Cheshire have tough time

Defending Minor Counties champions Cheshire had a hard day in the field on the opening day of their three day Championship clash with Wales Minor Counties at Chester Boughton Hall.

Wales won the toss and made full use of a good batting track to rack up an imposing 406 for eight from their allotted 90 overs.

Glamorgan’s Tom Merilaht led the way with an unbeaten 97, while Gareth Rees, who has also represented Glamorgan, hit 92 as the visitors scored freely on a flat pitch.

Captain Michael O'Shea, who has played for England Under-19s, chipped in with 68, while James Harris (46), Tom Maynard (34) - son of former England player Matthew - and Adam Harrison, also of England U19s and Glamorgan (31), were also in the runs.

In reply, Cheshire batted well and reached 112 for two at the close of play. Opener Warren Goodwin was dismissed in the second over of the day, while replacement opener David Hurst was given out leg before off the last ball of the day for a gutsy 49.

Skipper Andy Hall finished unbeaten on 44 at the close from 78 balls - and later admitted his team have a lot to do if they are going to win the match.

"It's going to be hard because they've put on a lot of runs. It's a good batting wicket, but if we can get close to them, then you never know what might happen in the second innings," reflected Hall.

Off-spinner Nathan Dumelow was the pick of Cheshire's bowlers with 4-151 from 30 overs, while seamer Adam Syddall returned figures of 2-76 from 16 overs.

Hyde seamer Tom Young, playing his first championship match of the season, bowled well to finish with 1-44 from 15 overs, with a run-out accounting for another Welsh wicket.

"We've just got to bat well on the second day and see how many runs we can get in our 90 overs," added Hall. "We've got enough good bowlers to bowl Wales, but there's a lot of time left in this match for a result."