CHESTER Boughton Hall recorded their first win of the season at home to Oxton on Saturday as they aim to get themselves out of trouble in the Premier League – regardless of the outcome of Widnes’ points deduction.

The Cheshire County League wants to change the rules and rescind Widnes’ 128-point punishment which would guarantee their relegation and take the pressure off Hall.

But Jim Gilson’s side, under stand-in skipper Matt Griffiths, are determined to put their fate in their own hands.

An excellent display from debutant Trevor Fabian (5-56) had Oxton at 20-4 at one stage, but they fought back to score 200-8dec.

But in reply Hall were in good form, Warren Goodwin’s 82 underpinning the innings, and, with solid contributions from Griffiths (33), Hayden Butterworth (21), new boy Maroof Khan (28) and Ollie Law (18no), they reached 201-6.

But the Widnes issue will not go away. Having reduced Ata-ur-Rehman’s suspension to six weeks after his unauthorised appearance for another club in another competition, the league appeals panel now wants to change the rules and allow Widnes to keep the 128 points they earned after the offence.

Earlier this year, Alderley Edge were punished for the same offence and were docked 35 points.

At the time, clubs were reminded in the league’s newsletter that “they must abide by regulation 7c ii which was agreed unanimously at the January management meeting.

It reads: ‘No player currently playing in the league may play in a league or cup game outside the league. Any player wishing to do so must apply in advance to the cricket committee for permission. Failure to do so will render the player ineligible for future games in the league’.”

Hall captain Gilson believes the change would bring shame on the league.

“There are good people running the league, but we all agreed the constitution before the season started and now when clubs are found guilty they are changing the rules.”

Second-placed OULTON PARK smashed leaders Bowdon at Little Budworth on Saturday to halve their lead at the top.

Ben Spendlove cracked 97 as Park set a target of 242. Robin Taylor (5-24) then claimed a hat-trick and Rick Moore took 3-6 as Bowdon slumped to 48ao.

NESTON lost at home to Didsbury.

Thanks to teenager David Hurst’s unbeaten 112no, the home side put on 222-7dec. But Didsbury hit back with 223-7 (Paul Stimson 2-46).