CIARAN McDonnell’s return from an injury was a highlight for Oakmere’s seconds during a narrow two-wicket reverse at home to Romiley in Division A.

He scored a patient 65 in bowler-friendly conditions at Overdale Lane, including a 58-run stand for the second wicket with Mike Dodd (20), where the home team were restricted to 124-9.

The visitors slumped initially to 34-5 thanks to Mike Cushion (3-5 from 14 overs) and Dave Norton (2-27) before a lower-order recovery led by James Bashford (38) took them to 125-8 with two overs remaining.

Barnton celebrated a comfortable 110-run victory in Division B West at Warrington thirds, where they racked up 211-6.

Lee Cobley (42no), Brijesh Batra (39) and opener Ben Tranter (38) were the pick of their batsmen.

They later knocked over the home team for 101, with Matty Appleton (4-34) leading the way with support from Derek Bowyer (2-25) and Batra (2-18).

Kingsley were left to curse their luck after losing a high-scoring thriller at home to Upton’s thirds in the same section.

The away side, chasing 218 to win, scored the runs they required from a close contest’s final ball to claim a four-wicket win.

Paul Betteridge’s failed first-over appeal for LBW against Dave Charles, who went on to score 115, was reason to feel rueful.

Mark Owens (4-64) was more successful.

Earlier, Kingsley had posted 217-7 after winning the toss, Alex Wilson (47) falling narrowly short of a half-century while Tom Hughes (62) did exactly that during a partnership with Steve Forster (40).

Owens (27no off 15 balls) scored quickly late on for the Crofters.

 

 

Winsford’s seconds fell to a four-wicket reverse against their Wistaston counterparts in Division C.

Captain Andy Cooper (59) led the way for the men from Knights Grange, supported by Colin Dean (36) and Callum Simpson (28) – who batted with a broken finger – as they totalled 183-9.

The hosts reached their target with four overs spare despite the best efforts of Kev Fitzpatrick (3-55), Cooper (2-48) and debutant Phil Hall (1-38).

The mood of Winnington Park’s seconds was dampened after a deluge of rain shortly before the start of their scheduled encounter with Knutsford at Mereheath Lane.

An uncovered pitch was waterlogged, prompting the game’s cancellation.