IROSHAN de Silva produced a sublime performance for Christleton on Saturday as skipper Paul Allen reiterated his five-year plan.

De Silva, from Kandy in Sri Lanka, took 3-33 against Bramhall.

The visitors were still able to declare on 175-8 but the Kandyman was about to leave them with a sour taste in their mouths.

The home side replied with 176-4 with four balls of the last over left, de Silva contributing a big 120 before holing out going for a big six when a single would have sufficed. But he had already put Christleton into a comfortable winning position.

“Iroshan could have stayed in longer had he played a better shot,” said Allen. “But he had ensured we had the game sewn up and, to be honest, as a showman, who can blame him for going for the big shot.”

Allen was pleased his side got back on track and says his five-year plan to restore Christleton to the upper reaches of the Premier Division is still on target.

“This season we must consolidate, next season we look for promotion,” he said. “I want to be captain here for five years and in that time we are aiming to build a strong foundation.”

Nick O’Connell, Simon Ratcliffe and Chris Hollindale are unavailable for tomorrow’s trip to Bollington, replaced by second-team skipper Chris Brookes, Russ Anderson and Simon Jones.

In Division Two last Saturday, TATTENHALL welcomed Mobberley to the Flacca.

Four overs were lost before the start of play as a heavy shower hit the ground on the stroke of noon.

Tatts skipper Paul Ferriday won the toss and asked the visitors to make first use of a moist wicket.

Mobberley battled well until Alan Brock hit his stride and reaped his reward. The seamer took regular wickets to take 5-65.

Mobberley finished up with a reasonable 194ao to defend.

Feeling confident of victory, Tattenhall’s openers needed to set a sturdy foundation for the innings but both departed early.

Paul Kettle strode to the wicket and despite seeing Graham Harper depart first-ball, he and Damian Lewis (25) set about an unlikely rescue effort. Kettle ended on 74no as Tattenhall came away with a draw.