TOBY Mullins has urged his players to make sure their first defeat of the campaign does not damage Kingsley’s promotion bid.

They went down by six wickets at home to Oakmere in Division Two on Saturday, a reverse preceded by a heavy reverse in the T20 Knockout 48 hours earlier.

“We’re gutted the winning run is over,” said the Crofters’ captain.

“However it’s important we stick together now to make sure it’s just a blip.”

Oakmere’s pressure in the field paid off as they restricted their hosts to 124-9 after winning the toss.

CJ van der Walt (3-15) led the way, but there were doubles too for Mike Cushion (2-31), Pete Hutchinson (2-38) and captain Craig Phelan (2-37).

Kingsley were grateful to wicket-keeper Ed Leneghan (52), who shred in a partnership worth 88 runs for the sixth wicket with Aussie Hayden Lanza (45) after they had come together at 30-5.

Adrian Stubbs (55 off 32 balls) was in a hurry during Oakmere’s reply, and they reached their target at 125-4 in the 30th over.

Van der Walt (32no) starred too, while Adrian Burden took 3-55.

Winnington Park played out a high-scoring draw with Bunbury at the Rec.

Jonny Wales (92no) was again their outstanding performer, while Tony King (32) and Martin Evans (29no off 21 balls) contributed lower down the order in the home team’s tally of 220-5.

The visitors closed on 210-8 in reply, with in-form Wales (4-53) capping a fine all-round display with support from Sam Barnes (2-43).

Barnton boosted their hopes of beating the drop from Division One when they inflicted a first league defeat of the campaign on Haslington at Broomsedge.

Their batsmen delivered, with Peter Cook (22) and Adam Garrod (70) sharing in a partnership worth 54 runs for the second wicket.

The latter then added a further 84 for the fourth with the returning Dan Gilbert (58no) to help Simon Hancock’s men to a deserved five-wicket win at 198-5.

Neil Langham (4-57) was rewarded for his perseverance earlier in the day when the promotion-hopefuls made an aggressive start.

A stand worth 50 for the fifth wicket did not deter his teammates, and Garrod (2-57) and Paul Coot (2-1) claimed wickets too as the Crewe outfit reached 195 all out.

Captain Phil Parry singled out Luke Houghton for praise after the batsmen’s half-century proved decisive in Middlewich’s success against Hale Barns in the same section.

Only James Prime (39) had reached double figures as the men from Haddon Field reached 68-7, only for Houghton (52) – supported by Parry (26) and the other tail-enders – to help the home team to 174.

“Luke’s inning was well-constructed and rescued us from a perilous position,” said Parry.

Stephen Parry (4-26) led the hosts’ attack as they sent back their guests for 122 in reply, while Kieran Boyle (3-31) and Denton Brock (2-32) contributed too.

Improving Hartford celebrated back-to-back wins in Division Five after successfully chasing 188 to beat Saughall.

Raj Ranganathan (38) and Mohsin Khan (37) sent them on their way at Grange Park.

A collective bowling effort, during which Richard Buckley (2-37) and Geoff Sharp (2-38) claimed a brace of wickets each, had restricted the visitors to 187-6.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Week 13

Saturday, July 15

Division One: Ashton on Mersey 180-9 Lymm 165; Barnton 198-5 Haslington 195; Congleton 179-3 Port Sunlight 178; Irby 85 Disley 118; Middlewich 174 Hale Barns 122; Runcorn 184-7 Stockport Georgians 218-8

Division Two: Chelford 110 Heaton Mersey 161-6; Kingsley 124-9 Oakmere 125-4; Stockport Trinity 127 Ashley 140; Wilmslow 181-7 Poynton 180-6; Winnington Park 220-5 Bunbury 210-8; Woodford 205-9 Prestbury 53

Division Four: Glazebury 114 Audlem 58; Knutsford 146-7 Pott Shrigley 145; Old Parkonians 234-4 dec Winsford 26; Trafford MV 86 Westminster Park 189; Tranmere Victoria 80 Holmes Chapel 180-6

Division Five: Bowdon Vale 201-5 dec Malpas 168-3; Frodsham 157-9 Mossley 71; Hartford 190-8 Saughall 187-6; Kerridge 64 Styal 208-7; Mellor 83 Heaton Mersey Village 85-2