Murray Smith Cheshire County League

NANTWICH notched a vital victoryat Hyde on Saturday as an unbeaten 86 from Jeff Maynard outshone the exploits of Hyde's Lancashire all-rounder Ryan Driver.

Driver stole the show after Hyde were put in to bat by Dabbers captain Andy Newton, hitting an unbeeaten 135 his second century of the season.

Ironically, he had only been cleared to complete the season with the Werneth Low side on the eve of the match, having made a one-off appearance as deputy professional for Stand in a recent Central Lancashire League Wood Cup tie.

Despite Driver s dominance number nine Makin was the only other batsman to make double figures when he scored 11 the Nantwich attack managed to take wickets at the other end. Phil Cottrell was rewarded for his persistence with 4-92 on Hyde's small ground.

Mark Symns and Carl Wardstarted the Nantwich reply in positive mood, with Symns going for a quickfire 31 and Ward for 25.

Steve Armitage also lent support to Maynard's fluent strokeplay with 23, and skipper Newton joined his side's prolific scorer to help the Dabbers pass Hyde stotal for the loss of just three wickets.

Maynard finished unbeaten on 86, Newton on 23, to seal a welcome 20 points for their team.

Nantwich host third-placed Oulton Park on Saturday (12.30pm).

Alsager's hopes of victory at Urmston were washed away by the weather.Alsager declared on 159-9 with Shane Wills hitting 35 and Ken South 34, but Urmston s reply was halted at 1-1.

Nantwich Seconds extended their lead at the top of the Seconds Division Two with a 10-wicket defeat of Hale Barns. Mark French and Richard Dodd collected three wickets each as the visitors were dismissed for 134 and Steve Blackledge, 90 not out, and Mark Reid, 44 not out, helped the Dabbers cruise to victory.