Hawbrook steals the show to help keep Stone in title chase

GEORGE Hawbrook produced one of his big-hitting innings to keep Stone SP firmly in the hunt for NSSCL Premier A title success, while all-but ending Checkley's hopes.

- Chris Travers

Second-placed Stone SP, who are a point adrift of leaders Leek with two matches to go, were set a challenging 244 to win Saturday's clash at Checkley.

However, their run chase turned into a walk in the park as they romped to an eight-wicket success on the back of Hawbrook's star turn.

The opener smashed 135 - dominating an opening stand of 158 with Sam Graham - to put Stone SP on the path to the points.

Hawbrook was eventually dismissed from the 82nd ball he faced, having hit 18 fours and six sixes in an exhibition of clean hitting.

Graham went on to make 41, before William Hobson (31no) and England Over-50s international Richard Harvey (26no) put the finishing touches to the victory cruise inside 38 overs.

Earlier in the day, Checkley had amassed 243-9 from their 45 overs on the back of 85 from skipper James Kettleborough.

Kettleborough's knock contained eight fours and two sixes, with Elliot Boardwell (48), Tom Carrigan (35) and Michael Allen (34) also in good touch.

Ed Batchelor scooped 3-42 for the visitors, with Jack Batchelor helping himself to a couple of scalps.

The limelight was then stolen by Hawbrook as he powered Stone SP towards the winning line.

The defeat leaves Checkley in fourth place, sitting 33 points off top spot, with only 42 left to play for.

Leaders Leek made it 13 wins for the campaign as they saw off the challenge of Audley.

Half-centuries from Sam Slater and captain Alex Mellor - as part of a fourth-wicket alliance of 142 - helped Leek to 230-6 in the formative stages.