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Trophy trauma for Hall’s men

27/ 8/2004

CHESHIRE'S chances of qualifying for next year's Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy have all but disappeared after the second day of their Minor Counties Championship clash against Shropshire was rained off at Chester Boughton Hall yesterday [Tues].

Andy Hall's team still require maximum points and other results to go their way if they are to qualify.

But heavy rain meant there was no chance of any play and now Cheshire can only win if there is a contrived finish on the final day's play.

"It's very frustrating for everyone," admitted Cheshire chairman Gerry Hardstaff.

"The rain took the wind out of our sails against Oxfordshire in a match we needed to win and the same has happened here."

Cheshire have had no luck in their final two matches in the Western Division and ultimately the weather has also wrecked their hopes of C and G qualification.

"The weather hasn't helped, but we can look back at the season and admit we didn't score enough batting points," added Hardstaff.

"I just hope we get some cricket on the last day. We've got a good, balanced side and we have strengthened our batting.

"It's just a shame that we've managed to post big scores in our last two matches and the possibility of a result has been halted by the rain."

A brilliant unbeaten 113 from Graeme Archer, the former Nottinghamshire batsman, helped Cheshire post 305-6 declared on Sunday.

Oxton all-rounder Neil Cross also weighed in with a useful 63 as the pair shared an important third-wicket partnership of 130.

But with Shropshire finely poised at 53-1 overnight, both teams were denied the chance to try and take control of proceedings.