Barnton 157-8 Winsford 181-9
A DELAYED start caused this derby match to be reduced to 41 overs a side due to the week's torrential rainfall.
Winsford batted first and lost Ant Ollier early on, lbw to Matt Morley for three. Martin Barrett and Mike Clarke were severe on anything loose until Barrett clipped the ball to midwicket when he had scored 24.
The visitors continued to score well and it was somewhat of a surprise when Clarke went for 28 with the score on 72 in the 17th over. Last week's hero James Dean was bowled just three balls later to put the home side on top.
Chris Brandon joined Barry Crellin looking to consolidate but Brandon soon went, leaving keeper Brian Smith to join Crellin in an 80-run partnership in 15 overs. Crellin eventually fell for a magnificent 84 as Winsford posted 181-9 from their 41. James Ollier took 3-29, Neil Langham 3-41 and Morley 2-59.
Barnton put together a strong opening part-nership of 45, Cross and Ashley benefiting at the expense of the experienced Winsford opening attack of Mark Dean and Andy Beswick.
But Beswick broke the partnership, dismissing the prolific Ashley for 15. Paul Coot attacked from the start, hitting Dean for two sixes in one over before he too fell for 15. Barnton progressed to 120 in the 33rd but lost two quick wickets, Cross to Tierney for an excellent 66 and Winfield well stumped by Smith off Crellin for 23. Barnton were now left to push for batting bonus points as Winsford put on the squeeze and the innings reached 157-8.
The result means Barnton (5th), Winsford (6th) and Weaverham (7th) are separated by just three points in a very tight Division 2. Weaverham 145-8 Over Peover 102-8: Weaverham endured a frustrating day at Wall-erscote Road on Saturday when Over Peover decided to bat out for a draw with 20 overs to go.
However, the Russets extended their unbeaten run to four games and had much the better day of the two teams.
Peover won the toss and asked the home side to bat on a rain-affected wicket. Steve Robertson (25) and Rob Harrison (36) both performed well again at the top of the order, putting on 53 for the first wicket. There were, however, no more major contributions as the Russets limped to 145-8.
The Weaverham bowlers had the visitors in serious trouble as Kevin Douglas (3-30) and skipper Rob McMillan (5-45) had Peover reeling on 15-4 and then 60-7. Recognising their cause was lost, the Peover late order decided to dig in and battle out for a draw which they eventually achieved when finishing on 102-8.
The 2nd XI match was called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Peover.
