Review of Week Two

5:00pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

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DAVENHAM slumped to a disastrous defeat at home to Ashton-on-Mersey in Division One.

They seemed set for an easy victory on a bowler-friendly wicket when Dean Jackson (5-17) helped reduce the visitors to 61 all out, but that was only the beginning of the end.

Mark Greaves (10) was the only batsman to reach double figures as Davenham were skittled for an embarrassing 37.

Points: Davenham 5, Ashton-on-Mersey 25.

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BROOKLANDS cruised to an eight-wicket win at home to under strength Oakmere.

With seven regulars missing, skipper Ian Eaton repeated last week's bold decision to bat first.

A patient innings from Paul Yearsley (39) and a quickfire 21 from Eaton lead the way but Oakmere were bowled out for a meagre 126.

Veteran Mike Cushion (1-12) rolled back the years with a spell of controlled swing bowling but Stewart Eaton was the only other wicket taker as Brooklands cruised to 128-2.

Points: Brooklands 25, Oakmere 5.

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BARNTON continued their impressive start with a five-wicket victory over Bowdon Vale at Broomsedge.

The visitors strangely decided to bat first on a green, slow wicket, a decision they were later to regret.

Matty Bebbington (3-38) struck in the first over as Barnton's bowlers, aided by sharp fielding, remained in control throughout. Veteran seamer Matt Morley (3-33) played a part on his returned to first team action as Bowdon closed on 139.

Paul Coot (30) shared a 60-run stand with Mike Cross (57) as Barnton chased victory, the latter sharing a half-century stand with Bebbington (22) as the Broomsedge men reached 142-5.

"We put in another good performance," said skipper Steve Yarwood.

"We looked good but we need to continue like this and not get get carried away."

Points: Barnton 25, Bowdon Vale 7.

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NORTHWICH scored a winning draw from a high scoring encounter at Wilmslow.

Four results were possible going into the final over as the hosts required six runs to win with four wickets remaining but Nigel Goolding (4-56) made sure they fell short, closing on 219-9.

Earlier Matt Jamieson (74) continued his fine early season form, sharing in a century opening partnership with Martyn East (47).

Dave Price made 34 on his debut and John Hughes hit an unbeaten 29 as Northwich posted 221-6.

Points: Wilmslow 10, Northwich 17.

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WEAVERHAM were on the wrong end of a 42-run reverse at Alderley Park.

Bowling first after winning the toss, skipper Rob McMillan was the pick of the visitors' attack, taking 4-48 off 14 overs as Alderley Park posted a respectable 149-7.

But Weaverham found themselves in a rut at 13-3 with McMillan (29) and Kiwi Gregg Ayres (25) the only batsmen to post decent scores in their side's 107 all out.

Points: Alderley Park 25, Weaverham 4.

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WINSFORD fought hard to secure a second successive draw, this time at Lymm.

Batting first, Martin Barrett (33) and Mike Clarke (29no) provided a platform before the latter limped off after hurting his hamstring.

Winsford slipped to 102-6 with four overs left before Clarke's return and, aided by Chris Brandon's unbeaten 25, they lifted the score to a respectable 135-6.

Andy Beswick (2-39) shone early in Lymm's reply before the hosts manoeuvered to a winning position, needing just 35 runs from the final 15 overs.

James Tierney (2-44) took a vital wicket as the hosts edged to within two runs of their target in the penultimate over, bowled by captain Barry Crellin, who held his nerve to claim two victims without conceding a single score. Tierney followed with a maiden as Lymm fell one run short on 134-8.

Points: Lymm OP 7, Winsford 10.