Saturday 23rd April:

Bowdon Vale Cricket = Club Match Reports - 2006

Sunday = 17^th September

Over 40’s: Alderley Edge 130-4. Vale Vikings 1= 01 all out.

The Vikings fell agonisingly close in their promotion bid, losing out to Alderley Edge in a 3rd place play off match. The Viki= ngs had the worse of the wet bowling conditions as Alderle= y posted 130, Bolton 32 and Cheetham 30 both retired, Brain Birtles being the pick of the Vikings bowlers with 2-= 18. Only Steve Bot= tomley 33 retired and Nick Talbot 19 really got going in the Viking reply, in what should have been a par score run chase, the Vikings disappointedly fell 29 = runs short.

Despite this disappointment, it was a really successful and enjoyable debut season = by the Vikings, which augurs well for 2007.&n= bsp;

Saturda= y 16^th September:

1^st XI: Mere 60 all out. Bowdon Vale 61-1.

The Vale comfortably preserved their Division 2 status with a comprehensive win over near neighbours Mere. For the second week running the opposition were unable to handle the Vale bowling attack as Mere were dismissed for 60. The wickets were shared equally, Roylance taking fo= ur and three a piece for Shakespeare and Willson. In reply the Vale had little troub= le in knocking off the required runs for the loss of just one wicket. Ian Froggatt finishing unbeaten on 29. =

2^nd XI: Bowdon Vale 131 all out. Port Sunlight 132-4.

The second XI fell to a defeat at the hands of an experienced Port Sunlight sid= e in their final fixture of the season. The Vale posted a competitive 131 with t= he main contributions from Donalds 31 and Sullivan= 18. A weakened Vale bowling attack was always struggling to contain the Merseysiders, with Howard 62 seeing the visitors home= for the loss of 4 wickets.

Saturda= y 9^th September:

1^st XI: Winsford 52 all out. Bowdon Vale= 53-2.

Bowdon Vale First Eleven cruised to an improbable 20 point victory at home to third placed Winsford. Fielding first, the Priory Street strugglers cheaply dismissed their visitors for 52, Mark Roylance performing as consistently as ever, picking up 6-28 whilst Ian Willson (3-7) also chipped in. In reply, Vale, despite batting second on a troublesome wicket, made light work of the target as Le= e Woods (24) and John Ryan (16 not out) steered them to victory.

2nd XI: Winsford 170-7. Bowdon Vale 147-= 8

The Vale's Second Eleven, however, made up the second half of the Winsford double header with a lesser degree of succes= s. They settled for a losing draw away from home. Invited to field, a depleted= Vale bowling attack contained well in the early stages but could not restrict th= eir opponents to anything less than 170-7 and full batting bonus points. In rep= ly, despite a steady start, the Vale batsmen struggled in vain to put their side within reach of the target set. Ian Johnson(54) and Tom Robinson (16) made = sure that Winsford did not pick up maximum 25 points, finishing on 147-8 from their 45 overs.

Saturda= y 2^nd September:

1^st XI: Ashton on Mersey versus B= owdon Vale – no play. Match abandoned.

2^nd XI: Bowdon Vale versus Holmes Chapel – no play. Match abandoned.

Saturda= y 26^th August:

1^st XI: Ashley 97 all out. Bowdon Vale 76 all out..

Ashley came out winners of a tense, low scoring game against Bowdon Vale at Priory Street on Saturday where every decision became critical to the outcome of the game. Having lost the toss, the visitors were asked to bat on a drying wicket and against a tight Vale bowling attack found it difficult to score runs, the f= irst 15 coming in the same number of overs. Ashley w= ere finally all out for 97 after some lusty hitting from the tail enders who co= ntributed a third of the runs. The pick of the Vale bowlers was = Roylance with figures of 5-49. With the exception of Ollier, the Vale batsmen struggled to master both the pitch and the bowling of Hall= who finished with 7-28 with Ashley winning the game by 21 runs.

2^nd XI: Knutsford V Bowdon Vale – no play. Match abandoned.

Bowdon Vale’s 2nd XI’s match against Knutsford was abandoned mid-morni= ng due to “unfit” playing conditions.

Saturda= y 19^th August:

1^st XI: Barrow versus Bowdon Vale – no play. Match abandoned.<= o:p>

2^nd XI: Bowdon Vale versus Wilmslow – no play. Match abandoned= .

Saturda= y 12^th August:

1st XI: Bowdon Vale 179 all out. Trafford MV 180-5.

