WINNINGTON Park’s promotion hopes were hit by a defeat against strugglers Woodford, leaving them without a win on home turf since the season’s opening day.

After being put in, the hosts struggled to 117-9 with Sam Barnes (32) and Ben Coulbeck (30) making the biggest contributions.

Only one other batsman, Michael Dunning, reached double figures.

Woodford eased to an eight-wicket victory, led by Toby Anderson (39no), to leave Park looking over their shoulder at teams chasing them.

“We didn’t reach the standards we’ve set earlier this season,” reflected captain Alec Butcher.

“There wasn’t a lack of effort, but the opposition adapted better to the conditions.”

Barnton climbed to third in Division Two as a reward for beating Bunbury by six wickets at Broomsedge.

Cory Devanny took seven wickets during a 23-over spell to help bundle out the visitors for 130, supported by skipper Simon Hancock.

After tea Devanny (41) supported 16-year-old Jordan Cobley (68no), who hit a ton for the seconds seven days earlier, as the hosts eased to victory in the 25th over.

“We were missing six regulars, but the juniors who stepped in can be proud of an excellent performance,” said Hancock afterwards.

Oakmere lost by six wickets to Haslington at Overdale Lane, where openers Alex Hodges (25) and Craig Phelan (42) shared in a first-wicket partnership worth 61 in the hosts’ 153-7.

Guy Groves (33no) helped increase their final tally late on.

The visitors needed only 30 overs to secure maximum points, led by Ben Leigh (54no), with Groves (3-43) the pick of the home team’s attack.

Kingsley scored a seventh league win of the season after successfully chasing 166 to beat Ashley at The Croft.

Hard-hitting Australian Mitch Headrick (79 off 58 balls) made sure they reached that target with 17 overs – and seven wickets – to spare.

Earlier, after opting to bowl, their spinners had assumed control with captain Toby Mullins’ four-wicket haul supporting a personal best haul of 5-39 for youngster James Feint.

In Division Three, back-markers Winsford could not build on last week’s success when Wirral visited Knights Grange, where they succumbed to an 83-run defeat.

Colin Dean (4-39) and Mark Dean (4-55) combined to bowl out the visitors for 171.

But tail-ender Andy Etchells (30no) was one of only three batsmen to reach double figures as the hosts were knocked over for just 88 after tea.

Results

TACS Partnership Cheshire League 
Division Two, Saturday:
Barnton 131-4 Bunbury 130; Chester CO 164-9 Stockport 176; Kingsley 168-3 Ashley 165; Lymm 216 Chelford 121; Oakmere 153-7 Haslington 158-4; Winnington Park 117-9 Woodford 118-2.

Division Three: CH Ladybridge 157-9 dec Wilmslow Wayfarers 109; Over Peover 136 Langley 147-8 dec; Port Sunlight 305-2 dec Alderley Park 186; Sandbach 171-8 dec Cholmondeley 168-7; Wilmslow 216-6 dec Aston 188-9; Winsford 88 Wirral 171.