NANTWICH earned a much-needed win with a professional display at Toft, on Saturday.

After a difficult few weeks which had seen the Dabbers begin to drop towards the foot of the ECB Premier Division, the 20-point haul was a welcome one.

Helped by the return of experienced skipper Andy Newton, who had missed the first nine games for personal reasons, they rarely looked in trouble.

Director of cricket Dave Sadler said: 'It was a very-much needed win earned through an improved performance.

'It was a very wet wicket amid difficult conditions, and a good team spirit really helped us. While Chris Hampshire has done well standing in for Andy, it is difficult to be a top batsman, bowler and captain of the side.

'Andy has seen it and done it all before, and it was nice to have him back. On top of that, he's a very good player.

'Losing to Toft would have been little short of disastrous. But Derek Tate and Hampshire batted very carefully and professionally and gave us a solid base. It was comfortable from there.'

He added: 'Now we need to build on this. We cannot be satisfied with where we are in the league and we must fancy ourselves at Urmston.'

The hosts were restricted to 166-9 when batting first. Only Nigel Muirhead (55no) could resist the form of Jimmy Warrington (4-62) and Barrington Browne (3-32).

In the Dabbers reply, Australian professional Derek Tate hit top gear again and slammed 70, supported by Hampshire (36) and Jeff Maynard (28) as Nantwich made 168-4.

In Division One, ALSAGER were the victims of the only century in the top two divisions.

Cheadle's Aussie all-rounder Dan Schuppan smashed a sensational 108 in his side's tally of 175-7, which came in reply to an Alsager total of 173 (Rohan Wight 38).

* Nantwich CC will hold their annual coaching week for youngsters aged seven-15 for five days from Monday, July 23 at Whitehouse Lane.

More than 50 youngsters are expected to attend daily sessions, between 10am-4pm, to work on all aspects of the game. Cost of the week is £65. Call Dave Sadler on 01270 780219 for details.