ALEC Butcher praised his side’s positive thinking after Winnington registered a third win in four Division Two matches on Saturday, beating Woodford by six wickets.

It leaves them second in the standings.

“This victory was a result of a professional attitude and winning mentality,” said the Park skipper.

“It was a terrific team performance.”

Woodford were dismissed for 137, their initial progress halted by Sam Barnes (2-33) making a breakthrough.

First-change bowlers Rob Begbie (3-31) and Jonny Wales (4-30) then continued where he left off.

Park’s top order, including Butcher (34), Greg McKeown (45) and Phil Amatiello (43) – the latter including three sixes – set the visitors on course for victory.

Kingsley remain unbeaten in the same section, collecting 18 points from a tie with Ashley.

Set a target of 147 to win, they could not scramble over the line.

“We were disappointed not to win,” admitted captain Toby Mullins.

“But we’re still pleased with a strong start to the season.”

They were favourites to win after reaching 80 without loss, with openers Ben Stoddart (42) and Mullins (31) scoring quickly.

The next five wickets fell for only 21 runs.

Double strikes for James Faint and Mike Yeates, plus a tight spell from Matthew Gabbott costing 23 runs in a dozen overs, had restricted the hosts to 146-6 off 45 overs.

Barnton successfully chased 144 to beat hosts Bunbury by four wickets, rising to fifth in the table.

They dismissed their opponents for 143, with Pat Flanagan (6-26) the star turn.

He also held onto a fine catch at point from the bowling of Adam Garrod.

Simon Hancock’s men struggled to score quickly in reply, though contributions from Rick Farnworth (45) and Garrod (29) took them close to a target passed with Ben Wingfield (20no) and Jack Whalley at the crease.

Oakmere’s head-to-head with Haslington, in the same section, was abandoned.

Winsford suffered a fourth defeat in Division Three, this time by 124 runs at Wirral.

The hosts bludgeoned their way to 212-5 before declaring, Danny Holton taking two wickets.

Barry Crellin (25) was the only batsman to make a start for the men from Knights Grange, who succumbed for 88.

Results

TACS Partnership Cheshire League

Division Two, Saturday: Ashley 146-6 dec Kingsley 146-8; Bunbury 143 Barnton 144-6; Chelford 183-6 dec Lymm 187-5; Stockport 55 Chester CO 84; Woodford 137 Winnington 139-4.

Division Three: Alderley Park 163-8 Port Sunlight 162-6; Aston 63-4 Wilmslow 62; Cholmondeley 124-9 dec Sandbach 108-9; Wilmslow Wayfarers 130-7 CH Ladybridge 129-9 dec; Wirral 212-5 Winsford 88.