DAVENHAM’S second’s edged a thrilling encounter with Sale at Butcher’s Stile, where the home team celebrated a narrow one-wicket win.

Chasing 171, they were grateful to middle-order batsmen John O’Sullivan (54), Ryan Blackie (37) and Mark Jones (25no) for taking them to their victory target.

Andrew Simmons (3-20) and Jonny Korta (3-33) had been the pick of the hosts’ attack as they dismissed Sale for 170 after winning the toss.

Northwich’s second string suffered a six-wicket reverse at home to their Ashton on Mersey counterparts.

They posted 181-9 after being put in, with Simon James (62no) and Gladwin Cherian (51) both contributing half-centuries.

Peter Edmondson and Daniel Higgins both took three wickets for the visitors.

Ashton made it to their target in the 40th over after skipper David Patterson (56) and Jamie Wilmshurst (61) had set them on their way.

Weaverham’s seconds battled to a losing draw at home to Oulton Park, closing on 149-9.

They had toiled earlier in the field, in-form Ben Tomlinson (117no) swelling his runs-tally for the campaign with an unbeaten century as the men from Little Budworth racked up 246-3.

Tomlinson also took 5-45 to restrict the Russets after tea.

Middlewich were on the wrong end of a 172-run thrashing by Widnes at Haddon Field.

The visitors posted 246-3 before declaring, skipper Tim Wearden (111) and Phillip Catterall (87no) scoring the bulk of their runs.

Mike Byrne then took 4-6 during a 10-over spell that included six maidens, as the home team collapsed to 74 all out.

Craig Johnson (22) was one of only two batsmen to reach double figures.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Saturday, May 14

Second XI Division One: Bowdon 212  Warrington 157; Brooklands 149-8 Upton 146; Cheadle Hulme 102 Nantwich 156-9; Davenham 171-9 Sale 170; Grappenhall 219-9 Stockport 218-9; Oxton 133-8 Bramhall 77-9

Division Two: Christleton 191 Bredbury St Mark’s 142-8; Congleton 188-8 Bollington 190-9; Lindow 193-8 Alvanley 172-7; Middlewich 74 Widnes 246-3; Northwich 181-9 Ashton on Mersey 183-4