ALEC Butcher hailed the performance of Jonny Wales after Winnington Park played out a thrilling tie with Ashley last Saturday.

The all-rounder made an elegant 91, including a dozen boundaries, before he was dismissed in the final over of a chase that ended on 205.

“Jonny’s knock was a class above,” said the Park skipper afterwards.

“He deserved a ton, and to be our match-winner.

“Instead he saved what was an incredible game of cricket for us – in the end, the result was probably fair.”

A tie - which earned 18 points for hosts Park - extended an unbeaten run in the Cheshire League’s second tier to three games.

However the visitors were favourites to record a victory after winning the toss and racing to 205-9.

Wales, the home team’s vice-captain, took 2-33 with support from Iain Connor (2-69) while Josh De Boar ended unbeaten on 63.

Wickets fell regularly in Park’s reply, although Wales enjoyed support from debutant Tony King (26) and tail-ender Martin Evans (25no off 14 balls).

One run short of a third straight win at the start of the final over, Park lost wickets in successive deliveries to De Boar (2-0).

Butcher added: “We have to be happy with that points return after showing real grit and determination when their batsmen started to loosen up.”