Meir Heath show fighting spirit to bring end to Little Stoke's run

LITTLE Stoke suffered their first NSSCL Division Two defeat of the season after losing a low-scoring affair at Meir Heath.

- Chris Travers

At the halfway stage it looked as though Little Stoke would be chalking up another success after skittling their hosts for 89.

D Colclough and J Ecclestone helped themselves to 3-12 and 3-33 respectively, with the remaining wickets being shared by S Liaqat and T Spruce.

M Raja (15), M Shaw (14), J Lawton (11) and N Locker (10) made the most progress with the bat.

However, that meagre-looking total proved to be enough for Meir Heath as they produced an excellent bowling display after tea.

They dismissed Little Stoke for 67 as A Ali scooped 3-17 and Shaw snared 3-20. Locker also picked up two wickets.

R Spruce's 21, 17 not out from T Spruce and 12 from J Askey wasn't enough for the visitors.

Sandyford's bowlers were also in excellent form to set up their win at home against Moddershall & Oulton thirds.

Kalhara Senarathne (4-19), Rory Smith (3-7) and Gareth Kinsey (3-19) were a top trio as the Modd men were bundled out for just 63.

Madeesha Eliyadura (31) and Kamal Aluthgedara (18) offered the primary resistance with the bat.