FOLLOWING their dual disappointment last weekend, Widnes returned to winning ways with a victory over Winnington Park.
The win came in the Fred Graham 20/20 competition but the highlight of the weekend was the defeat of Cheshire County League leaders Bowdon by four wickets.
In the 20/20 win Widnes amassed 175-8, with Steve Titchard making 58.
Winnington Park never looked like coming close to the Widnes total as wickets fell at regular intervals. They were dismissed for 85, leaving Widnes runaway winners.
However, Bowdon provided a much harder test. They elected to bat first and Sean Moore conceded 23 runs from two overs.
Steve Titchard brought matters under control and Lowther fell lbw. Off-spinner Mukherjee dismissed Brookes in his first over.
Lancashire all-rounder Gary Yates came to the wicket and he and Claridge added 139. Yates was stumped for 69.
Claridge remained 63 not out and Bowdon declared after 55 overs at 234-5.
Titchard and James McCoy took 23 off the first five overs. Yates took over the bowling and conceded 14 off his first six balls.
McCoy departed for 34 and Danny Naughton and Titchard shared a partnership of 65. Naughton became Yates' first victim, stumped for 42.
Two runs later, Titchard was caught and bowled for 33.
The game seemed to be turning Bowdon's way before Cameron Park and skipper Spencer reversed the tide. The pair added 100 to take Widnes in sight of victory.
Both were dismissed by Yates but Mukherjee sealed the win with a six from Yates' bowling, with three overs to spare, to move Widnes into third place, just seven points behind new leaders Hyde.
