GRESFORD 198-5
RHEWL 141
(Gresford won by 57 runs)
JON Eccles was back at his best with the bat, but it wasn’t enough to halt basement side Rhewl’s woes as their Division One losing run continued.
Opening the innings for the villagers, Eccles hit a fine half-century to give his side some hope of springing a shock against Gresford, but the visitors came through the test to record an eighth win of 2010 and keep alive their slender hopes of finishing in the top two.
Gresford got themselves into a strong position from the off and felt confident enough to declare after 45 overs of batting.
The main reason for this was skipper Gareth Rowland’s fine innings of 92, which formed a major part of Gresford’s ultimate tally of 198-5.
Ample support came from the direction of Joe Benson (42 not out) and Sean Richards (35).
Rhewl opening bowlers Chris Willsdon (2-32) and Les Brophy (1-56) did celebrate some early joy, while Simon Williams (1-29) was also in decent form with the ball.
Eccles was the linchpin when it was the home side’s turn to take to the crease.
He hit 71 to show glimpses of his past form with the blade and Rhewl will definitely need more of that if they’re to carry out a great escape and somehow avoid relegation to Division Two.
There were cameo displays further down the order from number three Ed Hurst (17), Simon Williams (14) and Rob Eccles (19), but in the end Gresford held sway to dismiss their opponents for 141.
Arthur Thomas picked up 3-21 and there were two-wicket hauls from Sean Richards, John Bell and Joe Benson.