ANDREW SWARBRICK “loved every minute” of Chirk’s Shropshire League opener - even if things didn’t go quite according to plan.

Chirk were beaten by two wickets at the hands of Newtown in last weekend’s John Rees Division One clash, while captain Swarbrick, who lost the toss, hit himself in the foot and suffered a hamstring injury during his time at the crease.

But Swarbrick was far from downbeat, declaring: “It was so good to be back playing cricket.

“We had to go and sanitise ourselves every six overs and we got changed outside, but it was worth the sacrifice to play cricket.”

Chirk posted 158 for eight at Newtown, who chased down that total with two wickets and nine balls to spare.

“It was a close game,” said Swarbrick, whose side host Bomere Heath tomorrow. “I thought we had enough to win the game, but we bowled 23 wides and didn’t field to the level we can.

“If it was a promotion/relegation game I’m confident we’d have won.”

Tom King is available for Chirk, whose second string, 49-run victors over Pontesbury Seconds last weekend as Dale Randall struck an unbeaten century, head to Welshpool Seconds.

Chester Boughton Hall skipper Rick Moore is hoping hosts Oxton agree to playing a 50-over match in Premier Division West of the Cheshire County League tomorrow.

The new league rules gives teams the option of playing a 50-over game or two T20s.

That’s what happened last weekend when Chester could only manage 90 in game one but then somehow bowled Nantwich out for 26 with Jack Williams taking 5-11.

Second time around Rick Moore hit 66 but Chester were ultimately undone by Luke Robinson’s quick fire 55 and went down by four wickets.

“This weekend we’re hoping to play the longer format of the game against Oxton,” said Moore. “It’s disappointing that the league couldn’t find space for both formats without contriving our Saturday cricket but we’re just grateful to be playing again.”

Neston head to Widnes while Nantwich have home advantage over Oulton Park.

Alvanley and Christleton both enjoyed winning starts in Division One West.

On Saturday, Christleton head to Hale Barns while Alvanley are also on the road at Upton.

Barrow are at home to Ashton-on-Mersey.

In Division C West, Hall’s Third B team are at home to Neston Fourths, while Ellesmere Port team, The Groves are at home to Port Sunlight.

In Division Three/Four SW, Frodsham host Aston, Malpas entertain Chester County Officers, Saughall welcome Cholmondeley, Westminster Park visit Tranmere Victoria and Wirral have home advantage over Irby.