OULTON Park bounced back into the top half of the ECB Premiership table while Winnington Park slightly improved their chances of joining their neighbours in the top flight next season.

Third-placed Winnington had the better of a draw against Widnes, who are are second, though rain meant the game could not be finished.

Oulton scored 269- 5 at home to relegation-threatened Urmston - and it was Aussie Andrew Kent who was the big hitter.

He scored 139 before being run out and with Danny Leech (54) forged a thrilling stand of 191 for the first wicket.

Kent's innings was breathtaking - he reached his 50 in 31 balls and 100 in 71, when the score was 122 and Leech was on a mere 16.

Oulton never looked back and their total proved too much for Urmston.

This was in part thanks to Kent's ability with the ball. He took 3-23, though it was the introduction of Chris Jones (3-38) and John Davies (2-9) which turned the game after Urmston had reached 60-1.

The visitors ended up all out for 143.

Oulton Seconds (140 - Andy Wilgose 35, Neil Moss 36) lost to Bollington Seconds (150-2).

But Oulton Thirds regis-tered their third successive victory, bowling out Marple Thirds and scoring 128- 7 (Jimmy Guest 40 not out) to enter the promotion race.

* WINNINGTON Park's recently strengthened middle order came into its own at Widnes.

David Leech and Tom Allan shared a stand of 130 for the third wicket before Leech was bowled for 63.

James Bunby, Ben Large and Mike Johns then gave support to Allan, who finished on 90. Park declared on 223-5 off 50 overs after Johns had hit Mukherjee's last ball for a huge six.

Park's opening bowlers, James Cowell and Paul Allen, got off to an excellent start.

They restricted Widnes to nine off the first seven overs before ex-Park captain Phil Catterall played an Allen inswinger on to his stumps.

Cowell and Stuart Hayes stifled Widnes, who reached 100-2 off 32 overs before a heavy shower took the play-ers off the pitch.

Widnes needed 124 off 18 overs - the game was set up, but rain persisted and it became apparent further play was not possible.

Captain Johns said: 'This game has opened my eyes to the fact that we can compete with the big boys.

'If we keep playing like this for the rest of the season, the other promotion contenders will not have an easy ride.'