26th June 2000 - THAT MAN WOOLLEY AGAIN !
Andy Woolley continued in his rich vein of form on Saturday - guiding Neston to a comfortable 6 wicket victory over visitors Alsager. Woolley's knock of 44 not out plus 31 from Jim Marshall and a magnificent 30 from the stylish Dave Jones was enough to level the scores whereupon the flamboyant Steve Egerton clinically sealed victory with a huge six over the bowlers head. Earlier in the afternoon Dave Collyer had picked up 5 wickets as Alsager were bowled out for 137.

Meanwhile the 2nd XI's season finally got into top gear as they thrashed Widnes by 8 wickets. Dickie Thorn (6 for 51) was on good form with the ball as Neston bowled out the opposition for 154 before Ken Peers (67 not out), Alan Reeve (26) and Don Hirst (29) made light work of the victory chase.

The 3rd XI's game ended in drama at Parkgate. Early in the afternoon Brooklands had scored 179 for 8 with Phil Tilby taking 3 wickets. Neston's reply was led by Paul King (74) and skipper Russ Thompson (46) but with one ball remaining Neston still required 5 to win. Although victory was an impossible target Phil Tilby calmly dispatched the ball for four to level the scores and earn Neston a useful 18 points.

The 4th XI were less than pleased with their boring draw at Caldy. Mike Potter (55), Ben Thomas (49) and Dave Lewis (36 not out) were the top scorers in Neston's total of 231 for 6 declared. Caldy's reply of 112 for 6 was one to be forgotten and despite picking up 3 wickets himself Neston's skipper Jim Hughes remained unimpressed with the draw.

Premier League Table (up to and including 24th June)

	P	W	T	D	C/A	L	Pts.
Bowdon	10	6	0	1	3	0	164
Macclesfield	10	4	0	3	2	1	156
Oxton	10	4	0	0	4	2	132
Chester BH	10	3	0	1	4	2	125
Neston	10	4	0	1	3	2	117
Toft	10	3	0	4	2	1	117
Didsbury	10	2	0	2	4	2	112
Alsager	10	1	0	1	2	6	97
Nantwich	10	1	0	4	3	2	92
Cheadle Hulme	10	1	0	3	3	3	86
Hyde	10	1	0	2	3	4	86
B'head Pk	10	0	0	2	3	5	57

24th June 2000 - HYPHEN AND SHILLY IN
With Matty Ennion having played his last game for the club and Stan Clifford away for the weekend Graham Lea-Swain and Greg Shillinglaw step up from the 2nd XI for todays game against Alsager.

24th June 2000 - ECHO KNOCK OUT !
Last nights Liverpool Echo knock-out match at Formby turned out to be a game of two very contrasting halves.

Although the Formby overseas star initially threatened to take the bowling attack apart his dismissal signaled the start of a great fielding performance from a makeshift Neston side. Although 31 had come off the first three overs Formby were well and truly pegged back after that and in the end they were bowled out in last of the 20 overs for only 82. Dave Collyer, Martin Noakes, Simon Marshall and captain Steve Egerton all bowled well and were backed up with some great fielding especially fine catches from Jim Hughes, Simon Marshall and Andy Joslin with excellent work behind the stumps from Adam Bass.

As good as the bowling and fielding had been the batting unfortunately could not match. Steve Egerton made a positive start before losing his wicket, Simon Marshall was run out and Andy Woolley guided a catch straight to backward point. After ten overs Neston were slightly behind the run rate but probably still favourites. Whilst credit must be given to the Formby bowlers the inability to pick up ones and two's rather than trying to strike boundaries against a deep set field cost the visitors dear. Simon Beazley and Adam Bass formed a brief partnership but their dismissals and the further run outs of Don Hirst and Martin Noakes saw the game slipping away. Jim Hughes briefly showed the way to go by pushing singles into the vast open spaces but by then the damage was done. As in Formby's innings the final wicket fell in the last over but unfortunately for Neston they had only managed a disappointing 71 runs.

