OULTON Park are now a distant 63 points behind second-placed Grappenhall in Division One of the County League.
Their chances of claiming one of the two promotion slots look remote following Saturday’s 58-run loss at Bramhall.
Guy Emmett ended with figures of 7-73 from 20 overs but Bramhall still managed to reach 222-9.
At one stage, the hosts were on the ropes at 81-5. But Oulton failed to take full advantage and a partnership between Luke Smith (49) and Simon Wilkinson (64) pulled Bramhall back into the game.
In Park’s reply, Wilkinson and Nick Bell toiled away and made life difficult for Ric Moore (30) and Nick James (64). But it was Wilkinson (5-69) and Adam Siddall (3-30) who did most damage as Park’s lower order was undone and the visitors were all out for 164 with three overs to spare.
Oulton Park host Stockport on Sunday in the final of the Cheshire Shield. Play starts at 12.30pm. Refreshments are available at the club throughout the day.
CHRISTLETON were beaten at Little Heath by Sale, who posted 205-7 (Matt Parkinson 4-34). Apart from Jamie Creek (40) and number nine Harry Peel (40no), Christleton’s usually strong line up collapsed to 158 all out.
