OULTON Park dashed Weaverham’s hopes of being promoted following a comfortable victory at Little Budworth.

The rise to third in Division One as a reward, 27 points adrift of second-placed Sale with two matches left.

They totalled 216-7 after being put in by the Russets, captain Pat Roberts (55) and Daniel Leech (47) sharing in a 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

All-rounder Wilden Cornwall returned figures of 4-75.

Weaverham’s usually-reliable batting line-up collapsed to 140 all out, 76 runs short, with Martyn East claiming 3-2 after Iro de Silva had taken 3-22.

Mike Clarke was leading scorer with 44.

Davenham soothed fears they might be dragged back into a fight to avoid relegation following a seven-wicket success at home to Oxton.

Left-arm spinner Daniel Hancock was their match-winner, claiming 6-46 off 14 overs to restrict the visitors to 144 all out.

Robin Taylor (3-38) provided support.

The hosts were comfortable victors, with Dave Price (41), Sam Hunt (30) and Ben Gough (27no) building on a foundation he laid at the top of the order.

The season can’t end soon enough for relegated Middlewich, who suffered a six-wicket defeat – their 13th of the season – at home to Christleton.

Only four batsmen reached double figures for the hosts at Haddon Field, where they were dismissed for 81.

Stephen Bliss (2-32) made sure the visitors worked for their win, which they secured in the 25th over with opener Tom Norris (40no) still at the crease.

Northwich lost by 40 runs at Stockport in Division Two.

Andrew Dufty claimed four wickets, while Sam Shepherd added three, in the home team’s 156 all out.

Sam Stoneley held on to four catches behind the stumps.

However the men from Moss Farm were knocked over for 116 after tea.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Division One, Saturday: Cheadle Hulme 259-7 Didsbury 251-7; Davenham 145-3 Oxton 144; Middlewich 81 Christleton 82-4; Oulton Park 216-7 Weaverham 140; Sale 215-8 Urmston 219-4; Tattenhall 161 Timperley 242-5.

Division Two: Alvanley 181-6 Congleton 180; Bollington 200 Widnes 203-7; Irby 74 Mobberley 195; Stockport 156 Northwich 116; Upton 155-9 Bredbury 154-9; Warrington 171-4 Brooklands 168.