RUNCORN top the Meller Braggins Cheshire League after finding a port in the storm on Saturday.
While rain accounted for much of the Division One programme, Runcorn chalked up a 20-point victory at Marple, who they restricted to three points.
The start was delayed by 25 minutes but Jamie Hill won his second toss from three and put the hosts in.
Runcorn's bowlers made steady inroads and bowled out the visitors for 87 from 40.5 overs.
Steve Foster, turning his arm over for the first time this season, took 3-21 off 10 overs with able support from Steve Ollerenshaw (2-29 off 16), Tony White (2-8 off nine overs, including seven maidens) and Jack Weston (2-13).
Runcorn fielded excellently, despite the wet conditions, with the highlight being Foster's superb throw to run out Parkinson. Only Asquith (18) and Cash (18) remotely troubled the bowlers.
Runcorn batted sensibly in reply and stand-in opener Richard Yates scored 44 of their 88-6.
There was a fright when the visitors slipped from 73-2 to 87-6.
But Tony White made sure with a single off his first ball. For Marple, Greesley took 3-39 and Parkinson 2-2.