Vale's recent winning streak was brought to an abrupt end at Priory Street by Trafford MV who wo= n by 5 wickets. Batting first Vale posted a respectable 179 to take maximum batting points, with L Woods scoring 52. Pick of the bowlers was man of the match M= Adeel who took 7-47 , and then went on to score 73 in Trafford's reply of 180-5.

2^nd XI: Trafford MV 198-6. Bowdon Vale 176-6.

A severely weakened Vale 2nd X1 forced a creditable draw in a good spirited g= ame in the reverse fixture at Trafford MV . Electing to bat first Trafford scor= ed 198-6 , D Hills 48 & I Walsh 36 . Best bowler for the Vale was P Allen with 4-36 . In reply the Vale fell just short at 180-6 with captain, S Robinson carrying his bat for 104 not out.

Saturda= y 5^th August:

1st XI: Pott Shrigley 1= 03. Bowdon Vale 104-5.

Vale 1st X1 recorded back to back wins with a fine victory at second placed Pott Shrigley, despite mi= ssing a number of regular players. Electing to bat first Pott<= /span> Shrigley never got to grips with the accurate b= owling of Mark Roylance 7-42 & Nigel Halsall 3-57 , eventually being bowled out for 103. Despite losing 3 early wickets = the Vale knocked off the runs for the loss of 5 wickets with 14 overs to spare. Main contributions were from Steve Bot= tomley (28no), & classy knocks from debutants 13 yr old Adam Roylance (26)& 15 yr old Sam Baxter (11no).

2^nd XI: Pott Shrigley 1= 69-6. Bowdon Vale 126 all out.

A severely weakened Vale 2nd X1 were beaten by Pott Shrigley at Priory Street in a good spirited game. Pott batted first posting a challenging 169-6 . A Hal= l 50. Pick of the Vale bowlers by far was Sam Poole 3-42. In reply the Vale slump= ed from 96-3 to 126 all out, G Hackney mopping up the tail with 4-14. Good contributions with the bat came from Adrian Donalds 46 & Tom Robinson 26.

Saturda= y 29^th July:

1st XI: = Lymm Oughtrington Park 175-4. Bowdon = Vale 181-5.

The Vale first eleven were involved in a must-win encounter away to Lymm <= span class=3DSpellE>Oughtrington Park, and despite at times murky conditions, neither side failed to disappoint. Bowling first, the visitors found taking wickets hard work at times as 3 of= the 4 wickets taken for 175 runs were earned in the latter stages of the inning= s by Mark Roylance (3-78). Lymm= were held together throughout by patient knocks- Wright (101 not out)= and McIntosh (50). And in spite of this seemingly par total posted, Vale strugg= led in the early stages of their reply as the loss of regular wickets checked t= heir momentum. Nevertheless, altho= ugh faced with an escalating run rate of 8 r.p.o, <= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Bottomley (21) and captain Ollier laid the foundations for vic= tory. Bottomley's dismissal brought young Jack Halsall to the cre= ase, and an exciting finish ensued as the sixth wicket partnership steered Vale = to a 22-point win with an over to = spare.

2^nd XI: Chelford 203-9. Bowdon Vale 133 all out.

Understandably, similar fortunes went amiss for a severly fract= ured second eleven back at Prio= ry Street. Again fielding first, Vale were unable= to prevent visiitors Chelford= amassing a challenging 203-9, notwithstanding the bowling efforts of Gardner (5-61). I= n reply, Vale could muster only a modest total of 133 all out, the lower order, in particular Allen (30) chipping in.

Wednesd= ay 27^th July:

Over 40’s: Timperley 132-6. Bowdon Vale 109-6.=

The Division 2 Over 40's title race reached an exciting climax when Bowdon Vale (second) met Timperley (top) in front of a size= able crowd at the Vale with the winners to be crowned champions. Timperley won the toss and elected to bat. Tight bowling and fielding by Bowdon Vale contained a strong Timperley batting line-up to= 132 for 6 off their 20 overs. Colin Rowe (4-0-25-3) excelled for the Vale with Fisher (30 retired) and Ward (29) producing the = best batting performances. In reply, Bowdon Vale were always behind the rate aft= er slumping to 6 for 2 after 2 overs. Despite a partnership of 45 between Colin Rowe (21) and Steve Bo= ttomley (20), the Vale fell 23 short after 20 overs fin= ishing on 109 for 6.

Monday = 25^th July:

Quarter Final U18 South Manchester Junior Cricket League Cup. Whalley = Range 158-3 (20 overs). BVCC 117-6 (20 overs).

