with the bat and replaces the unavailable Steve Egerton whilst Thompson is likely to open the bowling in the absence of Martin Noakes.

5th September 1999 - 2ND XI CHAMPIONS AGAIN
Neston's 2nd XI celebrated their second consecutive league championship with their easiest match of the season at Birkenhead Park on Saturday. John Thompson (4 wickets) and Greg Shillinglaw (3 wkts) proved too good for a struggling Park side who were dismissed for only 47. Dan Thomas was the only wicket to fall as Neston cruised to a resounding 9 wicket victory and an early visit to the bar to celebrate their title.

The 1st team continued their topsy-turvy season with an excellent 3 wicket victory over title chasing Alsager at Parkgate. Although the visitors made a good start and looked well set at 99 for 2 the game was swung dramatically Nestons way with 4 wickets from Steve Egerton. With Dave Jones also picking up another 5 wickets Alsager eventually collapsed to 156 all out.

With the visitors desperate for a win to keep alive any hope of catching Macclesfield at the top it was never going to be easy for the Neston batsmen and the loss of both openers early on was not quite the start they were looking for. Mathew Ennion picked up some useful runs but it was skipper Stan Clifford who was to be the hero with an uneaten knock of 52 which eventually saw his side home by three wickets.

The 3rd XI's miserable run in continued with defeat at Chester Boughton Hall. Paul King (26) was the top scorer in Nestons 153 for 9 but it was to prove too few and Chester reached their target with 5 wickets in hand.

Whilst the 3rd XI were struggling Andy Joslins 4th XI were romping to an incredible tenth successive victory at home to Oxton. James Berstock added to his mounting runs total with a magnificent unbeaten 113 in Nestons 216 for 5 declared. He received good support from Nick Beazley (39) and Don Hirst (34). Oxton never really looked like upsetting the Neston bandwagon and were bowled out for 104 with Kim Pinnington picking up 3 wickets. The 25 points earned from this victory takes the 4th team 17 points clear of the 3rd XI with only one game left to play.

29th August 1999 - UNDER 21'S OUT OF CUP
The Under 21's lost their Cheshire Cup semi-final today in a game curtailed by the weather. Wallasey scored 186 in their 40 overs and Neston (106 for 4) were poised for a final 10 over onslaught when the rain came down forcing the game to be abandoned. Wallasey go through to the final on a faster scoring rate and will meet Chester Boughton Hall on September 19th.

29th August 1999 - 3RD XI TITLE RACE HOTTING UP
Nestons outside chance of catching the Cheshire County League leaders Macclesfield disappeared yesterday when they went down to defeat at the hands of relegation threatened Toft at Parkgate. The visitors batted first and made a good start reaching 100 for 1 before Neston fought their way back into the game with 5 wickets from off spinner Dave Collyer. Unfortunately the Toft late order snatched the initiative back with some strong hitting putting themselves in a position to declare at a healthy 246 for 8.

Neston lost the early wicket of Phil Davis to be followed by a steady procession of batsmen back to the pavilion. Only Paul Evans (64) reached any score of note as the home side were eventually dismissed 89 runs short of their target.

There was better news from the 2nd XI who virtually assured themselves of their league title with victory at Toft. Neston's total of 199 for 4 declared included fine knocks from Peter Barber (55), Andy Woolley (61 not out) and Paul Coles (33). In reply Toft worked hard to avoid defeat and it was as late as the penultimate over when Greg Shillinglaw finally picked up the crucial last wicket to give Neston the victory they needed.

With only two games to go the 3rd XI title race is heading for a tremendous climax but there is little doubt that the trophy will be coming to Neston. The only question to be resolved is will it be Russ Thompsons 3rd XI or Andy Joslins 4th XI who run out champions ?.

Up to five weeks ago it looked a foregone conclusion with Thompsons side a massive 65 points clear at the top however their dramatic decline in form over the past weeks has been mirrored by the 4th XI's superb run in. Yesterday the slide continued with a four wicket defeat at the hands of Cheadle Hulme 4th XI. Steve Carpenter (33), Greg Schofield (44) and Robin Gwyn (3 wkts) the only highlights of a miserable day.

