ONE of the most one-sided victories of the season ensured Bunbury stayed in the thick of the Division Three promotion battle on Saturday.

Just 24 hours before England’s bowlers skittled Pakistan for a humiliating 80ao in the Test match at Trent Bridge, Bunbury’s attack inflicted some serious damage on visiting Alderley Park’s batting line-up.

Six Park players were out for ducks as Bunbury had them all out for 28 in 32.4 overs (Robin Williams 4-9).

It took just 9.1 overs for Bunbury to reach 29-1, Benn Camber (21) taking most of the responsibility. Bunbury are now up from fifth to third.

CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS are still in the promotion reckoning, despite seeing their match at Disley abandoned due to rain.

The visitors never got going with the bat and were on 47-6, chasing 112, when another blast of heavy rain put an end to the day’s play.

Steve Johnson was the pick of the bowlers with 5-25 while Mike Pownall (12) was the only CCO batsman to reach double figures.

In Division One, MALPAS leapfrogged Alvanley into third spot after winning at Stockport.

Malpas’ Mark Goldsmith took a season’s best 6-22 as Stockport were all out for 71. Then Cameron Park (24) broke through the 500-run mark for the season as the visitors posted 72-4.

Under-strength ALVANLEY had a bad day at the office, losing at Hale Barns.

Batting first, all the visitors could manage was 120-7 on a dead pitch, Ben Pearce (41no) top scoring.

A series of showers during the Hale Barns innings made life tough for the Alvanley bowlers who could not rpevent their opponents from reaching 121-3.

OAKMERE had to settle for a draw with Ashley, who made 150-9 (Michael Cushion 4-40) in reply to 168-9 (Craig Phelan 33).

In Division Two, KINGSLEY are now staring a relegation battle in the face after losing to basement side Over Peover.

Kingsley fielded first and beanpole fast bowler Chris Dolan claimed his first five-wicket haul as Peover stuttered to 131ao. Peter Pearce (3-47) finished off the innings while Kieron Ollier claimed three victims in an impressive stand-in performance behind the stumps.

But Peover didn’t lie down after tea. They bowled with passion and accuracy and Kingsley folded for a disappointing 102.

Struggling Barrow (91ao) lost at home to Lymm OP (94-4) while CHOLMONDELEY (150-4) saw off visitors Barnton (149-6).