Saturda= y 22^nd July:

1st XI: Wirral 172-9. Bowdon Vale 154 all out.

Once again the Vale’s push for a mid-table spot in Division 2 was thwarted= as the stiff test of fellow strugglers Wirral was exacerbated by a severely weakened bowling attack. Nevertheless after the visitors batted first and enjoyed a healthy start, the run-rate was pegged back as Roylance (6-72) took the brunt of the workload for the Vale. Consequently on what was debatably a 200-run track, Wirral mustered 172-9, key contributions from Pe= el 63 (not out) and McPhearson (39). In reply, des= pite guided by Ollier’s 79, Vale could only ma= nage to stumble to 154 all out, as Slight (4-45) appeared the pick of the Wirral bowling.

2^nd XI: Bowdon Vale 207-4. Wirral 194-7.

Meanwhile, in the other half of this Saturday double header with Wirral, the 2nd XI could be held only to a winn= ing draw. After amassing a mammoth 218-4 thanks to a 100 run plus stand from Baxter 55 not out and Halsall 80 not out. Bowli= ng from Paul Allen (5-61) kept the Vale in with a chance of 25 points, but ultimately Wirral hung on for a losing draw.

Wednesd= ay 19^th July:

Over 40’s: Christleton 127-4. BVCC 129-4.=

With a number of key players missing and a severely weakened bowling attack, a g= reat Bowdon Vale team performance made it six wins out of seven completed games since the team's only loss on the opening day of the season. Christleton batted first on a blistering hot summer's= evening. Opening bowlers, Tony Gardner (4-0-14-1) and Mark Crit= chley (4-0-16-1), kept Christleton down to just 32 fo= r 2 off the first 8 overs with this period of play ultimately proving costly to Christleton. A wic= ket apiece for batsmen Pete Williamson and Gary Webb jointly acting as 'fifth bowler' together with tight bowling from Will Crowson a= nd Neil Talbot managed to restrict Christleton to = 127 for 4 off their 20 overs. In reply, Mark Critchley (32 retired) and Pete Williamson (26) managed to keep Bowdon Vale ahead of = the required rate as the side reached 85 for 2 off the first 12 overs. A couple of wickets later and Adrian Donald joined Steve Bottomley (28 not out) at the wicket with the tail now exposed. Fortunately, the pair= was able to knock off the 29 runs still required to see the Vale home with 7 ba= lls remaining. The win means that Bowdon Vale is now second in the division with next week's opponents Timperley top. The maths are simple - whoever wins ne= xt week's big game at the Vale wins the division.

Tuesday= 18^th July:

Junior Cricket League U 18’s Cup: BVCC 129-6. Cheadle 121-6.

The Vale made a good total with contributions from Sam Poole 43, Jack Halsall 24 & Rick Axon 17 and were cruising this = game when Cheadle had 26-1 after 8 overs still needing 104 to win off the last 12. A combination of sloppy fielding = and good batting let Cheadle back in the game until= they need 19 off the last over to win. This was too much for them and Stuart Rou= nd bowled a steady last over to clinch the match. The next round is away to Whalley<= /st1:PlaceName> Range,

Saturda= y 15^th July:

1st XI: Cheadle Hulme <= span class=3DSpellE>Ladybridge 196-6. Bowdon Vale 159-6.

The Vale’s bid to move to mid table safety was thwarted on Saturday at Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge. An injury to opening bowler Robinson left them short on bowling options in addition to fielding a man short for all but 10 overs<= /span> of the Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge innings. Lindsay 60 and Halim 38 not out= saw the home side close on 196-6. Roylance 4-74. In reply the Vale lost wickets at v= ital times, just as match winning partnerships were being formed. Johnson 34, Ollier 43 not out and Halsall 18 not out saw the Vale to the comfortable position of 159-6 when time ran out. Butterworth 5-40.

2^nd XI: Bowdon Vale 148-6. Northwich 149-3.

The Vale second eleven took on top of the table Northwich<= /span> at Priory Street. The home side posted a competitive 148-6, Roylance 23 and Singleton 28. In reply the visitors were off to a solid start through <= span class=3DSpellE>Alcock 51 and Naylor 68 not out which saw the Mid Che= shire side to victory by 7 wickets. Axon 2-37.

Wednesd= ay 12^th July:

Over 40’s: Vale Vikings 151-4. Barnton 113 all= out.

The Vikings made it five consecutive victories with a comfortable victory over = Barnton. Batting first the Vikings posted 151-4, Titchard 33 retired, Critchley 25, Ascott 20 and Roylance= 27. The visitors had no answer to the spin of Roylance= 4-25 as they were dismissed for 113. With two games left to play, the Vikin= g’s are involved in a title race, as the season reaches a thrilling climax.

