IN WHAT was a huge game at the top of Shropshire County Cricket League Division Two, it was Chirk first XI who prevailed to jump up to first place.

Prior to the game, opponents Wellington seconds sat at the top of the table, but in-form Chirk were able to reduce their visitors to 100 runs before making easy work of reaching the target in reply.

Chirk inserted Wellington after winning the toss, and got off to a great start when Andrew Swarbrick and Frank Macdonald-Brown dismissed Wellington’s opening batsmen after 11 deliveries and just one run.

Matthew Pitchford lasted a lot longer for Wellington as he produced a fine 41 to restore some hope for his team, however Chirk’s bowlers regained form after his dismissal and quickly did damage to the middle order and tail-end.

Adithya Manigandan was also out for a duck, along with George Topper, as the side limped to a score of 100.

In return, Gareth Partridge and James Carter got Chirk off to a comfortable start scoring 54 runs between them.

Aside from Shaun Walker being dismissed for four, Nicholas Flack and Swarbrick were able to use their experience to get their team to 101-3 to take the win.

They now sit in first place, just a point ahead of Wellington.

On Saturday, Chirk will face second-from-bottom Albrighton firsts.

Chirk second XI are also flying high in their league after another win keeps them just one spot off the top of the table.

A well-earned weekend victory over Allscott Heath third XI keeps them in the mix for promotion as they still trail Beacon thirds by 40 points.

Dale Randall’s 78 not out was the highlight for Chirk as they batted first.

His effort, complemented by the opening pair of captain Ian Skinner (62) and Liam Walker (68), proved vital as Chirk stormed to a total of 277-7.

Walker’s performance was pivotal as the sides swapped over, as he took three Allscott wickets to damage their hopes of a comeback.

Liam Daddo-Langlois with 65 and Kevin Syass with 45 gave Chirk a slight scare, but comprehensive bowling across the afternoon kept the other Allscott batsmen’s scores low.

Chirk seconds face top of the table Beacon thirds at home on Saturday.