Wirral 123-9 dec Winsford 124-6
WINSFORD'S promotion campaign rolled on, to a background of rock music.
Their Second Division match shared Wirral's ground with a bikers' music festival, which made concentration in the outfield doubly difficult.
Opening bowlers Mark Dean and Mike Clarke still fell into their usual rhythm. Though it took Dean, whose nine overs brought him 4-12, seven overs to claim the first wicket, Wirral were on the ropes at 25-5.
They rebuilt their innings until the introduction of seamer Chris Brandon (3-11) with Colin Dean taking two important catches.
Winsford batsmen were soon in a spot of bother themselves with Jon Philips, Clarke and Mark Nicholas all going for a total of 18. Martin Barrett and Barry Crellin counterattacked and their partnership of 67 off 13 overs swung the game Winsford's way.
The loss of three quick wickets raised sudden doubts at 98-6, however Gareth Whitney (19) steered them to victory. Crellin's 37 contained five boundaries and Barrett had five in his 35.
The double was completed in fine style at Knight's Grange.
Put into bat, Winsford rattled up 203-3, Mark Skellon (60), Mike Lancaster (33) and Ant Ollier (49) being the men responsible.
Newcomer Dave Etchells took five wickets on his debut and won the County Power man of the match award. Craig Webb returned 3-20 and Paul Hough 2-29 as Wirral were bowled out for 110.
Winsford 3rds 127ao (Craig Webb, aged 14, 35no) were outclassed by Chorlton Wayfarers 200-6 (Tony Durston 3-18) on Sunday.
Toft 181-8 Northwich 153
NORTHWICH, whose declared ambition is to climb back to the top of the Cheshire cricket ladder, briefly experienced life at the top on Sunday in the 40-over County Cup. They were beaten but trod firmly on the top rung.
Only 28 runs separated the sides five standards apart.
Northwich fielded first and did well to contain the Toft batsmen. Mike Brandon's eight overs went for just nine runs and there were three wickets each to teen pace bowlers Scott Hayes and Nigel Goolding.
The Northwich reply got off to poor start at 12-3, however they recovered well and never gave up the chase, led by Martyn East, who was unbeaten on 48 as Northwich were all out with three overs left.
Northwich beat Port Sunlight on Saturday thanks to good batting and the bowling of Matt Lightburn (2-21), Lee Evans (3-37), Ant Shaw (2-2) and Brandon (2-24).
First Northwich blasted their way to 203-8 with Paul Alcock hitting 11 fours in his 61. Andy Gerrard, Shaw, Nigel Goolding and Brandon all made solid contributions before the home attack ran through the Sunlight wickets for 144.
The 2nds made it a double. Nick Shaw (4-42), Mark O'Neil (2-21) and Adam Davies (2-15) bowled out Sunlight for 125 and, in a reply of 126-4, Martin East (78) and Glinoj Cherian (23) were the run getters, also sharing an unbeaten partnership of 102.
Northwich 3rds 153-5 (Craig Douglas 35no, James Dufty 38no) beat Appleton 3rds 150-8 dec, Stuart Plant 5-51). BARNTON, 145-9 dec, lost at Lymm, 148-7 and remain in relegation trouble.
