BARNTON have home advantage this weekend in a head-to-head with Haslington that will likely decide who is promoted to Division One.

Their opponents start Saturday’s contest occupying second spot in the standings, seven points clear of Simon Hancock’s men.

“It’s a winner-takes-all game,” said the Barnton captain.

“Haslington are ahead of us, so are favourites.”

A draw risks allowing Kingsley, who entertain Oakmere, to pip them both to the runners-up position behind champions Lymm.

Barnton eased to a six-wicket win at Oakmere during the latest round of matches, skittling the home team for just 74 at Overdale Lane.

Cory Devanny (5-30) and Neil Langham (3-29) ripped through the batting order before Adam Garrod (2-3) completed the job.

Nick Guest (23) was the only batsman to offer resistance.

Paul Coot (26) and Garrod (20) set their side on course for victory and, despite a wobble when they lost two wickets in three balls, they reached their target by the 20th over.

Kingsley recovered from a slow start to thrash Lymm in the same section.

They were in trouble at 34-4 before Danny Mullins (83) rallied, support from Travis Martin (27) helping the visitors to put 162 on the board.

The hosts folded spectacularly after tea, when nine batsmen were dismissed for ducks by a rampant Martin (4-24) and Steve Kitchen (5-11).

Now fourth, they enter the weekend six points behind Barnton.

Captain Alec Butcher admits Winnington Park have come up short in a bid to be promoted, a 76-run reverse at home to Stockport Trinity extending a run of league matches without a win to four.

The visitors posted 172-9, with Sam Barnes (5-47) claiming a first five-wicket haul of the season from his 11 overs.

Tom Speak (2-38) and James Hendry (2-19) chipped in too.

Park’s chase was over before it had begun, slumping to 65-8 before closing on 96 all out.

Butcher said: “Inconsistency has cost us.

“We weren’t good enough on Saturday, and it’s disappointing to miss out on promotion.

“However we know that with a full-strength team we can challenge next season.”

Park drop to fifth in the table as a result.

Results

TACS Partnership Cheshire League

Division Two, Saturday: Chelford 86-9 Bunbury 85; Haslington 84-4 Chester CO 83; Lymm 37 Kingsley 162; Oakmere 74 Barnton 75-4; Winnington Park 96 Stockport Trinity 172-9 dec; Woodford 69-4 Ashley 67. 

Division Three: Aston 167-8 dec Cholmondeley 172-6; CH Ladybridge 117-9 dec Sandbach 118-6; Wilmslow 103-7 Langley 102; Wilmslow Wayfarers 100-8 Alderley Park 120; Wirral 161-9 dec Over Peover 162-7.