Saturda= y 8^th July:

1st XI: Barnton 176-5. Bowdon Vale 90-4. Match Aban= doned.

Rain and bad light brought an early finish and thwarted the Vale’s attempt= to force victory at home to Barnton. The visitors = batted first and were greeted by a hostile spell of bowling by Willson and a nagging line and length from promoted second team veteran Steve Robin= son, which brought the Vale two early wickets. However the = Barnton middle order applied themselves exceptionally, being well lead by M.Cross 42no as a fine partnership with Wingfield developed. Barnton gaining maximum batting poin= ts in the process. In reply the ret= urning Lee Woods with 18 took a liking to a vociferous Bebbin= gton which saw the Vale off to a quick start. The platform was then laid for a p= ush for victory, but rain and bad light brought a halt to proceeding, John Ryan finishing on 36 not out.

2^nd XI: Barnton 200-4. Bowdon Vale 199 all out.

The Vale young second lost by 1 run in a thrilling last ball finish when chasing 200 for victory. The home side were off to a flying start, before being peg= ged back in the latter stages of their innings Allen 2-66 being the pick of the Vale bowling. In reply the Va= le lost the early wicket of Donald but Joseph Ryan 38, batting with great matu= rity and Ian Johnson with an aggressive 96 laid the foundations for victory with= a stand of 120. Wickets then tumbled against the bowling of Falland 4-54 and Hancock 3-42, until 8 were required from the last over with two wickets in hand. Three were required from the last ball with the last pair = Crowson and Allen at the wicket. A snick through the = slips only brought 1 run and the run out of Crowson.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>

Wednesd= ay 5^th July:

Over 40’s: Vale Vikings v Brooklands away R= 11; No play. Match Abandoned.

Sunday = 2^nd July:

Cheshire Shield: BVCC 112 al= l out. Alvanley did not bat.

A torrential thunderstorm put an end to the Vale Cheshire Shield game with Alvanley at tea time. The Vale had posted a rather disappointing 112, Willson 23. The game was then decided on the to= ss of the coin. The Alvanley skipper Peter Pearson ca= lling heads correctly; to go through to the next round.

Saturda= y 1^st July:

1st XI: Bowdon Vale 179-9. Mere 106-7.

The glorious sunshine and World Cup interest elsewhere didn’t deter the V= ale as they played all the cricket in their winning draw at home to Mere. The V= ale batting was firing on all cylinders as the returning Ian Froggatt, Keith Fenton and Andy Shakespeare set about the visitors attack. However it= was skipper John Ollier with a blistering quick fir= e 53 who really set the innings on its way. In reply, once the visitors lost two early wickets the run chase was never really on. Despite Shakespeare weighi= ng in with 4 wickets the visitors comfortably held the Vale bowling attack at = bay. Even so, a positive performance from the Vale that will stand them in good stead for the second half of the season.

2^nd XI: Bowdon Vale 71 all out. Port Sunlight 72-2.

The young and inexperienced Vale side struggled at top of the table Port Sunlig= ht. Only Donalds and Gardner reached double figures against the Sunby father and son combination. <= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The home side having little trouble= in reaching their target for the loss of two wickets.

Saturda= y 24^th June:

1st XI: Winsford 210-6 dec in 40 overs. Bowdon Vale 94 all out.

Having elected to field first, the Vale made two early breakthroughs, although this early success thanks to openers Willson & Shakespeare was short-lived; Dean and Crellan crafting a skilful partnership before both were dismissed for 87 & 44 respectively. A surprise declaration was taken by the home team after 40 overs with the score standing at 210-6, and, in spite= of Winsford being left in the more commanding position, = Vale were confident that a run rate of little over 4 runs per over was quite obtainable. Ultimately, however, the decision to declare paid maximum dividends. A lively Winsford bowling attack cou= pled with one or two debatable umpiring decisions left the travelling side stran= ded at 94 all out with plenty of overs to spare.

2^nd XI: Winsford 104 all out. Bowdon Vale 105-7.

The Vale 2nd XI took advantage of a low scoring affair against Winsford at Priory Street, marching to a 5^th straight win. Robinson (4-21) and Baxter (3-14) kept tidy figures as the Vale bowled first & restricted their opponents= to 104 all out. The Vale response stuttered at times and, at 76-6, the game lo= oked in the balance. However, a good start at the top of the innings always look= ed to have swung the game in Vale’s favour before calm knocks by Robinson (11 not out) and Baxter (20 not out) saw the home side to victory.