19th June 2000 - MATTY'S GONE
Mathew Ennion played his last game for Neston on Saturday before moving down south to take up a new job. Matty made his debut for the 1st XI in 1991 at the age of 16 and has been the regular opening bat ever since. Skipper Phil Davis said "it is a very big loss as he is a Neston lad through and through, it will be very hard to replace him".
Everyone at club wishes him well.
19th June 2000 - CHESHIRE CUP EXITS
Disaster struck on two Cheshire Cup fronts yesterday when both the 1st XI and the Under 21's crashed out of their respective competitions. Batting first at Brooklands the senior side were led magnificently by skipper Phil Davis but unfortunately he could find no-one able to stay around to form any major partnerships. Davis tragically missed out on a century by only one run and despite his own performance he was disappointed that his sides final total of 169 for 7 was probably about 20 runs below par.

In reply Brooklands made a devastating start with opener Marland crashing 3 sixes off the unfortunate Noakes. Some semblance of normality returned when Marland was caught off Dave Collyer before a fine spell from Simon Marshall and the usual economic bowling from Stan Clifford and Dave Jones ensured the match remained in the balance. With 28 required from the last 4 overs the game was evenly poised and with 7 required of the last 6 balls Neston were still in with a chance. Unfortunately the Brooklands middle order kept their nerve and the winning blow eventually came from the penultimate delivery.

Meanwhile at Bramhall the Under 21's were more convincingly beaten. The home side managed to score 218 for 5 off their 40 overs before bowling Neston out for 140.

18th June 2000 - DISMAL DAY
The 1st XI turned in a poor performance at Didsbury today but still managed to escape with a draw. Stan Clifford was the only bowler to emerge with any real credit as Didsbury knocked up an imposing 254 for 7 declared in 55 overs. The Neston reply never looked like gaining any momentum and other than Mathew Ennion's (37) parting shot before moving to London no-one managed more than 12. With the last pair of Dave Jones and Dave Collyer at the wicket with 17 overs to go and the score on 110 there seemed little question that the game would be over in time for the players to watch the England v Germany football match. Jones and Collyer however had other ideas and 17 overs later the pair were walking off unbeaten having salvaged what could only be described as an undeserved draw.

An appealing "Hairy" Beaver - Didsbury v Neston 17 June 2000
Photo courtesy of John Fryer

The 2nd XI had an even worse day at home to Urmston and were soundly beaten by 4 wickets. Peter Barber scored 61 in Nestons 169 for 9 but despite three wickets each from Simon Beazley and Dickie Thorn the visitors cruised to an easy win.

The only bright spot of an otherwise dreadful day came from the 3rd XI who beat Oxton by 6 wickets. Mark Strong picked up 6 wickets, Tim Brooker (40) and Paul King (43 not out) starred with the bat.

The 4th XI looked well placed after scoring 242 for 7 declared against Brooklands (Gerry Scriven 60, Mike Potter 55) but on a small ground they struggled to keep the runs down and Brooklands eventually ran out comfortable winners by 7 wickets.

11th June 2000 - 2ND AND 3RD'S BOTH THROUGH IN CUPS
Both the 2nd and 3rd XI's progressed through to the next round of their league knock-out competitions with victories against Bowdon and Cheadle Hulme respectively.

11th June 2000 - WOOLLEY TO THE RESCUE
The sun finally shone at Parkgate yesterday and the 1st XI duly took advantage picking up 20 points with victory over Cheadle Hulme. Having been invited to bat first the visitors were soon in trouble as Steve Egerton and Stan Clifford picked up early wickets. The introduction of Dave Jones into the attack increased Cheadle Hulme's problems and at 70 for 6 Neston were well on top. A spirited late order fight back eventually saw Cheadle reach 133 all out with Clifford (3-56) and Jones (4-21) the main wicket takers.

After tea skipper Phil Davis led by example with a fine half century but the loss of Ennion, Beaver, Egerton and Clifford in relatively quick succession left Neston struggling at 40 for 4. With Davis playing the anchor role it was left to Andy Woolley to come in and take the attack to the bowlers. Woolley survived a relatively simple dropped catch and the skipper was a little fortunate to get the benefit of the doubt from the umpire on a close run out decision but the two eventually lifted the total to 124. Having just completed his fifty Davis was caught at square leg and as the tension mounted he was followed in quick succession to the pavilion by Kim Pinnington and Jim Marshall. With 10 still required and only 3 wickets remaining it was left to Woolley (45 not out) and Max Bass to stay calm and ease their side to victory with 9 balls to spare.

