Church Eaton CC (252/6) beat Uttoxeter CC (161 all out) by 91 runs
Sunday 13th July 2025, 2:00 PM
Church Eaton Cricket Ground
30°C | Scorched outfield | Spectators in good voice
First post-COVID cricket tea served!

In searing 30-degree heat and in front of a healthy and vocal crowd, Church Eaton CC stormed to a 91-run victory over Uttoxeter CC in the final of the Spears Travel Cup, retaining the trophy they last won in 2023 after the competition’s one-year hiatus.

Having won the toss, skipper Elliot Robinson had no hesitation in batting first on a dry pitch with a lightning-fast outfield. The decision proved spot on, as Church Eaton’s top order laid a solid foundation before fireworks in the middle overs catapulted them to a formidable 252/6 from their 35 overs.

? Talbot, Burslem, and Hughes Power Eaton to 252

Jordan Talbot anchored the innings superbly with a composed 58 from 69 balls, striking seven boundaries and expertly rotating the strike. He shared a 70-run opening stand with the fluent Douglas Hughes (42 off 39), who found the ropes eight times before edging behind....to which some may say on the bounce.

The momentum surged with a rapid 29 from just 16 balls by Oliver Wilson, including a six that cleared the sightscreen, followed by a thrilling 70 from 48 by George Burslem, whose clean ball-striking took the game away from the visitors. Late cameos from Sam Whitehouse (20)* and the rest helped push the total past the 250 mark.

Uttoxeter’s bowlers toiled hard in the heat, with John Cotton (2-43) the pick of the attack, though the scorched outfield made run containment near-impossible.

? Talbot’s Five-Fer Torches Uttoxeter Reply

In reply, Uttoxeter needed early momentum, and opener Will Ainsworth gave them hope with a classy 74 from 65 balls, including 13 boundaries. But from 118/3, their innings collapsed under pressure from Jordan Talbot, who returned to torment them with the ball – taking a sensational 5/19 in 7 overs.

Talbot removed the dangerous Ainsworth and ran through the middle order with a devastating spell of spin bowling, well-supported by Oliver Wilson (2-21) and Douglas Hughes (1-29). Archie Wilkes and Elliot Robinson also chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Wickets fell regularly, and despite some resistance, Uttoxeter were bowled out for 161 in 34.4 overs, handing Church Eaton a commanding victory and the trophy once more.

? Player of the Match: Jordan Talbot

A sublime all-round display: 58 runs with the bat, followed by a match-winning 5 wickets for 19 runs. A true cup-final performance.

? Thank You

Church Eaton CC would like to thank the Stone & District Cricket League, umpires Richard Pearce and S. Cowie, scorer Trevor Pearce, and the travelling supporters from Uttoxeter for helping make the day a special occasion. A proper cricket tea was also served – the first since the pandemic – and much enjoyed by all.

Scorecard- https://churcheaton.play-cricket.com/website/results/7146782