THE absence of several senior players did not prevent Castrol from returning to winning ways at Chester Road on Saturday, in Division Three of the Meller Braggins League.
A quartet of the Oilmen's senior players were unavailable for the clash with Holmes Chapel, but those who came into the side performed superbly.
The hosts lost the toss and were put into bat by Holmes Chap, who initially found wickets hard to come by.
Rupert Millward departed for 32 with the score on 65 - Castrol's highest opening stand of the season - and Mark Evans went for four soon after.
But Byron Ward (55) and Chris Hutchinson (45) began to carry the Oilmen towards a big score.
However, the wickets tumbled following Ward's departure at 144-3 and Castrol were all out for 177 in 43.4 overs.
Castrol had lost six of their previous eight matches going into this game and they were determined to avoid defeat.
They skittled Holmes Chapel out for just 75 in 24.4 overs, Damian Walters leading the hosts' charge with 5-19 from his 10 overs.
Skipper Mark Evans said: 'Things fell apart again at the end of our innings and a more accomplished side may have made us pay, but we had the runs on the board and that was the important thing.
'Our fielding has improved tenfold and when this is good, the bowlers grow in to confience.
'It was not a performance you would say was perfect but, fortunately, we met Chapel at a good time and maybe we can kick on and finish the season strongly.'
Castrol's Hutchinson chipped in with 2-40 and Mike Caulfield finished amazing figures of 2-0 - off 2.4 overs!
Steve Aldcroft's two overs went for 12 runs but he also got in on the act by claiming a wicket.
The Oilmen entertain Chelford on Saturday.