Wednesd= ay 21^st June:

Over 40’s: Alderley Edge versus Vale Vikings.<= o:p>

Vale Vikings set a reasonable total of 137 but, sadly, the match was abandoned i= n tragic circumstances following the fatal collapse of John Mak= ay, the Alderley Edge opening batsman. Sincere condolences to John’s family and to Alderley Edge Cricket Club from a= ll at the Vale.

Saturda= y 17^th June:

1st XI: Bowdon Vale 134-8. Ashton on Mersey = 138-2 23 overs.

The Vale first team comprising four young Under 18 cricketers, were handed the = unenviable task at home last weekend of halting an Ashton-on-Mersey unbeaten run spanning over twelve months. Batting first in the face of a first-rate bowling attack, Vale posted a respectable 134-8 after 45 overs, although the score rattled up in the majority by contributors such as Williamson 39, Baxter 34 and Roylance 20 did not look enough. In reply t= his message was sent out to the home side fielders from the onset as Ashton too= k a combative approach to the run-chase, AT Roscoe (78 not out) in particular, = as he dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground and led the visitors to a comfortable win.

2nd XI: Holmes Chapel 74 all out. Bowdon Vale 75-3.

Conversely, the Vale second eleven were not to be denied another victory as t= hey travelled to Holmes Chapel, skittling their opp= onents for a meagre 74 as wickets were shared in part between Allen (5-35) and Axon (2-9). It was evident that an abandoned game last week had not distrac= ted the Vale's second string batsmen either- the visitors edged home as the top-order contributed in equal measure.

Wednesd= ay 14^th June:

Over 40’s: Vale Vikings 150-3 (20 overs). Warr= ington 99-7 (20 overs).

Another very good performance secured Bowdon Vale Over 40's fourth consecutive win.= After winning the toss, Bowdon Vale kept the scoreboard ticking from the off with openers Mark Critchley (31 ret) and Pete Ascott (21) putting on 54 for the first wicket inside= the first nine overs. Pete Williamson (30 ret) and a rapid 31 (ret) from Neil Titchard with other us= eful contributions enabled Bowdon Vale to amass 150 off their 20 overs. Tight bowling and fielding by Bowdon Vale prevented <= st1:place w:st=3D"on">Warrington from keeping up with the req= uired scoring rate. Warrington fell 51 runs short finishing on 99 for 7 after their 20 overs with Neil Halsall (4-0-20-2) and
Mark Roylance (4-0-11-2) the pick of the bowler= s.

Saturda= y 10^th June:

1st XI: Bowdon Vale 153 all out. Ashley 156-1 35 overs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, a short away trip for the Vale 1st el= even to a superb batting track at Ashley looked full of runs. However the quality of the home sides' bowling attack choked the Vale run-scoring = in the early stages, as a measured partnership of 51 between Joe Ryan (29) and Andy Shakespeare (24) was built in the top order. An important cameo from Roylance (23) ensued = along with a merciless late assault from Bottomley (4= 6 not out). Although a total of 153 could have been considered below-par on this Ashley wicket, in truth the Vale would have done well to restrict the = home side 250 in reply as the game was taken to them by K. Butt (106 n= ot out). Consequently Ashley achieved their target with 10 overs to spare.

2nd XI: Bowdon Vale versus Knutsford. Game conceded by Knutsford.

Thursda= y 8^th June:

1st XI Knock Out Cup: Offerton 125-5 in 20 overs. BVCC 98-8.

Another weakened mid-week Vale side was valiantly beaten at the hands of Offerton in the 1st eleven Knock-out Cup. Chasing 125-5 in 20 overs, the home side were always going to find the run-chase difficult, but hope of victory was indeed preserved thanks to Jack Halsall (24) and Nigel= Halsall (20), until the final few overs when the tall -order just proved too much.

Wednesd= ay 7^th June:

Over 40’s: Bredbury St Marks 135 for 7 (20 overs). Vale Vikings 138 for 3 (19.2 overs).

A good batting track and fast outfield saw top of the table Bredbury's first few batsmen rattle up the 100 inside 14 overs with a total in excess of 160 looking on the cards. Tight bowling by Neil <= span class=3DSpellE>Halsall (4-0-20-4) and Mark Royl= ance at the death saw wickets fall and limited Bredbury to 135 in their 20 overs. Still a daunting target = and with nearly 7 an over required, the Vikings' battle plan was to look for singles off every ball and despatch the bad ball for four with ideally thre= e of the top order reaching 30 (and retiring). The plan was delivered to perfect= ion with Keith Fenton (30 ret) and Pete Ascott (31 = ret) putting on a 50 opening stand in quick time. The required tempo was
maintained by all Viking batsmen with Steve Bottomley<= /span> retiring on 33; Mark Roylance (12 not out) saw = the Vikings home with four balls remaining. A fine curry rounded off an excelle= nt performance on a lovely summer's evening.

