NORTHWICH’S demolition back-markers Middlewich on Saturday was a record-breaking one.

Needing to score only 65 to beat their neighbours in a Division Two encounter at Haddon Field, they did so in 28 balls – the shortest winning innings in league history.

Sam Stoneley (47no off 17 balls) smashed half-a-dozen sixes and two fours in a display of power hitting that secured for his side a crushing nine-wicket win.

Glinoj Cherian (16) was the man out as the men from Moss Farm recorded their third victory of a testing campaign to date.

Middlewich had been skittled for 64 after being put in, opener Phil Parry (33) contributing half of those.

However his teammates had no answer to Andy Dufty (4-11) and James Plant (4-22), while skipper Mark Walker (2-9) chipped in too.

In Division One, third-placed Oulton Park lost a high-scoring encounter with Sale after totalling 235-8.

Martyn East (68 off 72 balls) and Daniel Leech (66) put on 116 for the first wicket at Pinfold Lane before captain Pat Roberts (40) added to the hosts’ tally.

Tyrone Lawrence (3-53) was most successful of the visitors’ attack.

Sale made it to 237-6 in the 40th over, led by captain Chris Canning (121no) who scored the only century in a league game on Saturday.

He struck 11 fours and eight maximums in a 76-ball innings, adding 97 runs for the third wicket with Lawrence (47).

Hyslop took 3-68.

Davenham’s seven-wicket success in a rain-delayed encounter with Bollington is their fourth in a row.

Skipper Daniel Hancock (4-11) led the way for his side in a contest reduced to 78 overs, helping dismiss the home team for 86.

Robin Taylor (2-12) and South African Givon Christian (2-24) provided support.

Christian (49no) did not hang around during Davenham’s reply and, boosted by 21 from Ben Gough, they made it to 88-3 by the 23rd over.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Saturday, July 9

Division One: Bollington 86 Davenham 88-3; Oulton Park 235-8 Sale 237-6; Tattenhall 54 Didsbury 130-8 Cancelled: Cheadle Hulme v Oxton; Marple v Weaverham; Warrington v Grappenhall

Division Two: Alvanley 99-5 Congleton 98; Middlewich 64 Northwich 68-1 Cancelled: Mobberley v Lindow; Stockport v Christleton; Widnes v Brooklands Abandoned: Upton v Barrow