SAM Shepherd’s remarkable eight-wicket haul for Northwich went without reward on Saturday, when he ended a Division Two clash with Widnes on the losing side.

He returned figures of 8-29 from 14 overs as the visitors toppled their opponents for 89, only to fall short by 24 runs in reply.

They were 31-4 at tea, before Fayaz Ughradar (4-19) and Marcus Fourie (3-13) went on to dismiss them for 65.

In Division One, Weaverham played out a draw with promoted Bollington in a contest reduced by rain to 70 overs.

The Russets were rolled over for 92 after winning the toss, with only three batsmen – Wilden Cornwall (26), captain Ian Eaton and James Lewis (both 21) reaching double figures.

Bolly’s Stuart Plant claimed 4-2 from 17 balls, sending back Nathan Heath and debutant George McCormack for ducks.

The hosts replied with 72-8, skipper Rick Hough (40no) anchoring an innings during which Mike Clarke took 3-9.

Oulton Park went down by 46 runs at home to Didsbury, who totalled 173-7 after being put in.

Captain Nick Anderson (65) led the way with a run-a-ball half-century, while Kiwi fast-bowler Sam Blandford returned 4-44 and Matt Parkinson 3-47.

The Little Budworth outfit’s batting line-up faltered after tea, when they were dismissed for 127.

Martyn East (44) and Daniel Leech (28) shared in a 51-run partnership for the first wicket, only for the next nine to fall for 76.

Davenham’s game at Tattenhall in the same section was cancelled without a ball being bowled.

The same outcome applied to Middlewich’s home encounter with Congleton in the league’s third tier.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Saturday, April 30

Division One: Bollington 72-8 Weaverham 92; Oulton Park 127 Didsbury 173-7. Cancelled: Cheadle Hulme v Grappenhall; Marple v Oxton; Tattenhall v Davenham; Warrington v Sale

Division Two: Alvanley 163-8 Barrow 102; Mobberley 169-6 Christleton 82; Stockport 131 Brooklands 144-8; Upton 156-6 Lindow 114; Widnes 89 Northwich 65. Cancelled: Middlewich v Congleton

Fixtures for Saturday (1pm):

Division One, inc: Davenham v Oulton Park ; Weaverham v Tattenhall

Division Two, inc: Middlewich v Alvanley; Northwich v Stockport