Meanwhile in a superb game against Cheadle Hulme's 3rd XI, stand in skipper Jim Hughes led the 4th team to a magnificent victory and the 25 points that takes them to the top of the table just one point clear of their arch rivals. The Brooker brothers Greg (60) and Tim (40) and youngsters Gareth Peers (42) and Adam Bass (43) took Neston to 247 for 6 declared and although Cheadle Hulme made a great fight of it they were eventually all out in the last over for 238. Jim Hughes (3 wkts) and Don Hirst (4 wkts) were the Neston heroes with the ball.

23rd August 1999 - SETBACK FOR 2ND XI
Neston's flurry of good performances continued on Saturday with a comfortable 6 wicket victory at Cheadle Hulme. The result leapfrogs them into 4th place in the Cheshire Premier League and keeps alive their outside chance of catching leaders Macclesfield.

Ben Collyer's five wicket destruction of the Cheadle Hulme middle order and four wickets for Dave Jones saw the home side collapse from 85 for 2 to 121 all out leaving Neston plenty of time to cruise to their seventh win of the season.

At Parkgate the 2nd team suffered a setback in their bid to retain the 2nd XI league title when they were heavily defeated by Cheadle Hulme. Only Jamie Hackett (31) made any sort of score as Neston were bowled out for 121. Despite the loss of some early wickets the visitors eventually ran out comfortable winners by 5 wickets.

With only three games remaining Neston still lead the table but skipper Dickie Thorn is taking nothing for granted "Saturday was disappointing but I don't expect us to play that badly again. Our remaining games are all way from home against sides fighting against relegation, we're not expecting things to be easy and there is no way we will be taking anything for granted."

The 3rd XI's game was conceded by Upton who disappointingly were unable to put out a side.

The 4th XI extended their winning streak with an emphatic 139 run defeat of Birkenhead Park. James Berstock notched up another 50 and both Adam Bass and Tim Brooker finished on 43 not out in Neston's total of 210 for 6 declared. Spin twins Ben Thomas and Jim Hughes then picked up 4 wickets each as Park crumpled to 71 all out. Acting skipper Hughes was modest in acknowledging his own personal milestone of reaching 50 wickets for the season "people are reminding me that I have a chance of breaking the league record for the number of wickets taken in one season but that's not something that has ever crossed my mind".

18th August 1999 - CHESHIRE LOSE
In a game reduced to 120 overs and one innings each Dorset beat Cheshire. Dorset scored 216 all out after being 105 for 7 and Cheshire collapsed from 90 for 3 to 125 all out with 6 overs to spare, the last wicket being captured as the rain started to fall.

18th August 1999 - UNDER 21'S NEW DATE
It now looks as if the Under 21's Cheshire Cup semi-final against Wallasey will take place at Neston on Sunday 29th August with the final scheduled for the day after on the Bank Holiday Monday.

17th August 1999 - RAIN RUINS FIRST DAY
Rain has caused the first day of the Cheshire v Dorset Minor Counties match to be washed out. The teams will hope for better weather tomorrow.

15th August 1999 - FIRST CENTURY FOR DODGE
With most of the other ECB Cheshire County Premier League matches falling victim to the weather Neston had the ideal opportunity to drag themselves back into the title race yesterday when Chester Boughton Hall were the visitors to Parkgate.

After losing the toss and being invited to bat Neston lost the early wickets of Davis, Ennion, Marshall and Collyer and when skipper Clifford was fifth out Neston were struggling with the score on 106. Fortunately Aussie Paul Evans was in superb form at the other end and delighted the crowd with his first century of the season. With good support from John Fennah and Paul Coles Neston were eventually able to declare at 196 for 8 off 55 overs.

Chester's early order showed little interest in chasing victory and as overs ticked away the run rate continued to climb. Robinson and Wundke eventually took up the challenge with some aggressive and somewhat desperate hitting but the loss of these two in successive overs to Dave Jones effectively signalled the end of Chester's attempt to win the match. Jones finished with three wickets as did Clifford but the crucial last wicket remained elusive as the visitors hung on for the draw at 135 for 9.

The 2nd XI played out a somewhat bizarre game between the showers at Chester. The home side scored 76 for 9 off 55 overs with Dickie Thorn picking up 5 wickets. Neston were then left only 14 overs to snatch victory but fell agonisingly short on 72 for 5.

Russ Thompsons 3rd XI had even less luck with the rain managing only 14 overs at Alderley Edge before their match was abandoned.

