LANCASHIRE hopeful Warren Goodwin scored his first ever century on his home ground as Chester Boughton Hall returned to winning ways with a six-wicket victory over Oxton on Saturday.
The stylish opener, who impressed in a trial for the Old Trafford giants last week, smashed 21 fours and two sixes in an unbeaten stand of 140 that was achieved in just 134 balls.
It was the first time Cheshire county star Goodwin had reached triple figures at Filkins Lane and the third highest score in his 12 years at the club.
It was also more than enough to ensure Hall banished memories of their previous week’s defeat.
Lee Dixon (110) had earlier hit a ton to help Oxton to a testing 229 despite the efforts of Alex Kegg (5-79) and Trevor Fabian (3-21).
But Dixon’s knocked was surpassed by Goodwin. The 23-year-old shared 71 runs with Fabien (36) and a further 80 with captain Jim Gillson (30) as Hall – whose young fast bowler Chris Connolly has signed scholarship terms with Lancashire – made it to 230-4.
NESTON moved further clear at the top after they inflicted a second straight defeat on defending champions OULTON PARK.
And what was more surprising was the nature of Neston’s victory as they skittled shell-shocked Park for just 109 (Ben Gough 33) with Cheshire pace bowler James Hawley (6-24) and the evergreen Chris Finegan (3-44) the tormentors in chief.
The hosts – who have lost the services of big-hitting Aussie Brad Rasool to Paignton in the Devon League – then wrapped up an impressive eight-wicket win as captain Jack Smith (40) saw his side to 111-2.
CHRISTLETON’S poor start to Division One continued on Saturday.
Paul Allen’s team were beaten by seven wickets by table-topping Grappenhall, who cruised to 82-3 (Iroshan De Silva 2-14) after dismissing their visitors for 79 (David Bates 27).
Craig Williamson’s outstanding form continued on Saturday as TATTENHALL romped to a seven-wicket success at home to Congleton.
Fresh from his record 9-80 haul for Leeds/Bradford University Centre of Cricketing Excellence in their match against Warwickshire, the spinner took 6-47 and Melvin Dobson 3-23 to bowl Congleton out for 126. Opener John Hope (64no) then led from the front as Tattenhall reached 127-3.
CHRISTLETON have pulled out of the Red Insure T20 because of a lack of players. CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL booked their placed in the third round with a 44-run win over Upton.
