Ray Doyle’s fantastic five-wicket performance helped Nantwich Cricket Club’s first team get their 2026 season off to a flying start.
After 13 years as skipper, Doyle (pictured) has handed over the captaincy to Luke Robinson but will continue to play an important role in the team’s fortunes.
And in the Dabbers’ first Cheshire County Cricket League match of the year, Doyle took 5-26 at Oxton CC as the home side fell 56 runs short of their target.
Ben Wright chipped in with 3-32 and there was a wicket apiece for Mitchell Spencer and Phil Stockton as Oxton were bowled out for 140.
Robinson lost the toss and after Nantwich were put into bat, Ali Chughtai made a breezy start, hitting 38 from 46 balls.
Ben Wright made a steady 39 and Robinson hit 32 but scoring was not easy and Nantwich were bowled out for 196 in 49.4 overs.
Thanks to Doyle and Wright, though, that proved enough to secure an opening Premier League win.
This Saturday (April 25th) the firsts welcome Alderley Edge to Whitehouse Lane for a midday start.
Significant improvements have been made to the ground over the close season, including a new outside bar, kitchen and seating area.
All spectators are more than welcome and the bar will be open all day.
While the first team got off to the perfect start, the second team had a more difficult day at Whitehouse Lane.
After being put into bat by Brooklands, Nantwich were bowled out for 99, skipper Alan Chesters top-scoring with 20.
In the Brooklands reply, Denny Morgan took a couple of early wickets as the visitors were reduced to 44-4 but they suffered no more alarms and got home with six wickets to spare.
There was T20 Cup action at Whitehouse Lane the following day as the Sunday third team took on Widnes in the opening fixture of that competition.
Widnes won the toss and elected to bat but were bowled out for 58 in 19 overs, Jason Howell taking 4-10 and Denny Morgan 3-9.
Openers Oliver Howell (30 not out) and Robert Howell (24 not out) needed less than 13 overs to knock off the required runs.
The Sunday thirds have another T20 fixture at Whitehouse Lane this weekend with the game against Grappenhall starting at 2pm. All spectators are welcome.
Nantwich women got their season off to a good start when the second eleven won at Runcorn CC on Sunday.
Jen Dickinson took three wickets and Izzi Selwood took a couple as Runcorn were bowled out for 71.
In reply, Beatrice Harris (32 not out) led Nantwich to a comfortable eight-wicket win.
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