A FOURTH-wicket partnership of 61 inspired Wistaston Village to a 25-point win over Styal and kept their Division One title bid on target.

The Villagers lie third in the division and looked on good form at The Brittles on Saturday. Batting first, they lost their first three wickets for just 35.

But Paul Owen (57) and Steven Barnes (25) steadied the ship and ensured a healthy total of 176-5 from 38.4 overs, which ensured maximum batting points.

Styal in reply also lost their first three wickets for 35, with opener F Cooke making a top score of (22). Excellent bowling from Keith Thornhill (4-26) and Chris Townsend (2-24) soon had the visitors reeling and Styal succumbed to the pressure, finishing on 92ao.

Bunbury had to settle for a draw as they entertained Radbroke Hall. The hosts batted first and posted 244-8, with Neil Swin-bank (53), Mark Ryder (46) and Lee Green-bury (43) all contributing well. In reply, Radbroke Hall hit 173-9 with D Forsythe (45), P Freedman (33) and V Singh (41). Aston enjoyed a convincing five-wicket at Ellesmere Port. The hosts made first use with 164-8 (P Ashton 36, P Isaacs 35, P

Little 5-57). Aston won with 167-5 (Gareth Davies 49, Richie Pennock 43).

Mark Shallcross dominated as Sandbach beat Woodford by four wickets. Visitors Woodford batted first and reached 134-8, with Shallcross taking 7-33. Sandbach won the game with 135-6 (C Tomlinson 34).

In Division Three, Audlem moved into the promotion places after an excellent win at Port Sunlight. After losing the toss, they were made to bat on a poor wicket.

However, some outstanding batting from Chris Shenton (50), Dave Parry (47), Tom Measures (38) and Chris Lewis (29no) took Audlem to a formidable 208-6.

In reply, Port Sunlight never looked like getting near the total and were all out for 109. John Broome finished with match-winning figures of 6-55. nWistaston's second team completed a double at Styal. Batting first, Styal posted 140-7 (Josh Allwood 4-66, Steve Collins 2-31). Wistaston raced to their total of 144-4 with overs to spare. Peter Aspinall (49no), Collins (29) and Allwood (21no) all contributed.