The 4th XI seized their opportunity to further close the gap on the 3rd XI at the top of the table with a hard fought victory over Brooklands at Neston. Another low scoring game saw Brooklands score only 103 in their 55 overs with acting captain Jim Hughes picking up four wickets and Ben Thomas three. In reply it wasn't easy for the Neston batsmen but they eventually reached their target with 3 overs to spare and 4 wickets in hand, James Berstock top scoring with 34.

12th August 1999 - UNDER 21'S v WALLASEY
The Under 21's Cheshire Cup semi final may take place at Neston on Sunday 22nd August. The game may be put back a week at the request of Wallasey because of a clash with their senior Cheshire Cup semi-final.

9th August 1999 - UNDER 21'S THROUGH TO SEMI'S
Yesterday the Under 21's progressed through to the semi-finals of the Cheshire Cup with victory over Cheshire Cricket League side Pott Shrigley. Ben Collyer (57) and Simon Marshall (67) set Neston on course for their total of 241 from 40 overs, in reply Pott Shrigley finished on 180. In the semi-finals Neston now meet Wirral rivals Wallasey.

9th August 1999 - LAST OVER VICTORY AT WIDNES
The 1st XI snatched a dramatic late victory in Saturday's ECB Premier League game at Widnes with youngster Simon Marshall capturing the crucial last wicket with only one ball to spare. The dramatic finale to the game saw Neston claim four wickets from the last two overs to win by 3 runs.

Slow bowlers Marshall (4 for 17) and Dave Collyer (3 for 40) were the main wicket takers as Widnes were bowled out for 182. There was great support behind the stumps from wicket keeper Brian Beaver who picked up four stumpings. Earlier in the day Neston declared at 185 for 7 with Ben Collyer top scoring with 39 not out.

The 2nd XI contented themselves with a draw against Widnes their nearest rivals at the top of the table. Jerry Scriven (37), Peter Barber (38) and Andy Woolley (30) were the main contributors in Neston's 176 for 8 declared. Despite 4 wickets from Martin Noakes and an incredible 5 catches at second slip from "buckets" Woolley the Widnes tail held out for the draw finishing on 78 for 8.

The 3rd XI strolled to yet another win with Mark Strong (5 wkts) and Jon Brown (4 wkts) dismissing Warrington for only 83 before Pete Chesters (55 not out) and Steve Carpenter (17 not out) knocked the runs off without any loss of wickets.

The 4th's scored 243 for 4 declared at Alderley Edge with Nigel Davies (88) and Chris Toomey (60) amongst the runs. Max Bass claimed 6 wickets as the home side were dismissed for 100 to give Neston a comfortable victory.

1st August 1999 - UNDER 21'S FINALLY TO PLAY A GAME
The Under 21's are scheduled to play Pott Shrigley away this coming Sunday 8th August in the quarter final of the Cheshire Cup. Neston have reached this stage without having played a game.

1st August 1999 - MAGNIFICENT PARTNERSHIP SEES NESTON THROUGH TO VICTORY
Saturdays large crowd was treated to some glorious weather and cricket as Neston's 1st XI recorded a memorable victory over Bowdon thanks to one of the most outstanding partnerships ever seen at Parkgate.

Chasing a victory target of 247 Neston were struggling at 62 for 3 when youngster Simon Marshall and the experienced Steve Egerton came together for what turned out to be a match winning unbeaten fourth wicket stand of 186. Seventeen year old Marshall finished on 73 not out and in the main played the anchor role although he was always quick to punish the bad ball. At the other end Egerton who made a cautious start timed the acceleration to the innings perfectly and with unerring accuracy and aggressive hitting proceeded to despatch the ball to all parts of the ground. By the time he reached his century off almost the same number of balls the game was virtually won and it was left to Marshall to play the winning shot with 3 overs to spare.

Earlier in the day Ben Collyer had destroyed the Bowdon top order with three quick wickets in an aggressive opening spell. At 36 for 3 and later at 146 for 6 Neston should have had a smaller target to chase but then the crowd would have been robbed of the batting exhibition that was to follow.

Egerton's maiden first team century was a momentous start to an exciting week which sees him marry his fiancée Liz on Friday before turning out again for Neston the following day !. Everyone at the club hope that they have a lovely day and wish them a long and happy marriage.

Meanwhile the 2nd XI strolled to victory at Warrington who were bowled out for 109. Skipper Dickie Thorn took 5 wickets before Jerry Scriven (34) and Paul Coles (35 not out) knocked off the runs for the loss of only 2 wickets.