The 2nd XI finished with a disappointing draw at Cheadle Hulme.Graham Lea-Swain (26) and Nick Beazley (31) were the top scorers in Neston's 171 all out but despite 4 wickets from Greg Shillinglaw and 3 from Simon Beazley the home side hung on for the draw at 165 for 9.

Jim Hughes stole the show as the 4th XI picked up another victory this time against Oxton. The skipper top scored with 79 not out in his sides 203 for 8 declared with youngster Tom Hollingsbee contributing 32. Hughes then took 6 wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 142.

11th June 2000 - NALGO CONCEDE
Liverpool NALGO have conceded the Echo Knock-Out tie after two earlier attempts to play the match were washed out. In the next round Neston now travel to Formby on Friday 23 June.

10th June 2000 - UNDER 15'S THROUGH
The Under 15's are through to the quarter finals of the Cheshire Cup after beating Bunbury in a low scoring game. They will now travel to play Crewe Rolls Royce.

9th June 2000 - STILL NO LET UP IN THE WEATHER
Tonights rearranged Echo Knock-Out match at home to Liverpool NALGO was once again called off after heavy and prolonged rain. A third attempt will be made to play the match next Wednesday.

Tomorrows match against Cheadle Hulme is also under threat although the weather forecsat is slightly more promising.

9th June 2000 - WALLASEY WAITING
The Cheshire Cup match at Brooklands has been re-arranged for Sunday 18 June. The winners will be away to cup holders Wallasey on the following Sunday.

4th June 2000 - THE LOST WEEKEND
What should have been a busy weekend for Neston Cricket Club turned out to be a complete washout with no cricket played at all because of the bad weather.

Friday nights Liverpool Echo Knock-Out match at home to Liverpool NALGO was the first match to fall foul of the rain and will now be played this coming Friday. The misery continued on Saturday with all four sides left twiddling their thumbs. Although the skies brightened slightly on Sunday the heavy overnight rain had left the ground at Brooklands waterlogged with no hope of play in the Cheshire Cup 2nd Round game.

Probably hardest hit by the dreadful weather conditions is the 2nd XI who have now had five of their seven league games abandoned. As a consequence the defending champions find themselves next to bottom in the table with almost one third of the season gone. Skipper Nigel Davies will be praying for some sunshine this Saturday when he takes his side to Cheadle Hulme. Meanwhile at Parkgate the 1st XI will also face Cheadle Hulme and the 4th XI take on Oxton whilst Russ Thompson takes his 3rd XI to Wirral rivals Upton. The Cheshire Cup game at Brooklands will be played either this Sunday or a week on Sunday.

3rd June 2000 - BEYOND A JOKE
Todays 1st XI game at Nantwich was called off before midday. With the weather forecast not looking great tomorrows Cheshire Cup tie at Brooklands must also be in doubt.

2nd June 2000 - .....AND AGAIN !!
More rain meant that tonights Echo KO match against Liverpol NALGO was called off. Hopefully it will be replayed next Friday.

31st May 2000 - RAIN AGAIN !!
Tonights Wirral KO match agaist Caldy at Wallasey CC was called off because of the rain. The match will be rearranged.

28th May 2000 - MARSHALL SHINES
Neston's 1st XI recorded their second victory of the season on Saturday eventually beating Hyde at Parkgate by a comfortable 6 wicket margin. After heavy overnight rain the conditions were far from ideal and having been invited to bat first Hyde's early order made good progress aided by some indifferent fielding and several dropped catches. At 82 for 2 it looked like Neston could be chasing a considerable total until a change of ends for Stan Clifford dramatically altered the whole course of the game. The ever willing Aussie found a great length on the drying wicket and the Hyde middle order disintegrated. Clifford ended with 5-52 and was ably supported by Dave Jones (3-52) with Dave Collyer picking up the last two wickets of the innings as the visitors collapsed to 168 all out.

