Middlewich 226-5dec Winnington Park 227-4

WINNINGTON Park skipper Jeremy Casey hit his second century of the season to lift his team's hopes and dent Middlewich's.

The Haddon Fielders had designs on promotion from Division Two, but successive defeats may make them think again, while Park desperately needed the points to stave off another relegation fight.

Casey said: 'Apart from the first 10 overs of the Middlewich innings I think we were the better side. Now we need a good run.

'Middlewich deserve credit for the spirit in which they played the game and for their facilities and ground, which are both superb. The wicket (prepared by Geoff Tomlinson) is among Cheshire's best.'

Middlewich conceded they needed to put Winnington under pressure after tea, but Casey had other ideas.

He dominated the innings and hit 18 fours and three sixes in his 127 and received support from Kevin Waterhouse (60n.o.) to see them home with five overs to spare.

Martin Dawson (42) and David Bates (21) played some excellent attacking strokes as they raced to 60 off the first 10 overs.

The introduction of Vish Bhardwa (3-72 off 19 overs) checked Middlewich and they were restricted to 179 at 45 overs.

Five overs and some lust hitting later they were 226, with James Cornford (84) batting beautifully. Phil Parry made 30 and Neil Webb a cavalier 35n.o. from 18 balls. But on such a wicket their total was still below par.

Although Stuart Price (1-51) had early success, Middlewich could not halt the run rate... or Casey.

The 2nds' derby at the Rec also went Winnington's way.

Gavin Tomlinson (3-64 off 18 overs) did best with the ball for Middlewich.

Winnington were bowled out for 202. Middlewich struggled once Tomlinson and Richard Clorley (63) were both stumped with the score on 97. Dominic Simpson (23n.o.) eventually ran out of partners as the visitors folded on 166.

Nantwich 199ao Oulton Park 202-9

OULTON Park moved into familiar ECB Premiership title challenging territory just behind new leaders Bowdon, but diced with defeat at bogey team Nantwich.

It was 43 games and nearly two years ago that Park were last beaten - and that was by Nantwich.

They looked as if they might do so again but Park mustered just enough runs to limp home with five balls to spare. But when the ninth wicket fell on 198 nerves were fraught.

Chris Jones (5-55) and Nathan Dumelow (4-64) did their jobs well, as did Jonny Kettle (74). But it was an off day for Oulton at the crease which made the modest knocks of Chris Bassano (31) and Jimmy Guest (25) match winners.

Chris Blake (70) led the way then Mark Johnson (46), Ben Kettle (28), Mike Blake (20n.o.) and Ed Farquhar (22n.o.) shared in the runs as Oulton 2nds hit 217-6 for victory at home.

Heaton Mersey 2nds scored 216-9 with Mike Blake taking 4-54 and Craig Williamson 2-78.