ALVANLEY stormed to the top of the Meller Braggins League on Saturday after a thrilling 11-run victory at Oakmere.
Andy Bennion’s side were first to bat on a green but firm wicket, setting 159-9.
The innings had begun well for the hosts, who had Alvanley 31-4.
Nick Geddis and Will Speakman improved the outlook until Speakman was out for 19.
When Dave Shewring soon followed, Alvanley were in trouble at 57-6. But Robin Fisher (22) and Geddis (50no) consolidated, while club chairman Chris Fletcher made 20.
Geddis then smashed the last over for 16 to take Alvanley’s score to a challenging 155-9 (Sam Catling 6-60).
Oakmere’s reply got off to a flyer, with Dan Wood (33) in fine form.
Fisher was brought on in the 12th over and struck immediately, removing Paul Yeardsley (15).
Ed Speakman accounted for Wood in the next over, bringing the game back into the balance.
Rain then stopped play for half an hour but Shewring, using a wet ball, claimed a couple of wickets to have Oakmere wobbling on 72-5.
Kenny Roberts took a brace of wickets but Mike Cushion’s 22 from 15 balls gave Oakmere hope late on.
With the hosts needing 11 to win with nine wickets down, Shewring held a catch off the bowling of Fisher as Oakmere were all out for 144. Roberts ended with 4-28 and Fisher 3-30.