In reply the home side started brightly with opener Mathew Ennion (32) looking in particularly good form. The loss of skipper Phil Davis was a minor setback which only served to bring youngster Simon Marshall to the crease. Marshall started steadily but after taking consecutive boundaries from the Hyde off spinner he went on to totally dominate the bowling until he was eventually dismissed for a magnificent 75. Stan Clifford added to his earlier five wickets with 38 not out and ensured that there were no late scares as the home side cruised to a six wicket victory with plenty of overs to spare.

The 2nd XI's frustrating season continued on Saturday with yet another game abandoned because of the weather. Last years champions find themselves near to the bottom of the table simply because the rain appears to be conspiring against them. Skipper Nigel Davies will be hopeful that the sun shines this coming Saturday when his side take on Warrington at Parkgate. The 4th XI's game at Timperley was also called off because of the wet conditions.

The 3rd XI had no such problems at home to Chester Boughton Hall's 4th XI. Doug Chadwick (4-50) and Robin Gwynn (4-27) received great support from skipper Russ Thompson (3 catches) as the visitors were bowled out for 117. Pete Chesters with 46 and birthday boy Alan Reeve with 35 not out (that's runs not years !) saw Neston easily through to victory.

This Saturday the 3rd XI play at home against Timperley whilst the 4th XI travel to Upton.

26th May 2000 - BUSY WEEK IN PROSPECT
Next week the 1st XI play 4 games in 5 days starting on Wednesday with the Wirral Knockout match against Caldy at Wallasey CC. On Friday Liverpool Nalgo come to Parkgate for the Liverpool Echo Knockout 2nd Roound game. Saturday is league action away at Nantwich and Sunday is the Cheshire Cup game away at Brooklands.

26th May 2000 - ONE CHANGE FOR HYDE
Martin Noakes is unavailable for saturdays 1st XI game at home to Hyde, Simon Marshall returns after playing for Birkenhead School.

20th May 2000 - WASHOUTS AGAINST TOFT
The rain eventually caused the abandonment of todays 1st XI game at Toft but not before Neston's current frailties with the bat had been exposed again. Skipper Phil Davis chose to bat first after winning the toss but his plan of posting a large total was soon in tatters after the early loss of Mathew Ennion and the subsequent stream of wickets further down the order. Only Stan Clifford (45) offered any real resistance in the visitors total of 124 all out. Unfortunately during the tea interval the rain clouds moved in and any opportunity Neston may have had to redeem themselves with the ball was lost.

At Parkgate both the 2nd and 3rd XI's had their games abandoned because of the weather. In a torrid spell before the rain the 2nd team struggled to 52 for 5 in 32 overs against Toft.

Ken Peers had enough time to score a magnificent century for the 4th XI before their game at Chester Boughton Hall was also washed out. Mike Potter (37) and Tudor Williams (35 not out) both made significant contributions in Nestons 217 for 2 declared.

20th May 2000 - ECHO SUCCESS
The 1st XI comfortably progressed through to the next round of the Liverpool Echo Knock-Out last night with a 7 wicket win at Ainsdale. Dave Collyer's opening spell of 5-3-4-6 put the home side on the back foot, they eventually reached 66 in their 20 overs. Andy Woolley's good form continued when Neston batted and his commanding 47 not out was more than enough to see Neston through to the next round

17th May 2000 - TURK AND WOOLLEY RETURN
The 1st XI selected to take on Toft this Saturday has a more familiar look to it with both skipper Phil Davis and Andy Woolley back in the line up following injuries. Also back in the fold is Aussie Stan Clifford following his brief but enjoyable (for us !) retirement. With Martin Noakes available this week the Turk for the first time this season had genuine selection problems. The full side is P.Davis, M.Ennion, S.Clifford, S.Egerton, A.Woolley, B.Beaver, M.Bass, K.Pinnington, D.Collyer, D.Jones & M.Noakes with Pete Barber, Dan Thomas and Jim Marshall dropping down to the 2nd XI.

The skipper was more than happy to be able to pick himself after a frustrating start to the season sat on the sidelines. Speaking exclusively to the web site he said "to pick up an injury the week before the season started was terrible timing but when you constantly live on the edge of perfect physical fitness, always striving for that little bit extra then you have to accept that occasionally something will give. Perhaps in this case my pre-season campaign was just too much". - So how is the garden now Turk ? that grass must be getting long - don't forget to look out for that hole !.

