BARNTON played out a high-scoring draw with Ashton on Mersey on their return to the top tier after two decades.

Paul Coot (79) and Adam Garrod (109no) shared in 95-run partnership for the second wicket as the hosts ran up a huge 274-3 at Broomsedge.

Despite the best efforts of Garrod (3-64) and Matthew Appleton (2-24), the visitors secured a draw after tea at 256-8.

Winnington Park captain Alec Butcher hailed his side’s bowlers after they knocked over Division Two newcomers Port Sunlight for 85.

Phil Amatiello (4-19) was the pick of the attack, claiming the run-out of leading scorer Taylor Cox too, while strike pair Sam Barnes (2-12) and Iain Connor (2-30) removed four of the top five batsmen.

“We were solid in all phases of our game, topped off by a fantastic performance by our bowlers,” said Butcher.

Butcher (38) steadied his side’s innings after the loss of early wickets before overseas signing Jordan Daly (36no off 47 balls) struck six boundaries in an impressive cameo that took Park to their target at 88-3.

Butcher added: “I’m excited about how much his ability will boost our batting line-up.”

Kingsley’s late-order batsmen secured for their side a draw at home to Oakmere.

Chasing 172 to win, they had lost eight wickets by the 34th over.

However wicket-keeper Ed Leneghan and Tom Waring resisted the visitors’ attempts to claim victory.

Australian Harrison Jones (2-12) and Matt Howard (2-47) claimed two wickets each.

Earlier Jones (78no of 74 balls) had reached a half-century – including five sixes – after captain Craig Phelan (38) and James Norton had put on 58 for the first wicket.

Kingsley duo Brent Hartley (4-48) and James Faint (2-58) shared the wickets to fall.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Saturday, April 23

Division One: Barnton 274-3 dec Ashton on Mersey 256-8; Bredbury 52 Romiley 53-5; Heaton Mersey 167-8 Hale Barns 170-2; Irby 129 Disley 194-9; Lymm 116-4 Poynton 112; Runcorn 168-9 Stockport Georgians 147

Division Two: Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge 165-8 Ashley 169-4; Haslington 83 Chelford 87-8; Kingsley 138-8 Oakmere 171—8; Malpas 99 Woodford 102-1; Port Sunlight 85 Winnington Park 88-3; Stockport Trinity 119-4 Prestbury 116

Fixtures for Saturday (1.30pm)

Division One inc: Romiley v Barnton

Division Two inc: Chelford v Kingsley; Oakmere v Port Sunlight; Winnington Park v Stockport Trinity