TRAVIS Martin’s scintillating start to the season continued on Saturday as he fired Kingsley to the top of the Meller Braggins Division Two table.

While rivals Chester County Officers were losing at home to Woodford, Kingsley were busy cruising to an away win at Trafford MV – and Martin was at the heart of the action.

He took his wicket tally to 24 in just four league matches with a 6-19 haul, passing 200 first XI wickets for Kingsley in the process.

On a pitch that looked to have lacked sunshine, he ripped through the top and middle order to leave Trafford all out for 44 (Peter Pearce 2-8, Adrian Burden 2-3).

Ben Stoddart (30no) dominated at the top of Kingsley’s top order as the away team coasted to victory at 45-3, giving them plenty of time to return to the Croft in time to see the 2nd XI win to go top of Division B.

Kingsley’s opponents this Saturday are CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS, who are looking to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season.

Visitors Woodford won the toss and decided to bat on a damp but firm wicket. J Afridi (4-30) turned in an impressive spell and the loss of key man Craig Knight (57), bowled by Michael Clarke, put more pressure on the visitors.

Clarke went on to finish with 5-23 as Woodford were all out for 110 in 43.3 overs.

After tea, Chester set about the run chase but were soon struggling on 50-5.

Afridi (20) and Steve Johnson (17no) gave Chester some hope as they found the boundary, but Chester came up short on 96ao.

Elsewhere in Division Two, CHOLMONDELEY fell to a home defeat to Lymm OP.

They made 148-8 but the visitors replied with 150-9.

BUNBURY were beaten in a low-scoring encounter at Romiley, who made 95-3 in reply to then away side’s score of 94ao.

In Division One, OAKMERE were involved in a thrilling tied match at Prestbury.

The hosts were left needing one run to win off the final ball, with two wickets in hand.

Alex Hodges pulled off a superb run-out to ensure Oakmere earned a share of the spoils.

Skipper Pete Hutchinson said: “It was a superb advert for cricket, played in a great spirit by two competitive sides. The young lads called in last minute preformed superbly.”

Oakmere had made 142-5dec and Prestbury hit back with 142-9.

In Division Three, BARROW (136) lost to Langley (139-8d).