OULTON Park scored nearly 500 runs in two victories at the weekend. The first kept their league form buoyant and the second dropped them into a County League Cup semi-final derby against Winnington Park.

The ECB Premiership win in Saturday's sunshine came from a blistering 78 by Andy Kent and a chanceless Paul Berry century.

Hyde scored 231-7 dec after Andy McIlroy (2-54) and Jason Whittaker (2-53) bowled a tight opening spell. Cheshire Schools spinner Andy Wilgose snapped up dangerman David Fitzsimmons, but Hyde fought back to set a worthwhile target.

Kent opened with two singles and his next seven scoring shots were all fours. Berry (102no) took control of the innings and Mike Bentham chipped in 30no as the home side climbed to 232-2.

Oulton 2nds 205-9 (Danny Ahmed 96) had to be satisfied with a draw chasing Irby's 214-8 dec.

After a 90-minute delay because of rain, Sunday's League Cup tie at home to Widnes proved highly competitive, with travelling supporters providing voluble backing.

They had plenty to say when Aussie Landry was given out for obstructing the field, the ball rising up off his bat over the wicket, and he managed to strike it again as Bentham moved in for the catch.

Oulton scored 225-6. Kent hit 80 and Berry 52, but John Davies' 56no was the more eye catching.

Widnes fell short at 203ao, Stuart Eaton (3-39) being the most successful bowler.

Oulton travel to Winnington on August 31.

* WINNINGTON, meanwhile, dropped further ground in their First Division promotion quest.

They were at Brooklands but did make enough runs to give themselves a chance.

Craig Little (57) and skipper Mike Johns (32) starred at the crease, but no-one else came up to scratch in 184-9 and Brooklands scored 187-4.