Cheshire lay the perfect foundations (From Warrington Guardian)

Cheshire lay the perfect foundations

CHESHIRE have laid the perfect platform to win the Minor Counties Championship Western Division after an impressive 125-run victory over Oxfordshire in their three-day clash at Nantwich Cricket Club last week.

Andy Hall's team had reduced the visitors to 178-5 overnight chasing a challenging target of 365 for victory at Whitehouse Lane.

But despite seeing Oxfordshire grind their way to 230-6, Cheshire dug deep to clinch the last four wickets they needed for victory at the expense of just 10 runs.

Dave Pennett, the former Nottinghamshire pace ace, led the way with 5-45 from 19.4 overs, while seamer Jason Whittaker (2-32), former England and Lancashire leg-spinning all-rounder Chris Schofield (2-24) and left-arm spinner Robin Fisher (1-16) were also in the wickets.

Pennett was the pick of the bowlers and finished with match figures of 10-116 following his 5-71 return in the first innings, while Whittaker also played a key role with match figures of 6-104.

The JW Lees Cheshire side also starred with the bat in this match. Oulton Park all rounder Nathan Dumelow (107 & 44) and skipper Hall (106) with centuries to their name, while debutant Nick Cantello made a spirited 82, enhancing his claims for a place in the county's final match.

Victory for Cheshire gave them 23 points and if they win their last match, against Wales at Chester Boughton Hall (August 21-23) the Western Division title could be won.

Hall said: "That was a great victory for us.

"We bowled excellently in both innings, especially Dave Pennett. He was fantastic and got key wickets for us.

"It was also nice to see Nick Cantello get runs on debut and myself and Nathan both score centuries.

"We needed to win this game to put pressure on Berkshire ahead of the last game of the season.

"All we can do now is win against Wales and hope Berkshire slip up. We've got a great chance of winning the title this year."

A view echoed by Cheshire's chairman of cricket Gerry Hardstaff, who added: "That victory has set us up perfectly for the last match of the season.

"It was a very pleasing performance and we can now look forward to the last game and hopefully win.

"There have been some excellent performances in this game, but as a team we are playing with a lot of confidence."