CASTROL skipper Mark Evans has accused his side of 'lethargic' performances and a 'lack of application' as their season splutters to a close.

Saturday saw them put together another lacklustre performance, both with the bat and in the field, in Division Three of the Meller Braggins League.

Visitors Lindow showed what a little spirit, self-belief and effort could achieve.

Castrol won the toss and, with the wicket looking good, chose to bat first. There was a bit of a shake-up in the order with Evans shifted down and Mike Caulfield missing due to the birth of his child.

Mike Garvey (29) was installed as opener but did not stick around long enough for his skipper's liking.

Castrol slumped to 70-5 and then Darren Green, Damian Walters and Mike Piercy joined the procession back to the pavilion as the Oilmen found themselves staring at 76-8 with 15 overs still remaining.

Evans was joined by Steve Aldcroft (9) and the pair added 22 for the ninth wicket. Evans and Mark Ward (11) played well as the innings ended on 137, the Castrol skipper remaining unbeaten on 40.

Walters (1-6) opened the bowling for the hosts and made the breakthrough immediately, having Bracewell (0) caught by Evans.

The bowler pulled up with an injury, however, and with Martin Flanagan and Garvey not looking penetrative, it was the introduction of Piercy (2-36) and Aldcroft (2-28) that made the breakthrough.

With Lindow at 48-5, Castrol had a chance to win but sluggish fielding allowed the away side to triumph with 141-7.

Evans said: 'Once again, the lack of application with the bat has cost us. The total was probably 30 to 40 runs short of where we should have been. The 61 runs added for the last two wickets prove that if you applied yourself, there were runs to be had.

'I am at a loss to why the fielding is not up to the expected Castrol standard, usually this is a big positive in this team, but it was lethargic and with very little intensity.'

Castrol are away to Wirral on Saturday (1pm).

* Ellesmere Port have dropped to fourth in Division Two of the Cheshire Alliance after their free weekend.

Gareth Boys' side face a trip to Disley this weekend with a full strength team looking for maximum points to revive their promotion push.