CASTROL skipper Mark Evans was full of praise for his players as they secured convincing back-to-back victories.

Having sealed a home win over Alvanley in the Meller Braggins League Twenty/20 Knockout Cup last Thursday, the Ellesmere Port side then defied the wet weather to claim the scalp of Division Three leaders Chelford on Saturday.

Evans, whose men entertain Port Sunlight on Saturday, said: 'That's two good wins in the space of three days. The win over Alvanley is a great scalp and a reminder of some of our great cup wins of the past.

'I reckon we could try and have a good crack at the cup this year.

'As for the league, we've strung together three wins and we could be knocking on the promotion door if we can keep a strong side.

'Depth seems to be our strength this season and Nishan Bhandary is proving to be a good find as a strike bowler.'

At Chelford, Castrol won the toss and invited the home side to bat on a damp wicket. They could not have got off to a better start when Bhandary (5-38) took two wickets in the first over.

Weston (65no) helped steady Chelford but Bhandary grabbed three quick wickets, Mike Garvey bagged 2-50 and Mike Caulfield 2-14 as Chelford's innings closed on 137-9 in 43 overs.

In reply, Tony King (58) and Paul Benbow (15) got off to a flying start with 27 in the first five overs before Benbow was out to a good catch at point.

Martin Flanagan went for 12 before skipper Evans plundered 49no.

King was unable to carry his bat through to the finish but the Oilmen still coasted through to the required total with five overs to spare.

Castrol were worthy Knockout Cup winners against in-form Division One side Alvanley last week.

The visitors came with a full-strength first XI so the Oilmen knew it would be a real test.

Castrol won the toss and elected to bat first.

They got off to a great start with King (22) and Garvey (28) putting on 35 in the first seven overs.

Having hit a rocky patch at 66-3 and 99-6, the hosts were then lifted by an unbroken partnership between Byron Ward (30no) and Paul Benbow (25no) as they set 154-6.

In reply, Alvanley's batsmen set a good foundation and they went into the last over needing six to win.

After two run outs off the first two balls, Garvey (2-27) took the wicket of Andy Bennion and Alvanley were only able to add one more run as Castrol clinched a famous win.

In Division One of the Cheshire Alliance, Ellesmere Port's Division One clash at Bunbury was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Phil Ashton's men entertain Aston on Saturday.