The 3rd's were held to a draw by a Warrington 3rd XI who clung on at 218 for 9 after Neston had scored 230 for 6 declared. Greg Schofield (79 not out), Steve Hasell (54) and John Brown (5 wickets) were Neston's main contributors.

The 4th XI also faced their Warrington counterparts but they managed to come out on top. Warrington were dismissed for 142 which could have been much lower other than for a last wicket partnership of 62. John Thompson impressed on his debut with 4 wickets and two other youngsters, James Berstock (50) and Chris Toomey (64 not out) also showed their potential with fine knocks as Neston cruised to victory by 8 wickets.

26th July 1999 - 3 WINS AND A DRAW
The 1st XI were left hanging on for a draw on Saturday at home to Oxton. The visitors set an imoposing target of 258 for 7 declared (Dave Jones 3 wkts) and in reply Neston finished on 194 for 9 (Stan Clifford 42, Phil Davis 38, Steve Egerton 40 and Dave Jones 39).

The 2nd XI beat Oxton by 5 wkts. Oxton scored 189 for 8 in their 55 overs (Jamie Hackett and Dickie Thorn 3 wickets each). Neston's reply included 37 from Jerry Scriven, 35 from Peter Barber, 32 from Paul Coles and 45 not out from Andy Woolley.

The 3rd XI restricted Alderley Edge to 181 for 6 with Elliot Berstock taking 4 wickets before Mike Potter (78) and Steve Hasell (59) took the league leaders to victory by 6 wickets.

Jim Hughes added another 7 wickets to his seasons tally as the 4th XI beat Chester B.H. 3rd XI by 6 wkts. Youngsters Gareth Peers (50) and James Berstock (59) steered Neston to victory after the Judge had bowled out Chester for 186.

19th July 1999 - SARAH PLAYS CRUCIAL PART IN TEST MATCH DRAW
Sarah Collyer played a crucial part in Englands draw in the one off test match against India at Shenley CC over the weekend. Sarah turned in useful performaces with the bat with 21 not out in the first innings and 12 in the second innings but her real contribution came as India looked set for a comfortable win. Chasing a victory target of 252 India raced to 132 for 0 and with 40 overs remaining defeat stared the English team in the face. Sarahs introduction into the attack immediately applied the brakes and then in conjunction with Claire Connor she pegged the Indians back to the extent that the run rate started to rise. Eventually India were forced to take chances, wickets fell at a steady rate and it was England who nearly stole a dramatic victory with the innings finally closing on 225 for 8. Sarah's finished with figures off 23 overs, 8 maidens, 1 wicket for 36 runs.

19th July 1999 - JOSSERS SIDE ONLY WINNERS
Neston had a more encouraging match than late when they travelled to Macclesfield on Saturday to play the league leaders. Two early wickets for Ben Collyer gave Neston the start they had hoped for but unfortunately the crucial wicket of the home sides prolific run scoring Aussie, Ian Wigglesworth remained elusive. Mathew Ennion and Dave Jones shared 7 wickets between them but Wigglesworth battled through to a century allowing his side to declare on 228 for 9.

Neston's reply looked to be on the rocks until a seventh wicket partnership between John Fennah (37 not out) and Ben Collyer (39) tipped the balance slightly in the visitors favour. The loss of Collyer signalled the end of the victory chase and it was left to Fennah and the tail enders to see the overs out for the draw.

The 2nd XI also found themselves hanging on for a draw against Macclesfield, finishing on 189 for 9 in reply to the oppositions 222 for 7 declared. Debutant Dan Thomas made 64 with veteran Jim Marshall scoring 31. Skipper Dickie Thorn (4 for 61) and Ken Peers (3 for 59) were Neston's wicket takers.

The all conquering 3rd XI had to settle for a draw with Wirral neighbours Caldy. Steve Carpenter (72) and Steve Hasell (54) were the main contributors to Nestons 203 for 6 declared. Despite Doug Chadwick's five wickets Caldy managed to reach 180 for 8 leaving skipper Russ Thompson to reflect on a draw that in reality does little to dent his sides inexorable drive for the league title.

The only Neston side to produce a victory was Andy Joslins 4th XI who comfortably saw off Cheadle Hulme. Jim Hughes produced another top class performance of slow bowling to capture 5 wickets in Cheadle's total of 160 before Gareth Peers (50) and Nick Beazley (60) took their side to victory by 5 wickets.

