Widnes Cricket Club

NEW Widnes first XI captain Ian Spencer had to wait until Sunday for his first 2005 victory.

There were mixed fortunes for the first XI on the opening weekend of the season.

Saturday's league game against Poynton was full of ups and downs. Widnes's new signing Shahid Mahboob gave one of only two performances of note with the ball, with three for 51 from 21 overs, while the other was Bappa Mukherjee with three for 50 from 13 overs. Eventually Poynton finished with 213 for six.

Widnes replied in positive fashion despite loosing James McCoy and Phil Catterall early doors. The Widnes team did their best to get back on course but the steady fall of wickets led to Widnes forcing a draw with Dyson and Mukherjee remaining unbeaten at the end.

On Sunday the first team comfortably made their way into the second round of the Cockspur National knockout competition. Widnes decided to bat and made an impressive 202 for six in 45 overs, James McCoy 46 and Phil Catterall 48.

They then made light work of the Timperley batting line up bowling them out for 107, Gareth Dyson two for 20, S Mahboob two for 22, B Mukherjee three for 26 and Shaun Moore two for 20. Widnes now face Heaton CC in the second round.

Widnes second team started their campaign in the premier division with a solid victory over Upton.

Upton batted first and were bowled out for 153. Widnes then made light work of knocking off the total and wrapped proceedings up in the 48th over.