15th May 2000 - 2ND'S THROUGH IN CLOSE SHAVE
On Sunday the 2nd XI travelled to Timperley for what turned out to be keenly contested County League Knock-Out 2nd round game. Having reduced the home side to 50 for 5 Neston appeared to be well on top until a spirited fight back saw Timperley finish on a useful 188 for 9 off their allotted 45 overs. Andy Joslin was the pick of the bowlers (4-46) with good support from the ever reliable Dickie Thorn (2-30).

On a pitch with little bounce Nigel Davies' side could never quite gain the initiative but the skippers 29 and yet another 50 from Andy Woolley kept the target within reach. As the run rate edged upwards and wickets continued to fall the visitors found a match winning hero in the form of wicket keeper Graham Lea-Swain and it was his swash buckling 43 not out which finally turned the game in Nestons favour. The winning blow came with only 9 balls and 3 wickets in hand and Lea-Swains delight reflected just how close the game had been. Reward for this hard earned victory is an away tie at Bowdon in the third round.

14th May 2000 - CHAMPIONS TOO STRONG
Last seasons league champions Macclesfield proved too strong for Neston yesterday running out comfortable winners by 7 wickets. Stan Cliffords 35 on his return after a brief retirement was the only bright spot in Neston's woefully inadequate 82 all out. Three quick wickets after tea briefly raised the hopes of the Neston faithful but Ian Wrigglesworth the visitors overseas star soon ended any chance of an unlikely home victory with a quick fire 45.

At Macclesfield the 2nd XI notched up their first win of the season. Dickie Thorn picked up six wickets as the home side were dismissed for 135 after which Don Hirst (49) and Andy Woolley (44) comfortably saw Neston to victory by 8 wickets.

The big game between the 3rd and 4th XI's ended with honours even. Jim Hughes side posted an imposing 235 for 6 declared thanks to 72 from Ken Peers, 44 from the in-form Tudor Williams and a swash buckling 69 off only 34 balls from Greg Brooker whilst Dougie Chadwick picked up 4 wickets. In reply the 3rd XI skipper Russ Thompson led from the front with a fine 77 and was ably supported by Steve Hazell (44). Perhaps understandably in such a crucial game both sides appeared to be more concerned about losing rather than going for glory and rather disappointingly for the large crowd the game inevitably petered out to a draw with the 3rd's on 222 for 5.

7th May 2000 - WILF'S SEVEN WICKET HAUL IN VAIN
Acting Neston skipper Dave Jones picked up seven wickets yesterday but still ended up on the losing side as Neston went down by 54 runs at Wirral rivals Oxton. The home side had made a good start and were anticipating a total of 220 plus before Wilf with support from Dave Collyer turned the game back in Neston's favour eventually bowling Oxton out for 186. In reply Neston made a good start with Mathew Ennion (45) and Brian Beaver (28) setting a good foundation for victory. With 100 required off the last 20 overs and 8 wickets in hand Neston were probably favourites to win until a middle order collapse turned the game once more in Oxtons favour. The chase for victory became a rearguard action with Jones and Collyer desperately hanging on for the draw but the vain attempt failed with only 8 balls remaining when Jones was caught at slip giving Phil Thomas his seventh wicket and Oxton victory.

The 2nd XI's league season finally got under way at Parkgate with their match against Oxton. Don Hirst scored 50 as Neston chased the visitors total of 210 however it was not enough to bring victory and it was left to the experienced Ken Peers to see the innings through as Neston settled for the draw.

Andy Woolley made a dramatic comeback after major knee surgery by scoring 97 not out in the 4th XI's 8 wicket victory over Warrington. Skipper Jim Hughes also scored 50 in Nestons total of 220 for 2 declared. In reply Warrington were never in with a chance and were bowled out cheaply with Mike Philpotts picking up 6 wickets.

The 3rd XI were also playing their counterparts from Warrington and in a dramatic match they eventually sneaked a one wicket victory.

This Saturday the 1st and 2nd XI's play against Macclesfield with the 1st's at home whilst the 3rd and 4th XI's meet at Parkgate in what is always a keenly contested game.