14th July 1999 - NESTON LOSE EURO WIRRAL FINAL
Oxton took the Euro Wirral trophy tonight beating Neston by 12 runs. Oxton scored 148 in their 20 overs and although Neston got a great start with Paul Evans and Stan Clifford both peppering the surrounding houses with some big sixes they finished short of their target.

13th July 1999 - EURO WIRRAL FINAL
Twenty over captain Steve Egerton faces a selection headache prior to tomorrows Euro Wirral Cup Final against Oxton at Wallasey. A near full strength squad is available although Edgy is keen to reward those players who have turned out in the less glamorous earlier rounds. The match will give the 1st XI chance to get their season back on track after recent poor results. With two quality sides playing a large crowd is expected, the match starts at 6.00pm and is 20 overs per side.

12th July 1999 - LOST WEEKEND
Neston's season laid in tatters after defeats in both the league and the Cheshire Cup over the weekend. The misery started at Parkgate on Saturday with an 87 run defeat by Hyde. The visitors were bowled out for 227 with five wickets falling to Dave Jones and four to Dave Collyer. Nestons reply never gained the momentum required with only Paul Evans reaching 30 as they were bowled out well short of their target.

Sundays tie at Bramhall brought little solace to Stan Cliffords beleaguered side as they crashed out of the Cheshire Cup by 11 runs. Chasing a victory target of 190 Neston had initially looked well set as they reached 90 for 1 at the halfway stage with Steve Egerton scoring 46. Unfortunately it was not to be, they were pegged back by some tight bowling and eventually finished on 179 for 8 from their 40 overs.

Elsewhere at the club everything is looking rosy with victories for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th XI's. The 2nd XI beat Urmston by 4 wickets, Dickie Thorn and Simon Marshall taking four wickets each in Urmstons 181 for 9. Marshall went on to cap a great day with a magnificent 73, he was ably supported by Jamie Hackett (32) as Neston ran out comfortable victors.

The 3rd XI bowled Oxton out for 142 with Robin Gwyn and Simon Beazley each taking 3 wickets. Alan Reeve top scored with 50 as Neston reached their target with 7 wickets in hand.

Ben Thomas strengthened his claim as an all rounder with another fine performance with bat and ball as the 4th XI beat Warrington by 5 wickets. Thomas and Jim Hughes both took 4 wickets in Warringtons total of 161 all out before Thomas (40), Don Hirst (38) and Nick Beazley (30) all contributed to Nestons winning total of 162 for 5.

11th July 1999 - ENGLAND WIN WITHOUT SARAH
After two defeats Sarah Collyer had to face the bitter disappointment of being left out of todays third one day international against India. Having batted at number 10 in the first two games and been stranded not out in both and bowling 6 overs 1 for 14 and 3 overs for 12 in the first two games it was hard to see why it should be that Sarah was singled out as the scapegoat for the two earlier defeats. It could be said that the selection was ultimately justified as England went on to win an incredible match with skipper Karen Smithies having to hit four of the last ball to secure success.

Sarah can only hope that she will be selected for the four day test match starting on Thursday at Shenley CC. Herts.

9th July 1999 - ENGLAND WOMEN LOSE AGAIN
Sarah was on the losing side again today when England's women lost the 2nd one day international agaianst India at Northampton. Sarah only bowled 3 overs which went for 12 runs before being harshly taken off, India went on to score 213 in their 50 overs. In reply the England batsmen again struggled and thery were bowled out for 145 with Sarah again stranded 0 not out batting at number 10.

7th July 1999 - EURO WIRRAL FINAL BECKONS
The 1st XI booked their place in the Euro Wirral Cup Final tonight after beating Birkenhead Park at Wallasey. Steve Egerton took over the captains role for the evening and duly lost the toss. Park never really managed to get on top of the bowling with the Neston skipper leading by example with five tight overs. Wickets fell at regular intervals due in part to some fine catching on the long on boundary from Andy Woolley and the score finished on 114.

The Neston reply was well paced with Phil Davis the anchor man with 26. Momentum was added by Jamie Hackett (23) before Andy Woolley and that man Egerton cruised past the victory target with two of the twenty overs to spare.

The final between Neston and Oxton will take place next Wednesday July 14th at Wallasey CC.

