MELLER BRAGGINS CHESHIRE LEAGUE

HAVING lost the toss, leaders Christleton found themselves battling against both the opposition and the elements as rain threatened.

Jim Gilson (45) and Eric Godward (77 not out) shared in a 97- run open -ing partnership in 22 overs as Christleton pushed to score quick runs against Ashton-on-Mersey.

When Guy Newell (31 not out) came to the crease rain was becoming con -stant. The loss of 12 overs made the declaration an important decision. Passing 170 and securing five batting points was the signal to declare, leaving Ashton 44 overs to chase the total.

Matt Parkinson and Greg Malkin again produced an excellent opening few overs restricting any early runs. It was Parkinson who produced the breakthrough in the ninth over and began turning the match in Christleton s direction. He took two further wickets finishing with 3-26 runs from nine overs.

Newell was introduced and took an early wicket, but it was Godward who produced the performance of the day with 4-6 in four overs, two of them maidens. Five of the wickets were clean bowled as Godward's perfor -mance ensured an emphatic victory.

The seconds successful run ended, being bowled out for 85 by Holmes Chapel who lost five wickets clinching victory.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Christleton go to Oakmere who had a six wickets victory at Lindow (158-9).

Malpas stormed to a four wickets victory at home to Chelford. They restricted the visitors to 159-4 with Paul Bradley (3-54) and Nick Faithful (2-31)taking the bowling honours.

An opening stand of 84 between Stuart Mason and Mark Dunning set Malpas on their way and they got home with two overs left.

The seconds had an even more convincing victory at Barnton where the hosts struggled to 119-6, Martin Punnett claiming 4-58.

Ken Mottershead (48) and Dave Parry (44) smashed Malpas to victory with an unbroken opening partner -ship.

Malpas are at home to Offerton to -morrow (1.30)..