AN UNBROKEN eighth-wicket partnership of 39 between Steve Collins and Chris Townsend helped Wistaston to victory over Chester County Officers on Saturday.
The Villagers always looked odds-on to win the Division One encounter after the visitors posted a meagre 120-9 from their 48 overs, with Dean Titus taking 3-22 from 13. Top scorer for Chester was S Johnson (29).
But in their reply, Wistaston lost their first two wickets for nine runs and it took good performances from Darren Thomas (22) and Gareth Barnes (29), together with an eighth-wicket stand between Collins (17) and Townsend (19) to get Wistaston home with 122-7 and a 20-point haul.
Also in Division One, Bunbury were beaten at home by Ellesmere Port by 75 runs. Port batted first and made 180-8 with D Green (53). In reply, Bunbury were bowled out for 105 with J Daniels taking 4-34 and P Betteridge getting 4-29.
Home team Sandbach beat Aston by three wickets. The visitors were bowled out for 106 with Andy Leese (43) and R Cottam taking 4-17. Sand-bach won the game with 110-7 with Cottam unbeaten on 33.
In Division Three, Heaton Mersey Village beat Audlem by three wickets. Visitors Audlem made first use with 192-5, with C Shenton (41) and D Parry unbeaten on 78. Heaton won the game with 193-7, D Padbury 38 and Phadke 45no.
Wistaston seconds won at Ellesmere Port to stay in contention near the top of Division A. Batting first, the home team reached 144ao from their 48 overs. Pick of Wistaston's bowlers were Julian Cotton (3-42), Andrew Jones (2-44) and John Scott (2-6).
In reply, Wistaston made light work of their 145 target with Alistair Bamber (65) and John Scott (34) contributing the runs. Wistaston finished with 145-3.
On Sunday, Wistaston visited Fenns Bank and ran out winners by 26 runs. Batting first, they posted 215ao with James Hogben plundering 93, Andrew Jones 21 and Steven Barnes 23. In reply, Fenns finished on 189ao, J Lloyd 42. nIn the North Staffs and District League Senior A, Weston gained a welcome win at Endon.
Ian Sandland was the main destroyer with 5-27, as Endon were bowled for 125. Asad Shah, with 39no, saw Weston to 128-7, despite a 4-52 return from Imran Ullah.
