Hyde CC lose humdinger at Nantwich despite Jackson's heroics

Hyde missed the chance to all-but seal the Cheshire County Cricket League after a narrow defeat to closest rivals Nantwich.

Put into bat by the hosts, Hyde’s openers reached a 51 partnership before Mitchell Spencer bowled Tom Partridge. They lost two more wickets for two runs to set nerves jangling, but a steely 76 from Luke Young and 48 from 49 balls from young Lancs pro Charlie Barnard steadied the ship. 

However, Andrew Jackson stole the show with an impetuous 89, smashing 14 boundaries - including half a dozen sixes - from just 38 balls, before being run-out on the final delivery of the innings to take Hyde to an impressive 290-8. 

Nantwich’s reply began slowly, losing Ben Wright in the 3rd over for just two runs. 

The home side dug in at the crease, though, putting their recent indifferent form behind them to score heavily. 

Ali Chughtai (91), Luke Robinson (83), and captain Ray Doyle (72) all chipped in with resolute half centuries. Despite Hyde’s Luke Young taking 3-30, Ollie Griffiths slapped the winning runs from his only delivery to give Nantwich a four-wicket victory with 8 balls to spare. 

Hyde, who are chasing a first Cheshire League title since doubling up in 2014 and 2015, are still 10 points ahead of Nantwich with three fixtures remaining, with the latter facing 3rd place Didsbury – who still have an outside chance of winning the league - on the final day of the season.