6th July 1999 - SARAH ON LOSING SIDE
Sarah Collyer finished on the losing side in todays womens one day international at Old Trafford. Sarah batting at number 10 finished 3 not out in Englands score of 128. The Indians also found batting difficult but eventually won an exciting game by one wicket in the last over. Sarah bowled six overs, one wicket for 14 runs.
FULL DETAILS OF TOUR AND INTERVIEW

6th July 1999 - COLLYER IN AND OUT
Skipper Stan Clifford makes changes this weekend with Ben Collyer stepping up to the 1st XI for Saturdays visit of Hyde. On Sunday Ben keeps his place for the Cheshire Cup tie at Bramhall whilst both Dave Collyer and opener Phil Davis are unavailable.

4th July 1999 - THOMAS BOYS STEAL THE SHOW
A determination to travel despite a telephone call from opponents Didsbury to say that their ground was unfit unfortunately backfired on the Neston 1st XI yesterday. Mysteriously the ground was in fact perfectly playable and it was Neston who were asked to bat first after losing the toss. Paul Evans (46) and Phil Davis (56) started well but there was little support from the rest of the order until veteran number eleven Dave Jones smashed an excellent cameo innings which enabled skipper Stan Clifford to declare at a positive but inviting 176 for 9. From then on things didn't quite go quite as Neston had planned with the Didsbury opener scoring a superb unbeaten century to lead his side to a 6 wicket victory in a game that ironically they had originally shown little interest in playing.

At Parkgate the 2nd XI restricted Upton to 129 for 9 with some fine bowling from Ben Collyer who took 4 wickets and Ken Peers who notched up another 3. The small victory total was reached easily enough with Jim Marshall (48 not out) and Steve Carpenter (31) the main run scorers.

Also at Parkgate the Thomas boys stole the show as the 4th XI beat Upton 3rd's. It was elder brother Ben Thomas first into the action with 3 wickets ably supporting Jim Hughes (5 wickets) in the visitors 160 for 9. When Neston replied Ben (70 not out) teamed up with young brother Dan (69 not out) in a stunning partnership which took their side to a convincing 9 wicket victory.

The 3rd XI maintained their lead at the top of the table with yet another victory over Upton. Doug Chadwick and John Brown picked up 3 wickets each as Upton posted a respectable 196. Brown then capped a fine match with 93 not out as Neston reached their target with 3 wickets in hand. Mark Strong (43 not out) and Steve Hazell (31) also made significant contributions with the bat.

3rd July 1999 - SKIPPER LOOKS FOR MORE
Stan Clifford wants his Neston side to iron out their flaws to launch a genuine title bid. He watched his side clinch a brilliant win by scoring 261-7 last week - but was still not entirely happy. "I was not very pleased with the first half of the game," said the skipper. "We dropped five or six catches so we were chasing a much larger total than we should have been. We were clinging on to everything at the start of the season, but it was one of those days last Saturday. Some catches were quite difficult but others you would expect to hold them." And he warned: "We can't keep giving runs away. We still have a lot of work to do, but everyone contributed with the bat right down the order."

Neston are currently fifth, 33 points off neighbours Oxton, who are still in command at the top of the Cheshire Premier League, although Macclesfield are pushing them hard. Clifford's men travel to mid table Didsbury today, face fourth placed Hyde next week, and then face Macclesfield. "The next few weeks are going to be fairly crucial," Clifford admitted. "We needed that win at Brooklands. If we hadn't it would have been difficult for us but it keeps us in touch at the top." Matthew Ennion returns to the side today for Jerry Scrivens.

3rd July 1999 - TIME FOR A CHANGE
Because matches have been finishing unacceptably late, a meeting of Cheshire County League captains this week agreed that the starting times in ECB Premier Division games should be brought forward half an hour with effect from Saturday, July 24. Fixtures that day, also on July 31, August 7 and 14 will therefore begin at 12 noon, on August 21 and 28 at 11.30 am and throughout September at 11 am.

In addition, the three intervals in Premier League games from today will be altered to 10 minutes after two hours, 20 minutes between innings and 10 minutes mid-way through the second innings. . All 12 member clubs have been invited to meet ECB Recreational Cricket Manager Frank Kemp at the end of the season for a discussion on the future of Premier League cricket, with the 120 overs format not proving popular.

2nd July 1999 - NORTHERN KNOCKOUT
The 1st XI crashed out of the Echo knockout at Northern tonight. Northern managed 115 in their 20 overs which, on a slow, low track proved too much for the Neston batting which finished 16 runs short.

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