Middlewich curse Irby

MIDDLEWICH lost for only the second time in the league this season at Irby on Saturday, slipping from third down to eighth in the standings.

The side from Haddon Field had been unbeaten since April 29, but their promotion hopes have taken a blow after a six-run defeat.

And how they missed leading wicket taker Keith Hallam.

In his absence the home team scored freely - Vishal Sharma hit 67 - and the signs looked ominous.

However Stuart Price claimed the prized wicket of Sharma and, bowling unchanged, he went on to post figures of 5-56.

He was ably supported by Phil Parry (4-46) as Irby crumbled to 161 all out, his best return of the season so far.

In reply Middlewich got off to the worst possible start when Jamie Prime was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, followed by Neil Webb and Parry in the second over.

Martin Dawson and Jamie Williams joined them in the pavilion to leave Middlewich in danger of being humiliated on 25-5.

Captain Richard Clorley was joined by usual saviour Chris Ainley at the crease, but on this occasion Ainley too fell cheaply.

Undeterred, Clorley took the game to Irby on his own, passing 50 for the first time this season.

But still he lost partners regularly.

Chris Broomfield, Nick Gill and Price all failed to add significant contributions as the visitors slumped to 97-9.

Last man Phil Davies blocked to let Clorley carry on scoring to take his side closer to Irby's total.

But with the score on 155, the skipper was controversially given out lbw while on 90.

Afterwards he could not contain his fury.

He said: "It was the most outrageous decision I have ever witnessed.

"I'm gutted."