AFTER a run of six wins in eight games, Nantwich have emerged as strongest challengers for Bowdon's ECB Premier Division crown in the Murray Smith Accountants Cheshire County League.
The Dabbers beat Neston by three wickets in a thrilling finish at Whitehouse Lane and now lie 40 points behind leaders Bowdon. With only four games remaining, Nantwich visit Bowdon next Saturday in a bid for glory.
The key man in Nantwich's latest win was paceman Barrington Browne, whose 7-75 return was his best of the season and restricted Neston to 192, Tim Peers (44) Alan Tyler (38 not out). Nantwich edged home with one ball remaining thanks to Paul Hampshire (59) and Jeff Maynard (32). Stan Clifford took 3-68 and Simon Marshall 3-72.
Bowdon brushed aside Oulton Park at Little Budworth, with Lancashire's Gary Yates outstanding. Yates slammed 108 in Bowdon's 266-8 declared, enjoying a 124-runs third wicket stand with Steve Ball (72) while Cheshire paceman Jason Whittaker took 4-41.
Oulton were dismissed for 142, Yates spinning himself a 7-27 return. Yates' contribution to the Bowdon cause can be gauged by the fact that he is the division's leading run-getter (733) as well as wicket-taker (63).
Oxton became safe from relegation with a 40-run home victory over Chester Boughton Hall, which realistically ended their opponents' hope of catching Bowdon. After a season of under-achievement, Peter Benson scored 60 and Neil Cross 58 in Oxton's tally of 199, with teenage spinner David Shewring taking 6-54. Chester were sent back for 159, Andy Bennion (45) Robin Stafford (5-55).
Hyde ended Bramhall's minirevival with an eight-wickets win at Werneth Low. Hyde replied with 201-2 (James Duffy 90 not out, Chris Pilkington 56 not out) after Bramhall had posted 199, John Woodsmith (89) Mike Bolger (58) Danny Berry (4-50) Rudra Singa (4-54).
Urmston moved off bottom spot with a six-wicket home win against Alderley Edge. Their response was 238-4, Chris Grindley 111 not out, Steve Dartnell 53 not out after Ald-erley had declared at 237-8, Scott Elliott (61) Kurt Edginton (3-56).
Macclesfield's batting improved to the extent of an impressive 233-7 against Didsbury, skipper Paul Hughes opening up with 80, followed by 50 from Aussie Mike Allen.
Didsbury then settled for nine draw points by reaching 171-7, Jhangir Abbas (39) Barney Cutbill (4-59).
