After a difficult start to the season, Timperley 1sts needed a win and thanks to a great opening knock by Aussie pro Dan Scholtz, they very nearly got it!

The Victorian, who has settled in well at Stockport Road, hit 78 off 94 balls to set up a big score for home side Oxton to chase. Joe Ashmore, with 63 and skipper Ed Galley with a quickfire 45, were the main supporting acts as they punched up a mighty 299 for 8.
Timperley must have thought the full points were going to be theirs after blistering spells by openers Chris Page and Jonno Fowler meant that Oxton were quickly 5 down for just 25 runs.

But a stubborn 81 not out from Joshua Brown coupled with the Oxton tail showing the top order how it should be done, meant the home team held out, finishing on 186 for 8 and Galley’s team wouldn’t return home with the win.

Scholtz, who has suffered the worst of the English spring since he arrived, thrived in more familiar temperatures and enjoyed his day.

“It’s great for the team to get a big score and grab a few points, I had a lot of fun. They are a super talented group of lads and I can’t wait to watch them all get on a roll.”

“It’s been great fun to be involved in such a tight group. Everyone around the club has been incredibly welcoming, I’d particularly like to thank Ed, Ports and the Matthews family for looking after me so well! Altrincham is lovely, what a great town. I particularly enjoy the Market” Adding that the “steak sanga was heavenly.”

Top of the table Alderley Edge are the visitors next week which should be a real treat for a big crowd, if the sun keeps shining!

Elsewhere, the 2nd XI fell just short against Oxton, losing by 9 runs after a strong chase. New signing from Staffordshire Alex Perry impressed with the bat, hitting a confident 84, with Muhammad Murtaza Khan starring with the ball taking 5 wickets. The 3rd team grabbed maximum points in a fiery win over Stockport and the 4th team beat Barnton in a good day overall.