7th May 2000 - DAVID JAMES REMEMBERED - MIKE LEE
During the off-season Dave James passed away. Jamesy played in the sixties and was a very strong offside bat, an exciting cover fielder and occasional 'seam up bowler'. He was unassuming and the consummate team player, willing to give advice if asked. He boxed as an amateur for Wales and became Coach of the British Olympic Boxing Team at the Mexico Olympics in 1968. Many of his team mates learned the power of his friendly punch in post game changing room scuffles (Nicko knows). While memories are somewhat vague, I think Jamesy was challenged by the automobile; requiring guidance as to where the engine was located! I believe Pooley or Crossey could provide greater insights and a litany of humorous incidents of Jamesy's exploits. Surely his innings was over too soon, but a true All-Rounder he was; and I just wanted him to be remembered.
All the best for the new season.
Mike Lee

2nd May 2000 - BASS AND NOAKES IN FOR OXTON
Phil Davis is still unfit for action and will miss Saturdays game at Oxton. Also missing are John Thompson who has returned to university and Simon Marshall who is required for Birkenhead School. Max Bass gets a call up to the 1st XI after his fine knock at Oulton Park on Monday and Martin Noakes gets a Saturday away from work and will be able to open the bowling.

2nd May 2000 - VICTORY FROM THE JAWS OF DEFEAT
A large crowd basked in the late afternoon sunshine at Parkgate on Saturday and witnessed a great fight back from Neston as they dramatically snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

The home sides one wicket victory owed much to an excellent ninth wicket partnership from youngsters Kim Pinnington and Dave Collyer who came together at a precarious 56 for 8 with victory still a seemingly impossible 66 runs away. With plenty of overs still in hand the pair were able to pick off the bad balls edging the score upwards and ever closer to the 122 required. Just as thoughts tentatively turned to the unlikeliest of victories and with nerves already on edge the dramatic finale was made even more tense by the dismissal of Pinnington who was caught for a magnificent 28 with 3 runs still required for victory. Collyer who rarely reaches double figures was not going to miss the chance for glory with the bat and sure enough he managed one final blow over the boundary to complete one of the best comebacks seen at Parkgate for many years.

Earlier in the day in very different and very wet conditions Birkenhead Park had been dismissed for 121 with spin twins Dave Jones and Dave Collyer taking four wickets each and last seasons leading wicket-keeper Brian Beaver picking up where he left off with 5 victims.

On Sunday acting skipper Steve Egerton took a mixed side to Leigh for the first round of the National Knock Out. The home side had some success in this competition last season and were able to field a full strength 1st XI which meant that Neston were in for a tough time. As it turned out it was Leigh who were getting a bit worried towards the end as Neston threatened to upset the bookmakers. Leighs 45 over total of 181 was a stiff but not impossible target and contributions all the way down the order including 42 from Steve Egerton and 20 from Jim Marshall kept Neston in the game almost to the end. Eventually the task became too great and the visitors were all out for 169 which under the circumstances was a magnificent performance against high class opposition.

Saturdays 2nd XI league game at Upton was abandoned because of the weather however on Sunday the sun shone at Oulton Park where skipper Nigel Davies led his side to a comfortable 80 run victory in the league cup. Max Bass (48), Don Hirst (52) and Davies himself (31) were the star performers in Neston's 216 for 8. In reply Oulton Park finished on 136 for 9 with both Ken Peers and Jim Hughes each picking up 3 wickets.

Macclesfield disappointingly conceded their cup tie to Russ Thompsons 3rd XI on Sunday but the 4th XI did see some action convincingly beating Hale Barns by 9 wickets. Val Barker (48 n.o.) made a welcome comeback as Neston reached their victory target of 78 with the loss of only one wicket. Earlier in the day skipper Jim Hughes turned in the remarkable figures of 5 wickets for 10 runs off 9 overs as Hale Barns struggled to 75 for 8 in their 45 overs.

This coming Saturday both the 1st and 2nd XI's play Oxton with the 2nd XI at home. The 3rd and 4th XI's face their counterparts from Warrington.

