THE batting power of James McCoy proved decisive as Chester Boughton Hall became the latest victims of Widnes’ explosive line-up in the Cheshire County League Premier Division.
The previous week home side Widnes had chased down a 300-plus total against Oulton Park and Jim Gillson’s side knew they needed to hit a big score.
After a solid opening from Freddie Owen (48) and Warren Goodwin (42), Matthew Griffiths and Hayden Butterworth took up the fight and helped drive Hall to a big total of 262-7.
Aussie Butterworth posted 63 and Griffiths made 66.
At tea, skipper Gillson withdrew after hearing his son had been injured in an accident. The youngster received treatment and was OK.
Hall’s bowlers tried gallantly to overcome Widnes but they were mauled, led by McCoy and Zia ur Rehman.
McCoy made 125 before being trapped lbw by 17-year-old Ashley Shaw (1-64) and even the wily Alex Kegg only managed 2-73 as Rehman hit 51, helping Widnes win with 264-3.
OULTON PARK claimed a seven-wicket victory at Toft, who scored 186-9 (Chris Jones 4-28, Nathan Dumelow 4-42). Park won with 190-3 (Danny Leech 103no).
NESTON almost grabbed a draw at home to defending champions Alderley Edge. The hosts scored 198ao (Jack Smith 113no, Chris Finegan 39).
Edge won with 199-9 (Finegan 6-55).
Division Two saw CHRISTLETON conquer hosts Warrington by nine wickets.
Skipper Paul Allen and Sri Lankan ace Iroshan de Silva ripped through their hosts’ batting line-up, taking 3-24 and 3-23 respectively.
Shaun Young also chipped in with 2-17 as Warrington were all out for 110.
In reply Christleton were clinical. De Silva raced to 67 not out and David Bates supported him with 38 as Allen’s side cruised to 114-1 in just 29 overs.
