WIDNES reached the Cheshire Cup quarter-finals with a Steve Titchard-inspired victory over Nantwich whom they met twice in as many days.
In the first of two high-scoring games - a CD Bramall County League draw on Saturday - hosts Nantwich batsmen had made hay while the sun shone.
Cheshire U19s skipper Ollie Saddler hit 101 and prolific Australian Stan Poulson 134 in a massive 305-3 off 55 overs.
Widnes's Indian spinner Bappa Mukherjee had a rare off day, conceding 112 runs from his 22 wicketless overs.
Widnes replied with 226-6 - Sean Moore scoring 48, Titchard 45, Cameron Park 33 and Danny Naughton 32.
For the cup-tie the following day, ground advantage was reversed and Nantwich were without ineligible Queenslander Poulson.
Electing to bat, Widnes made an impressive 241 from their 45 overs.
Titchard hit an excellent 103 before being run out by captain Ian Spencer, who made a swift 26no at the end. Tony Hurdley (38) and Sean Moore (22) also did well.
When Nantwich replied, Hurdley struck an early blow by removing Saddler lbw in the first over.
He followed up with two more victims in next two overs, leaving Nantwich 9-3.
The visitors recovered with Doyle (51) and Hampshire putting on 115 for the next wicket.
While Widnes ran out winners by 15 runs, it was undoubtedly a tense affair with Hampshire 56no and Callop 30 causing Wids some anxiety.
Widnes receive Poynton in the quarter final on Sunday, July 30.
Widnes 2nds enjoyed an emphatic eight-wicket victory over their Nantwich counterparts at Beaconsfield Road.
The away side set 195-9 with young left-arm spinner Tom Evans taking 7-56 from 19 overs.
Widnes knocked off the runs in 32 overs - Ben Williams making 57, Phil Catterall 60, Tim Wearden 51no and Robert Morris 27no.
Saturday sees Bramhall visiting Widnes in the league while on Sunday, Widnes 2nd host Hyde in A E Taylor Cup's last eight (both 1pm).
