WISTASTON Village continue to heap the pressure on the top two in Division One after a 30-run victory over Hartford on Saturday.

The Villagers' promotion bid is very much on with this 25-point haul and they are now just a point behind second place Kingsley.

Wistaston lost three wickets for 43 runs before Keith Thornhill (29) and skipper Paul Owen (33) steadied the boat.

A mid-order collapse saw Wistaston at 106-7, but yet again a brilliant innings of 65 not out by James Hogben, including six sixes and five fours, ensured a reasonable total.

For Hartford, Brian Harkin collected 4-45 and Graham Prew 4-49. In reply, Hartford batsmen Gaz Stokes (23) and Matt Shink-field (43) built a steady platform in search of the 186 for victory.

This was before some excellent bowling from James Hogben, 5-47 from 12 overs, and four excellent catches from skipper Owen at crucial stages of the match saw Hartford fall short at 155 all out.

Also in Division One, Bunbury beat Kingsley by four wickets. Kingsley batted first and posted 178-8 with K Ollier 30, M Butcher 31 and A Hatt unbeaten on 34 not out.

For Bunbury, 'Bomber' Bob Harris took four-70.

Bunbury won the game with 181-6 with P Matthews (30) and N Swinbank unbeaten on 63.

At Aston, visitors Woodford won by eight wickets. Aston were bowled out for 182 with C Beesley (47) and P Owen taking five wickets for 50. Woodford responded with 183-2 with G Colebourn 55 and S Elms unbeaten with 103.

At Barclays Radbroke Hall, Sandbach were beaten by 28 runs. Barclays Rad-broke Hall made first use with 233-4 with L Forsythe 38 and D Forsythe 121. In reply, Sandbach were bowled out for 205 with N Brooker hitting 45 and R Cotton 36. For Barclays Radbroke Hall, M Atef took 5-63.

In Division Two, bottom side Audlem suffered a two-wicket defeat by Grange. Audlem made 243-6 with D Parry unbeaten on 87 and T Measures (38). Grange won the game with 247-8 thanks chiefly to I McCue (57), A Brogan (49) and D Seed (31). nWistaston 2nds continued in winning form with a close encounter with Hartford at The Brittles on Saturday.

Having won the toss, Wistaston put Hartford into bat and they posted a respectable 175-7 from 48 overs. For Wistaston, T Barlow (2-30) and M Cogger (2-42) were the main wicket takers.

In reply, Wistaston openers J Scott (38) and M James (24), together with A Bamber (29), ensured a steady start for the home side.

T Barlow (23) also contributed to ensure Wistaston reached a winning total of 177-8 and another 20-point haul.