Family affair as Checkley return to top of the pile

CHECKLEY moved back to the top of Division Two with a crushing victory over relegation-haunted Wedgwood Stanfields.

Andy Carr had targeted a minimum of 20 points from Saturday's encounter to bolster their tally ahead of tougher tests to come. And the captain was rewarded with a dominant performance fuelled by brother Gavin and cousin Iain.

The bowlers claimed nine wickets between them to skittle Wedgwood for just 72. And the only wicket escaping the Carr family was opener Ian Addyman, who was run out towards the start of the home side's innings.

Wedgwood had no answer to Checkley's attack with only Mitchell Edwards (28) reaching double figures before being trapped lbw by Iain Carr, who ended with figures of 5-37. Gavin Carr finished on 4-26, while pro Jason Brown, who lost his position as the division's leading wicket-taker to Ashcombe Park's Mohammad Junaid Khan, was deemed surplus to Checkley's bowling requirements.

With just 73 required for victory, Checkley finished the job in less than 16 overs. John Pickles set the ball rolling with 48. The opener hit seven fours and one six before sending a catch to Oliver Holland off Matt Phillips.

Fellow opener Nick Hunt also played his part with 19. Brown may not have been required to further ruffle the Wedgwood batsmen, but the professional did at least hit the winning run to finish the day on one not out.

Checkley's celebrations were turned up a notch with news that Weston, who started the day four points clear, had suffered their second defeat in succession.

JG Meakins – who host Checkley this weekend – turned over the Division Two high-fliers, courtesy of a one-wicket victory.

Weston set a 175-run target, but Ranil Dhammika (28), Matthew Redican (36), and Simon Baker (23) helped Meakins home.