SATURDAY'S trip to Wilmslow saw another failed run chase as mid-table Oakmere held on for a losing draw.
With last year's bad memories of being hit for 360 fresh in the mind, the Oakmere's cautious bowlers restricted Wilmslow to a low scoring rate.
Craig Phelan continued his come- back with figures of 2-25 but the Wilmslow batsmen profited in the last 10 overs, setting Oakmere 205 to win.
Their batsmen always kept up with the required run rate but a regular loss of wickets hampered the chase. Paul Guilford, 53, continued his good form and looked set to win the game when he was caught at point from a sharp chance. Craig Phelan (25) then took control before he was brilliantly run out from a direct hit from the boundary and Chris Leech (23) ensured maximum batting points before John Owen and Andy Beswick survived the last few overs to deny their opponents victory, Oakmere finishing on 188-9.
Despite a much-improved batting performance, Oakmere 2nds were unable to force a win as Old Parkonians comfortably batted out for a draw. Oakmere made 197 all out and, with Old Parkonians wary of their inexperienced batting, they were never likely to force the issue as missed catches cost Oakmere the chance of picking up more bonus points.
Davenham 208-8 Runcorn 182
DAVENHAM got their season back on track with a 26-run win over Runcorn.
The home side were put into bat and, after losing Dave Ashley (8) and Mark Greaves (14) cheaply were rescued by a third-wicket partnership of 101 between Louie Bentley and Andrew Cwiklinski. Bentley was eventually trapped LBW for a quick-fire 89, while Cwiklinski was run out for 36. Their hopes rested with Andy Floyd who made 20 not out as Davenham posted a challenging total of 209.
Runcorn were soon in trouble, losing an opener in the first over then slumping to 44-3, and when a battling innings of 63 was brought to a halt by a great catch from Paul Wright from the bowling of Floyd, the visitors quickly subsided to 182 all out. Floyd finished with figures of 4-43, while Dean Jackson took 5-71 as Davenham collected a handy 25 points.
Prestbury 218-3 Weaverham 217-8
WEAVERHAM have won the toss only once this season so have rarely had the opportunity to chase down a total - and that was their downfall again on Saturday when, despite another excellent batting performance, the bottom side lost by seven wickets.
Targeting that elusive first win, 18-year-old Aussie Lucas Fraser, recently promoted to the top of the order scored a magnificent 106. He received able support from Jamie Allen (35) and Rob McMillan (25) as Weaverham closed on 217-8. ..TEXT: Bowlers Jon Lightfoot and Alan Bell kept it tight early on, repeatedly beating the bat, but the Prestbury batsmen ultimately settled and a crucial dropped catch allowed them to surpass the visitors' total. All-rounder Steve Robertson picked up 2-44 and Lucas Fraser rounded off a good personal day by taking the other wicket.
Weaverham 2nds went down to Ashley by eight wickets. Openers Phil Harris 35 and Paul Lightfoot 22 put on 58 for the first wicket on Saturday then Richard Goodier (50), Rob Hardley 15 and Neil Gerrard 18 not out ensured Weaverham achieved maximum batting points for only the second time this season as the home side posted 174-7, but Ashley cruised to their target, Kenny Roberts and Neil Gerrard picking up a wicket a piece.
Alderley Park 190-7 Northwich 265-8 > > >
Alderley Park 190-7 Northwich 265-8
THE Northwich batsmen rediscovered their touch on a belter of a wicket at Alderley Park on Saturday - posting possibly the highest score yet at the ground in their Division Three clash.
The loss of an early wicket brought Andy Gerrard to the crease, together with John O'Sullivan, and they provided a solid base. Gerrard went for 25, quickly followed by Glinoj Cherian. Teenager Nigel Goolding joined his captain and they rapidly increased the scoring rate.
O'Sullivan was out for 67 with the score on 175 with 11 overs to go. Goolding quickly followed for an excellent 45, bringing Martyn East and Mike Brandon together and they put on 72 in nine overs, East eventually falling for 25, but Brandon continuing to smash the ball to all parts of the venue, hitting three sixes and four fours in an unbeaten 55.
Taking all 10 wickets would take plenty of hard work and a little bit of luck for the Northwich bowlers. Matt Lightburn took a couple of wickets and when Mike Brandon had their Indian batsman caught behind the home side were struggling at 29-3. Northwich then set very attacking fields and tried a number of bowling options, but that little bit of luck deserted them as the Alderley batsmen also took advantage of the batting conditions and attacking fields, reaching 182-4 with 12 overs remaining.
The reintroduction of Brandon and Lightburn caused the hosts to abandon any plans of chasing the win and settle for the draw. Lightburn finished with 3-35 and Brandon 3-22, to follow his first half century for Northwich.
Northwich 2nds won by seven wickets against Barnton and extended their lead at the top of Division C. Barnton posted 120, Jimmy Kimber taking 2-25, O'Neil 4-33 and Nick Shaw 3-38. Young opener Sammy Naylor hit 30 to set Northwich on their way.
Northwich 3rds were hammered by 109 runs by Rylands 2nds. Chasing an imposing 240, only captain James Dufty managed a significant contribution as his young side fell in 33 overs.
