NORTHWICH won by seven wickets at Radbroke Hall to inch closer to promotion in Division One.

A broken thumb robbed them of opener John Hughes, but in the event they neither needed his batting nor fielding skills.

Radbroke Hall were all out for 140 and Northwich knocked off 129-3 in under 30 overs.

Teenage spinners Nigel Goolding (3-18) and Lee Evans (4-20) were brought on at 119-2 and ripped through the Radbroke innings.

Ant Shaw top scored with 62no and brought about the early finish. Northwich 2nds were amazed at the attitude of their visitors Styal. Having amassed 243 they left Styal 50 overs to chase, but they showed not the slightest inclination to try to win the game.

Survival, which they achieved at a painfully dull and drawn out 114-6, was their only aim.

Sammy Naylor led the batting with 60 followed by 13-year-old Chris Yearsley (44), Matt Lightburn (42) and Dean Kendrick (34), all in under 40 overs.

Northwich 3rds, 125ao, were beaten by Appleton 3rds, 126-3, on Sunday. Mike McDonough (37) was the only individual to enjoy any success.

HARTFORD continued to extend their lead at the top of Division Two with a comprehensive win over Kerridge at Grange Park.

Hartford batted first for only the third time this season, and runs were soon flowing on a good track. Neil Hart scored 27 and was followed by Matt Shinkfield (40) and Rob Whittle (33) all at a good pace, allowing a declaration in just 42 overs at 196-9.

After tea, there were no alarms for the leaders as the Kerridge batsmen seemed intent on playing their shots throughout, leading to a healthy run rate. Brian Harkin collected another 5-42 and Graham Prew also bowled well, taking 4-48. Kerridge were dismissed for 100 with well over 20 overs remaining as Hartford collected the 25 points.