Tuesday= 6^th June:

Junior Cricket League U 18’s: BVCC 111-5 after 24 overs= . Stockport Georgians 112-1 (16 overs)=

The A-Level exam season saw a depleted but nevertheless competent Vale under-18s side travel to Stockport Georgians last week. Hoping to carry over some excellent form in recent matches, the visitors batted first and k= ey contributions from Poole (25) and Halsall (55) gave the Vale a healthy 111 to bowl= at after 24 overs. However, in reply it seemed tha= t from the outset, a Stockport victory was= never in doubt as explosive batting from Cruse (80 not out) saw them to their target within 16 overs. =

Saturda= y 3^rd June:

1st XI: Bowdon Vale 136-9. Barrow 113 all out.

In glorious sunshine the Vale posted their first home win of the season with a hard fought win over Barrow. Batting first, the Vale finished on 136-9, Shakespeare 34, Fenton 24, Ryan 17; which was probably 40 runs short of the required total. Barrow looked= to be pacing their reply well, but the introduction of Halsa= ll into the attack combined with Roylance’s immaculate line and length, pressure was heaped on the visitors. Roylance finished with 6-48, Hal= sall 4-24 to see the Vale home by 23 runs, the bowlers being backed up by some excellent catching in the deep by Baxter and Poole.

2nd XI: Bowdon Vale 210-5 after 45 overs. Wilmslow = 163-9 after 45 overs.

The highlight of the Vale innings was a maiden 50 by 13 year old Adam Roylance. Roylance and 17= year old Joseph Ryan posted a century opening partnership, which was the platform for the Vale total of 210-5 after 45 overs. Joh= nson 28 not out. Paul Allen was qu= ickly amongst the Wilmslow top order as the home side looked to play for a draw. Despite skipper Robinson ringing the bowling changes and 4 overs at the last pair, the Vale were unable to force victory, instead having to settle for the winning draw points.

Wednesd= ay 31^st May:

Over 40’s: Urmston 62 all out. Vale Vikings 64-2

After two blank weeks due to the weather, the Vikings impressively resumed busine= ss with a comfortable win over vistors Urmston. The visitors were dismissed for 62, Birtles 3-16, <= span class=3DSpellE>Halsall 2-8 and Roylance = 2-3. In reply, the Vikings strolled to v= ictory for the loss of just two wickets, Fenton 22 not out and Critchley 26.

Tuesday= 30^th May:

Junior Cricket League U 18’s: BVCC 134-7 after 24 overs= . Sale Mo= or 65 all out.

The Under 18’s impressive form continued with a comprehensive victory over Sale Moor. Shakespeare 43, Ryan 21 and Faupal 1= 7 were the main contributors in the Vale’s well built total of 134-7. In rep= ly, once danger man Page was dismissed by Hussain, = the Vale had little trouble wrapping up the Sale Moor innings, the wickets being shared amongst Poole, Halsall, Axon and Round.

Saturda= y 27^th May:

1st XI: Trafford MV 119-9. BVCC 107 all out.

Under cloudy skies, skipper John Ollier asked Traffor= d MV to bat first. On a helpful track in very damp conditions, Roylance, Shakespeare and Willson all shared the wickets = to see the home side close on 119 after 45 overs with = T.Butt coming to the home side’s rescue with 45= . In reply the Vale were moving stead= ily towards their target with Ollier 19 and Baxter 20, but the loss of wickets= at vital times with batsman apparently well set was to cost the Vale dear, eve= ntually falling 12 runs short of their target, Haughton taking 4-30.

2nd XI: BVCC 97 all out. Trafford MV 101-8.

On a drying out Priory Street= , the young Vale 2nd eleven pushed their experienced visitors from Trafford MV all the way. Batting first the Vale posted a disappointing total of only 97. (Adam Roylance 20 Sam Baxter 20 McGuire 4-28 an= d Saeed 4-13). Rick Axon was soon amongst the visitors batting taking 4-19 as Trafford stumbled home with 2 wickets to spare.

