HARTFORD edged away from the Cheshire Alliance Division One drop zone with a much-needed win away from home on Saturday.

Geoff Sharp’s superb unbeaten 91 and Matt Shinkfield’s 51 rescued Hartford as they were wobbling on 13-3 at hosts Langley. They made 209-9.

In reply, Langley made a fight of it but eventually fell 33 runs short as first Graham Prew (3-34) and then Rob Whittle (3-41) helped seal victory as the hosts were all out for 176.

A club spokesman said: “This was a morale-boosting win, Langley fought back and put together some useful partnerships but we were able still to control the game. There were also three brilliant catches.”

In the Meller Braggins League, Northwich were frustrated at Moss Farm by a resolute Barrow who held on for a draw at 118-9.

Captain John O’Sullivan, Mike Brandon and James Kimber took two wickets each but the final match-winning wicket prove elusive.

Matt Jamieson (48), Lee Evans (45no) and O’Sullivan (40) all performed with the bat as Northwich posted 186-8.

Bottom of the league Winnington Park took 13 points despite losing at home to Congleton,

Meanwhile, Davenham were forced to hold on at Butcher’s Stile for a share of the points after Hale Barns declared on 185-7.

The second-bottom hosts came close to earning a vital win but settled on 173-9.

In Division Two, second-placed Barnton grabbed maximum points from their home clash with Cholmondeley after being asked to bat first at Broomsedge.

The hosts made 155 thanks to Roger Whitehouse (28) who led a long list of contributors with the willow.

After tea, Paul Coot (4-46), Neil Langham (3-21) and Matt Bebbington (2-20) tore through the Chums defence as the visitors were skittled for 123.

Weaverham remain just three points behind in third after their winning draw at mid-table Prestbury.

Dave Ashley smashed a magnificent 125 as the Russetts posted 229-5 at Wallerscote Road on Saturday.

But it was not enough for victory as Prestbury held on with 119-9 (Rob Macmillan 4-21, Kev Douglas 2-22).

Winsford had a day to forget as, in reply to hosts Runcorn’s 186-6, the Knight’s Grange club were bowled out for 116.