29th April 2000 - 4TH'S DID PLAY.. AND WON !!
Apologies to the 4th XI who I incorrectly reported had their game last Sunday postponed. I am pleased to say that not only did they play but they won, dismissing Stockport Georgians for 84 and then knocking them off without loss of wickets (Gareth Peers 50n.o. and Ben Thomas 30n.o..

Meanwhile the weather again threatens todays matches with all grounds saturated after a week of heavy rain. The mopping up operation is in progress.

27th April 2000 - WALLASEY UNDER 21 CHAMPIONS
On Sunday Wallasey won the 1999 Under 21 Cheshire Cup Final which was held over from last season. Wallasey 134 all out in a 30 over game (Zac Feather 51, Graham reid 32), Chester Boughton Hall 85 all out.

27th April 2000 - TURK STILL OUT
1st XI skipper Phil Davis will miss this weekends games as he battles to recover from a sprained ankle. Dave Jones will continue to debutise as captain of an unchanged side for Saturdays home game against Birkenhead Park.

On Sunday Steve Egerton takes a mixed side to Leigh for the first round of this years National Knockout. Youngsters Adam Bass, Martin Noakes and Chris Toomey come into the side and Andy Woolley makes a welcome but tentative return as he starts on the long road to recovery after major knee surgery.

27th April 2000 - UNDER 13'S WIN INDOOR KNOCKOUT COMPETITION
Neston's under 13 cricketers started the season with a bang by winning the Wirral Under 13 Indoor Knockout Competition which took place at the Oval Leisure Centre on Sunday 16th April.

The Neston squad won all their matches against teams from Oxton, Birkenhead Park, Caldy and Upton, wreaking revenge on Upton for our defeat in the final of last year's under 14 Cricket Festival.

Each match was played between teams of six-a-side, each player bowling one over apiece (apart from the wicketkeeper), according to normal indoor cricket rules. The ball used was softer than the normal cricket ball so helmets did not have to be worn.

The squad consisted of the following players: Alastair Wilson, Alex Tyler, James Masters, Owen Jones, Tom Hickley, Peter Carter, Lloyd Murphy and David Wallis, who will all receive a medal for their participation.

23rd April 2000 - FIRST DAY WASHOUT
All efforts to beat the wet weather at Chester yesterday were eventually abandoned at 4.30pm after the second downpour of the day left the square under water. The game actually started on time with Neston invited to bat first after losing the toss and without injured skipper Phil Davis. Batting proved very difficult on a damp and slow track but openers Mathew Ennion and Peter Barber set about their task with plenty of determination. Ennion was eventually bowled by the experienced Wundke before heavy rain forced the players off with the score at 40 for 1 off 30 overs. The ensuing two hour mopping up operation eventually allowed play to recommence but only for one dramatic over which saw two boundaries, several overthrows and the wicket of Barber who was caught at the second attempt by Wundke off the bowling of Chester's Aussie import Heath Pritchard (n.b. Heath says hello to his Dad back home and that he had a "plumb" LBW appeal turned down and a dropped catch !!). Just as things were obviously about to get interesting the rain somewhat inevitably returned and there was little alternative left but to abandon the game.

The 2nd XI didn't even manage to start their game at Parkgate the weather again the only winner. Todays 3rd and 4th XI games in the Jack Gardner Trophy were also washed out.

21st April 2000 - DAVIS INJURY WORRY
Skipper Phil Davis faces a late fitness test before taking charge of the opening game of the season at Chester BH tomorrow. The "Turk" twisted his ankle in a bizarre gardening incident earlier in the week and despite trying to follow Doctors orders to keep his weight off it (very, very important in Turks case) he still remains a doubt for tomorrow. "I am hoping to be fit enough to play but don't expect to see me taking any quick singles or bowling any genuine away swing" said the skipper. Business as usual then !!.

21st April 2000 - KIM IN
The selection of Martin Noakes for tomorrows game turned out to be an administrative mix-up as Martin was never actually ever available. Kim Pinnington back from a winter drinking in Australia takes his place.