Thursda= y 25^th May:

Meller Braggins Cheshire Cricket Lea= gue 1st XI KO Cup: Stockport Georgians 62 all out. BVCC 63-3<= /p>

The rain finally relented to allow the Vale to cruise into the next round of the 1st eleven KO cup with a comfortable win over the 1st Division Stockport si= de. Mark Roylance picked up 3 wickets and there wer= e 2 a piece for Shakespeare, Willson and Hussain. Ollier 26, Fenton 12 and Steve B= ottomley 10 not out saw the Vale home to victory.&n= bsp;

Wednesd= ay 24^th May:

Over 40’s: Vale Vikings v Davenham at Home = 211; No play. Match Abandoned.

Saturda= y 20^th May:

1st XI: v Pott Shrigley= at Home – No play. Match Abandoned.

2^nd XI: v Pott Shrigley= away – No play. Match Abandoned.

Wednesd= ay 17^th May:

Over 40’s: Vale Vikings v Mobberley away ̵= 1; No play. Match Abandoned.

Saturda= y 13^th May:

1st XI: BVCC 130-9 - 4= 4 overs. Lymm Oughtrington Park 131-2 – 42.3 overs.

Overnight rain meant that the toss was all important as the Vale entertained Lymm OP on Saturday. The Vale were asked to bat first= in difficult wet conditions. After a slow start, the innings clicked into gear= as Shakespeare 31 and skipper Ollier 40 upped the = tempo. For Lymm OP, P. Whelan applied the brakes as th= e Vale looked to accelerate their innings, finishing on 130-9 after 44 overs. = Tight bowling by Roylance, Shakespeare and Willson kept the visitors run chase in check, however= a well paced response from McIntosh 34, Oakes 43 not out and Whelan 39 not out saw the visitors to victory.

2nd XI: Chelford 210-9 - 45 overs. BVCC 169-8 - 45 overs.

The young Vale 2nd XI picked up some useful bonus points from their draw at Chelford. The home side finished on 210 – 9, Sa= m Baxter 3-35, Bill Crowson 3-21 being the pick of the V= ale attack.

In reply the Vale batted consistently down the order Sam Baxter 47, Johnson 32= , Hussain 23, Steve Robinson 20 and Joseph Ryan 16. How= ever in the darkening conditions the Vale settled for a draw with 8 wickets down.

= ;

Wednesd= ay 10^th May:

Over 40’s: Vale Vikings 101-2 – 18 overs= . Cheadle Hulme 100 all out= – 20overs.

The newly formed Vale Vikings crowned their first home game of the season with a comfortable 8 wicket win over Cheadle Hulme. Restricting the visitors to 100 all out from t= heir 20 overs, Crowson= 3-13 and Birtles 2-18, the Vikings strolled to victo= ry by 8 wickets with 2 overs to spare. Critchley 32 retired, Titchard 26 not out and Bottomley 21 not out.

= ;

Tuesday= 9^th May:

Junior Cricket League U 18’s: BVCC 57-9 - 20 overs. Wythenshawe 55-9 - 20 overs. =

In a thrilling finish at Prio= ry Street, the Vale U18’s recorded their fi= rst win of the season by just 2 runs. Batting first the Vale struggled against = the off spin of Fernando 4-3, only Hussain 18 not o= ut, Poole 11 and Shakespeare 10 reaching double figures= . Defending a total of 57, all the V= ale bowlers displayed a superb line and length, backed up by some excellent fielding, the highlight of which was a brilliant running catch by Tom Robin= son at deep fine leg. The Vale edging home in a tense finish by just 2 runs.

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Sunday = 7^th May:

Cheshire Sunday Cup 1st Roun= d: Cholmondeley 152 all out. BVCC 177-5.

The Vale won through to the next round of the Cheshire Cup where a tie with Chelford awaits them. The Vale batting first finished= on 177-5 from their 45 overs. The highlight of the Vale’s innings being a maiden 1st team fifty for 15 year old Jack Halsall 56 not out. Jack was supported by uncle Nigel= 42 not out, Ascott 22, and Baxter 28. The ValeR= 17;s bowling and fielding always had the home side at full stretch, with S.Hussain 4-34 the pick of the tight Vale bowling att= ack which saw them cruise into round 2.

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Saturda= y 6^th May:

1^st XI: Wirral 69 all out. BVCC 70-2.

The home side started positively, having elected to bat first, moving swiftly t= o 36 without loss. The introduction of Roylance into= the attack turned the home side’s innings on its head. The slow left arm spinner returned match winning figures of 7 for 12 from his 10 overs, supported by some excellent close catching fro= m Ascott and Fenton. In reply the Vale had little troub= le in knocking off the 70 runs required for victory, Fenton 21 and Ryan 22 not out seeing the Vale home for the loss of two wickets.

