Browse Sections

• Macclesfield Town FC
• Local football
• Local cricket
• Golf

Life looks brighter at Bredbury

17/ 7/2001

Oakmere 151-7 Bredbury155-5

ANDY Bashford and Chris Wood proved to be the match-winning partnership for Bredbury

Having seen more rain this summer than the forests of South America, Bredbury travelled to Oakmere in the Meller Braggins League.

And they were looking to brighten up their promotion prospects after the disappointment of another washout in their Cup semi-final against Middlewich on Thursday night.

The home side elected to bat first on an unpredictable wicket and got off to a steady if slow start, as the opening pair put together a 50 partnership.

But Bredbury never let their lack of early wickets affect morale, and they were soon to be rewarded - as once the first wicket fell, they toppled at regular intervals.

With one of their middle order batsmen departing for a duck after facing 25 balls, Oakmere could only muster a disappointing 151-7.

But full marks went again to the in-form Paul Wood, who continued his wicket-taking spree this season with 3-33.

After tea, the Saints set about their task in fits and starts, losing several early wickets as the track continued its unpredictability.

Charanjit Singh bore the brunt of this as he was struck on the chin and then on the fingers with two devilish deliveries as he and opener Darren Carr fought back by both chipping in with 30s.

However, they were both out in quick succession and Bredbury were looking uneasy at 80-5.

That was until the match-winning partnership of 75 between southerner Andy Bashford (37 not out) and the evergreen Chris Wood (40 not out) saw Bredbury home by five wickets.

And cheekily they even stole an extra batting point in achieving their target.

So at 155-5 and taking 22 points from their nearest rivals, Bredbury now move into second spot after Bollington's heavy defeat at the hands of league-leaders Christleton.

Bredbury next entertain Christleton at Hillside Road in an intriguing top of the table clash.