18th April 2000 - OPENING DAY TEAM NEWS
Skipper Phil Davis has gone for a mixture of experience and youth to open the County League season with at local rivals Chester Boughton Hall. The full side reads;

Phil Davis (captain)
Mathew Ennion
Simon Marshall
Steve Egerton
Peter Barber
Dan Thomas
Brian Beaver (wk)
Dave Jones
Martin Noakes
John Thompson
Dave Collyer

New 2nd XI skipper Nigel Davies will also rely upon a number of the clubs youngsters but should have enough experience in the side with old stagers Jim Marshall, Dickie Thorn and Don Hurst. The full side reads;

Nigel Davies (captain)
Don Hurst
Elliot Berstock
Jim Marshall
Max Bass
Gareth Peers (wk)
Adam Bass
Dickie Thorn
Greg Shillinglaw
Kim Pinnington
Peter Bellfield

On Sunday Russ Thompsons 3rd XI travel to Hyde for their Jack Gardner Trophy match. Jim Hughes leads his 4th XI side out at Parkgate against Stockport Georgians in the same competition.

18th April 2000 - NATIONAL K.O.
This season the 1st XI will play in the National Knockout for the first time in many years. During the winter the decision was made to enter the competition instead of the County League Knockout Competition as it was felt that interest was low in the league K.O. due to the fact that we were playing the same sides on a Sunday as we were on Saturdays. The 1st round of the National K.O. sees Neston drawn to play away at Leigh on Sunday 30th April.

15th April 2000 - TOFT DEFEATS
Both the 1st and 2nd XI's lost their pre-season warm up games against Toft at Parkgate today. Phil Davis and Mathew Ennion gave the 1st XI a solid start but from 65 for 0 the innings collapsed to 119 all out with only Dave Collyer also reaching double figure. Toft made light work of the total gaining a 7 wicket victory with 20 overs to spare !. The 2nd XI shared a closer game but also lost despite 49 from Max Bass.

14th April 2000 - DAMP START ANTICIPATED
Tomorrows pre-season friendlies are in danger of falling foul to the miserable weather. Several overcast and damp days have left the ground very wet and have restricted the chance for any outdoor nets.

Assuming things get a little better the 1st XI will take on Toft on the front pitch at Parkgate whilst the 2nd XI also play the same opposition on the back pitch. Both games start at 1.30pm.

New skipper Phil Davis is hampered in his team selection by the non availability of several regulars from last season. Stan Clifford, Jerry Scrven and John Fennah may not play at all this season, Paul Evans has returned to Australia, Paul Coles has returned to Irby whilst Andy Woolley is likely to be missing until the end of May with knee trouble. With no new faces arriving at the club through the winter it will be an interesting start to the new campaign. Youngsters Simon Marshall, John Thompson and Dan Thomas all are selected for the Toft game.

The loss of so many players also has a knock on effect on the 2nd XI and new skipper Nigel Davies will be looking to up and coming stars Elliot Berstock, Adam Bass and Simon Stokes to show their potential early season. There is also a welcome return to Mike Philpotts after several seasons away studying.

14th April 2000 - 3RD XI v BURTON
The 3rd XI warm up on Sunday with the annual pre-season game against Burton (1.30pm start at Neston). The side has a welcome familiarity to it with experienced names such as Doug Chadwick, Alan Reeve, Pete Chester, Mike Potter, Paul King, Mark Strong, Robin Gwyn and skipper Russ Thompson all keen to win the championship back from their arch rivals the 4th XI.

12th February 2000 - A DEBUT PERFORMANCE TO REMEMBER !!! - Match report by Ben Thomas
Saturday 12th February 2000, another great win for a Neston C.C first XI and for once I don't mean the cricket team, nor the tennis or squash teams and not even the hockey team, this was the work of the FOOTBALL TEAM!.

Monday night football turned into a super Saturday as Neston played their first ever eleven side game against an Irby side playing regularly as I understand throughout the winter. It couldn't have been worse conditions for a bunch of cricketers use to the summer sun , a cold showery winters morning with a strong, blustery wind.

Neston lined up as follows in their change strip of yellow shirts ( thankfully of all sizes!, blue shorts ( again thankfully of all sizes!),and blue socks, ( fortunately no one could find our home strip ( pink shirts etc!!):

                                               BASS.A

BARBER                     JOSLIN                        PEERS                             THOMAS


    THOMAS.D                     DAN                      BASS.M                           ALI


                            COLES                           GONAD   ©

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