Fitzsimmons guides Hyde to victory

Cheshire County League East: Toft 94 all out (26.5)    Hyde 95-4 (21.4)

Hyde CC secured a comprehensive six wicket victory away at Toft on a wet afternoon in Knutsford.

Following a long delay, due to heavy rain, Hyde skipper Tom Partridge chose to bowl first after winning the toss.

It was a decision that seemed an obvious one but as captain you need the bowlers to perform well and make the most of the conditions.
Toft actually made a solid start with Ben Staniforth and Daniel Lord (14) looking to lay the foundations for a competitive score. The pair reached 24 before Elliot Young was brought in to the attack in the ninth over and he made an immediate impact having Staniforth caught by Jake Hill for 13.
It was a key moment and Hyde blew the Toft middle order away. From 24-0 the hosts slumped to 49-6 with Young taking 3-23 from six overs.
Toft pair Tom Roe (20) and skipper James Lomas (28) did provide some resistance, but Hill (2-16) and Cole Turner (2-15) helped bowl the home side out for just 94.

With a number of key personnel missing Hyde promoted ‘keeper Adam Worrall to the top of the order, but the gamble backfired as he was out LBW to Adam Kenyon for just two.

Jason Whittaker (7) was the next to go with the score now on 20, but the experienced David Fitzsimmons entered the fray and took charge of a potentially tricky situation.

Despite losing Partridge (9) Hyde wrestled back the initiative thanks to Fitzsimmons (35no) and James Duffy who guided Hyde towards the winning line. When Duffy went for 25, Hyde were within nine runs of their target and they duly wrapped up the win in just the 22^nd over.

This weekend sees Hyde host Alderley Edge.