ALEC Butcher hailed the resilience of his Winnington Park players after they edged a low-scoring derby at Oakmere on Saturday.

It sends his side to the Division Two summit after five successive victories this season.

“It was a hard-fought match against strong opposition,” he said.

“We weren’t as composed with the bat as we have been in previous weeks, but Jonny Wales rescued us with a knock full of grit and determination.”

Chasing 118 to win, Wales (42no) – in a partnership worth 28 runs for the ninth wicket with Peter Room – steered the visitors to their target at Overdale Lane after they slipped to 90-8.

Matt Howard (2-30) and Nick Guest (2-16) were the pick of the hosts’ bowling attack.

Earlier, Harrison Jones (67) and Rick Lyons (16) shared in a third-wicket stand of 53 for Oakmere after they were put in.

However no other batsmen reached double figures as Phill Amatiello (4-30) and Wales (2-12) shone with the ball.

Adrian Burden’s six-wicket haul was a highlight for Kingsley in their draw away to Woodford.

He removed openers Ben Walker (79) and Rob Metcalfe (40) after they put on 72 for the first wicket, accounting too for number three Danny Clinch before finishing with 6-43.

Brent Hartley (2-54) provided support as the home team were bowled out for 173.

Wicket-keeper Ed Leneghan claimed two stumpings.

Ben Stoddart (63) scored a half-century at the top of the order in Kingsley’s response, which ended with a share of the spoils at 131-9.

Only Hartley and Tom Hughes also made it to double-figures, while Lewis Clarke took 5-52.

Barnton played out a thrilling tie with their guests Heaton Mersey in Division One.

The visitors struggled to 34-3 following a fine opening spell from Cory Devanny (3-29) before Hassan Rashid (81) and Tamoor Malik led a recovery that took them to 167.

Simon Hancock’s men took control, dismissing the away side for 190 thanks to contributions from Paul Coot (3-3) and Aidan Malley (4-34).

Coot departed for a duck before Callum Doyle (47) and Adam Garrod (64) shared in a century-partnership for the second wicket in Barnton’s reply.

Devanny (29) capped a fine day’s work, but the hosts still had work to do.

Needing five runs to win from then final over, Hancock was run out off the last ball with the scores level.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Saturday, May 28

Division One: Ashton on Mersey 164-9 Stockport Georgians 203-9; Barnton 190-9 Heaton Mersey 190; Bredbury St Mark’s 158-7 Runcorn 111; Disley 169 Lymm 102-8; Poynton 102 Hale Barns 103-6; Romiley 227-4 Irby 129-6

Division Two: Chelford 84-1 Prestbury 82; Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge 99 Stockport Trinity 175-9; Haslington 92-6 Port Sunlight 91; Oakmere 117 Winnington Park 118-8; Woodford 173 Kingsley 138-9 No game: Ashley