Maths student Viraj Sorathia proved himself top of the class, hitting most runs in two weekend games for Timperley’s misfiring first team.

But the heroics from the 21-year-old Loughborough University scholar were not enough as the team drew against Oxton and then 24 hours later lost to Alderley Edge.

Skipper Ed Galley described the bowling from Jonathan Fowler and Chris Page as brilliant, reducing Oxton to 60-5.

Galley said: “After a controversial caught behind was given not out, Oxton rebuilt very well and put on around 200 until the next fall of wicket.

“Oxton eventually finished on 283 for their first innings - a very competitive total, but one that was not out of reach of our batsmen on a great batting track.

“We gave it a great go in the chase, falling 13 runs shy of the eventual target eight wickets down.

“Viraj wad the standout batsman, having scored 93 in a stylish knock. Both sides eventually took the draw in a great game of cricket.”

Against Alderley Edge the same opening bowlers again did well, frustrating the visiting batsman and helping restrict them to a “very chase-able” 253 total.

Galley added: “Even with us making a great start to the chase with in-form Viraj’s 38 and Jamie Matthews hitting 32, our batting line-up faltered and lost regular wickets in a disappointing collapse.

“Fowler and Page put on a good last-wicket partnership to give us some chance of the win, but unfortunately we fell 61 runs short.”

The seconds, meanwhile, had the club’s most in-form senior batsman, fearless Freddie Timmins, scoring a glorious 114 as they posted a mammoth 293 at Alderley Edge on Saturday.

He was well supported with Dylan Parekh and a quickfire 57 from ex-Bury footballer Rob Mathews.

The home side were on the ropes from the off, losing two very early wickets - and never recovered with Mo Usman picking up four wickets for 39 as they ended up 197 all out.