ALVANLEY made light work of Trafford Metrovics on Saturday with a 114-run victory to open up the gap at the top of Division One to 26 points.

Hosts Alvanley recorded 205-2dec in 36 overs before clinically dismissing Trafford for just 91.

Openers Andy Bennion and Mark Szymura got the team off to a flier. Szymura fell for 52 off just 64 balls, passing 500 season runs in the process. Bennion went on to a run-a-ball 75, also passing the 500 mark for the season.

Nick Geddis and Jack Yates ran their opponents ragged with an electric 75-run unbeaten stand in just nine overs, with Yates finishing on 50no off just 33 balls.

Alvanley’s quest for 10 wickets got off to a super start with Lee Ainsworth uprooting the middle stump in his first over.

Backed up by two excellent catches by Will Speakman and two sharp stumpings from Steve Charles, Trafford subsided to 91 all out with a huge 20 overs to spare.

Dave Shewring ended with 3-32 while James Palliser, getting his first bowl in the first team, snared 3-29.

OAKMERE salvaged a draw away to Runcorn after being just 53-7 in reply to the hosts’ 191-7.

Peter Hutchinson’s 48no steadied the ship and brought the visitors to a more respectable 131-8 by the end of their 45 overs.

Steven Shakey had been ruthless for the home side, scoring 42no before notching up bowling figures of 5-60. Nick Guest limited the damage for Oakmere with 3-38.

In Division Two, KINGSLEY drew a tense affair at home against Woodford.

Woodford chalked up 150-6 from their 45 overs, with Ben Pearce (2-37) and Peter Pearce (2-65) limiting the scoring.

In reply, Kingsley’s top order dissolved faster than the sugar in the teatime cuppa and it looked like the chase was over at 11-4. Ben Stoddart (52no) began the rebuilding job, first with Mark Butcher, livid with himself for getting out for 17, and then with Ed Leneghan (33).

Both Andy and Jonny Storey then fell for ducks in the same over and it was left to Peter Pearce to keep Stoddart company to secure the valuable points with a draw.

CHOLMONDELEY demolished Aston in their home fixture on Saturday.

The hosts bowled out Aston for just 74 and had little trouble at the bat on their way to 75-1.

BARROW remain rooted to the bottom of the table after losing at home to Romiley.

The visitors recorded 195-7dec and Barrow could muster only 122ao in reply.