2nd XI: BVCC 212-3 dec after 40 overs. Wirral 151-5 after 50 overs.<= /p>

A much better balanced 2nd XI took on the Wirral at <= st1:address w:st=3D"on">Priory Street. Skipper Steve Robins= on had no hesitation in batting first, Neil Baxter 65, Joseph Ryan 54 and an aggressive knock from Iain Johnson 55 not out, enabled Robinson to declare = on 212 after 40 overs. With 50 overs= available to dismiss the visitors, the Vale found a major obstacle in Johns= on 70 as the visitors looked to play out the overs rather than go for the win. S.Hussain 3-32 bein= g the pick of the Vale bowling, as the home side captured 13 points for the winni= ng draw.

Wednesd= ay 3^rd May:

Over 40’s: BVCC 108-6 after 20 overs. CBH 114-4 after 19.2 overs.

The newly formed Vale Vikings made their debut in the over 40’s County League competition at Chester Boughton Hall. Batting f= irst the Vale finished on 108-6, Bottomley 30 (retir= ed), Halsall 22 not out and Eyres 18. The home side’s well paced reply saw them win by 6 wickets with four ball= s to spare. Roylance 2-12, the Vale not being helped by the lo= w setting sun which severely hampered the sighting of the ball in one half of the fie= ld.

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Tuesday= 2^nd May:

Junior Cricket League U 18’s Cheadle 86-5 after = 17 overs; BVCC 85-7 after 20 overs<= /span>.

The U18 side opened their 2006 campaign with a visit to 2005 Champions Cheadle. A sound batting performance saw the Vale pos= t 85-7 from their 20 overs. Halsall= 41, Poole 11. In reply the Vale had Cheadle struggling at 42-5, with 6 overs remaining, but= a hard hitting knock from Little 41 not out saw the home side to victory in t= he gathering gloom. Nevertheless a very good all round performance from the Va= le youngsters.

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Saturda= y 30^th April:

1^st XI: Bowdon Vale 104-9; Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge 105-4.

The Vale were asked to bat first on a good early season track at Priory Street. Bishop the Cheadle Hume Ladybridge o= pening bowler enjoyed a fine opening spell returning figures of 8-21. A battling 35 not out from Neil Baxter was the highlight of the Vale innings, suppor= ted by Fenton 15 and Ascott 18, which saw the Vale = close on a disappointing total of 104-9 after 45 overs. Early wickets were vital to keep the Vale in the game. Ian Willson followed up his success of last week bowling impressively, returning figure= s of 3-30. However the thorn in the Vale side was a superb disciplined innings f= rom the Cheadle Hulme <= span class=3DSpellE>Ladybridge opening bat Moores who = finished 69 not out, which saw the visitors to victory for the loss of four wickets.

2^nd XI: Northwich 150-4 innings closed. Bowdon Vale= 32 all out.

The 2^nd XI made the trip to league newcomers No= rthwich. A tight opening spell from Robinson and Gardner 2-19 had the home side strugg= ling early on. A caught behind decision went against the young Vale si= de in the early stages of a partnership between Cher= ian 44 not out and Rushworth 40 not out. This = helped the home side to post an impressive total of 150-4 after 45 overs. In reply the young 2nd XI batting had no answer to the guile and cunning of Murphy 4-4, O'Neill 3-10 and Davies 3-10 and finished well short= of the required total.

Saturda= y 23^rd April:

1^st XI: Barnton 89-9; Bowdon Vale 93-9.<= /span>

A MAN of the match performance from Ian Willson h= elped Bowdon Vale to a narrow opening day victory at Barnton= . Willson starred with both the bat and ball, fir= stly demolishing the home side with a great spell of controlled pace bowling to finish with figures of 5-23. He was supported by Royla= nce 2-47, Shakespeare 1-17 and a superb run out from Sam Poole, Barnton finishing on 89-9. In reply the Vale top order struggled on a drying track.= It was Willson to the rescue with the bat. A hard hitting knock of 25 in partnership with Bottomley (16*) saw the Vale to victory with an over to spare.

Meanwhile, at Priory Street a young Vale second XI took on an experienced Barnton<= /span> side. The winning of the toss was all important on a damp green wicket which unfortunately went against the home side. The highlights of the Vale innings were knocks by Jack Halsall (18) and Adam Roylance (19). In reply the visitors had little troub= le reaching their target (Hancock 40*).