Staffordshire Development XI started their North of England Cup campaign with a comfortable victory over Cheshire 2nd XI.
Staffs had seen their season opener at Northumberland called off because of the inclement weather.
However, they made up for lost time at Elworth as they banked an 87-run success.
Skipper Jack Redman took the batting plaudits with a half-century, while spinner Anis Raza was the star attraction with the ball to put paid to Cheshire’s push for victory.
Staffordshire had been invited to bat and saw Redman compile 50, which came off 93 balls and featured six fours.
But Cheshire fought back impressively as they reduced their visitors to 102-5.
Staffordshire’s lower order showed off their skills, though, as they pushed up towards a competitive total.
Sam Atkinson hit two fours and two sixes in his rapid 34 as Staffs eventually closed their 50 overs on 218-8.
Support came from Hasan Ahmed and Scott Winnington, who made 28 and 24 respectively.
Martin Green and Daniel Wilson finished a couple of wickets apiece for the home side.
‘Raza leaves Cheshire in a spin’
Cheshire’s run chase hit early problems as they were reduced to 8-2 and then 29-3.
Seamer Clark Haddrell was at the forefront of Staffs’ early success, picking up a couple of victims, before the innings became the Raza show.
The slow left-armer was quick off the mark to pocket 6-26 from 6.3 overs as Cheshire were dismissed for 131.
O’Shay Reddy top-scored for Cheshire with 31, while Matthew Strong chipped in with 30.
Green added 23 late in the day, but the damage had been done by then as Staffordshire ran out easy victors.
Staffordshire are back in action on Wednesday, June 7 when they entertain Cumbria at Bignall End.
Main image: Anis Raza took six wickets in Staffordshire Development XI’s victory over Cheshire 2nd XI.
