STAND Cricket Club entertained Heywood in the hope of their first win of the season, and having won the toss elected to bat.

Having lost Warren early on, captain Wilkinson and Craig Ferguson took the attack to the Heywood opening bowlers.

Wilkinson with his usual brand of straight hitting and Ferguson with his own attacking style added 37 before the captain fell, caught behind for 25 with the score on 53.

A third wicket partnership of 72 between Ferguson and Seedle helped Stand to a commanding position at 125 with 12 overs still remaining.

But then Seedle fell six short of a half century, his innings included seven boundaries.

Less than three overs later Ferguson became the fourth wicket to fall, for a knock of 45 which included three fours and three sixes.

From this point the Stand innings collapsed as the home side lost their last seven wickets for just 30 runs, all out for 155 off 49.1 overs. Chris Kaye was the pick of the Heywood attack with 5-59.

As Heywood set about their run chase, Eddie Shah claimed one of the two prize wickets as he removed Cross for 7, with the score on 20.

John Seedle was keeping things tight at the other end and was rewarded when he trapped Arnold leg before for 18.

However, a third wicket stand between Johan Botha and John Shaw helped Heywood to 89, before Shah claimed his second wicket, removing Shaw for 14.

Even though Botha didn't look in top form he remained at the crease and progressed to 49 before being bowled by Beirne.

Shah claimed another wicket in the form of Purser, with the visitors on 129, but Chris Kaye capped an excellent day by finishing unbeaten on 28, to guide Heywood to 156-5, with 4.5 overs remaining.

Again Eddie Shah's bowling display was awesome, finishing with 3-53. However, Stand proved their own worst enemy by dropping seven catches in the field.