WINSFORD returned to winning ways in style on Saturday, downing Tranmere Victoria at Knights Grange.

Opener Devon Hughes (74no) carried his bat for the hosts as they ran up 174-4, a total boosted by quick-fire contributions from captain Lee Ward (28) and Mark Skellon (34no).

The visitors lost wickets regularly in reply, with Hughes running out Mark O’Brien (34) before catching Ben England off the bowling of Andrew Etchells (3-34).

Ward also ran out Jonathan McGowan as Tranmere’s innings closed 30 runs short on 144.

Daniel Holtom (2-21) and Andrew Sellars (2-35) chipped in too.

In Division One, Barnton lost by five wickets at home to in-form Ashton on Mersey.

Simon Hancock’s men were in trouble at 45-6 before Dan Gilbert (70no) and Aiden Malley (25) added 58 runs together for the seventh wicket, the Australian eventually steering his side to 174-9 by the close.

A swift start to Ashton’s reply was halted when Hancock held on to a brilliant catch to dismiss Alex O’Gara before Gilbert (2-39) removed the visitors’ other opener.

However two fumbles in the outfield proved costly as Fred Kamstra (60 off 58 balls) and Lee Brooks (30) shared in a stand worth 77 that helped Barnton’s opponents reach their target with 10 overs to spare.

Middlewich fell narrowly short chasing 193 to beat Irby in the same section.

Luke Blanchard (55) and Richard Clorley (46) were the pick of their batsmen as they were bowled out for 188 at Haddon Field.

Mark Sinclair took 4-52.

The Wirral outfit had earlier posted 192-8, with Kieran Boyle (4-31) and Stephen Parry (2-55) leading the way for Middlewich.

Travis Martin’s return for Kingsley was a match-winning one as they strengthened their hold on first place in Division Two.

The Australian all-rounder took 5-46, and dived sideways to claim a catch that dismissed opener Adam Phillips (31) off the bowling of Adrian Burden, as visitors Prestbury were dismissed for 149.

Ben Stoddart took 3-26.

Opener Danny Mullins (61) played attractive drives through the covers during the hosts’ reply, but it was star turn Martin (41no off 45 balls) that finished the job at 153-5.

“It was a fantastic performance,” reflected captain Toby Mullins afterwards.

“To have Travis back is a huge boost, while it was great to see my brother score some runs too.”

Oakmere’s bowlers had too small a total to defend during a three-wicket reverse at Poynton.

However they almost managed an unlikely victory, with Nick Guest (4-19) and CJ van der Walt (2-28) making sure the home team earned their victory.

The men from Overdale Lane had been sent back for 96 thanks to Daniel Williams (4-20) and James Williams (3-26).

A promising opening, when their first five batsmen – led by Jonny Wales (36) and Kendol Richardson (27) – all made starts, lost momentum later as they posted a modest 158-8.

The visitors were favourites for a straightforward victory after skipper Humayun Khalid (56) scored a half-century, only for three outstanding catches on the boundary from student Peter Room to peg them back.

Wales (3-40), Pat Clear (2-42) and Alex Birchenall (2-21) gave Park hope of pulling off an unlikely victory before their guests scored the runs they required from the penultimate delivery.

“We can hold our heads high,” reflected Park captain Alec Butcher afterwards.

“The boys showed grit and spirit to almost grab a memorable victory.”

Hartford endured an afternoon to forget after they were skittled for 35 at Styal in Division Five.

The day had started with promise when Rob Whittle took 7-60, supported by Gopal Raju (3-40), in the home team’s 214 all out.

Results

UKFast Cheshire Cricket League

Week Six

Saturday, May 27

Division One: Barnton 174-9 Ashton on Mersey 177-5; Hale Barns 183-6 Runcorn 182-9; Haslington 225-6 Congleton 164-8; Lymm 170-9 Disley 225-8; Middlewich 188 Irby 192-8; Stockport Georgians 173-8 Port Sunlight 107-8

Division Two: Ashley 183-5 Heaton Mersey 81; Bunbury 153-7 Wilmslow 155-6; Poynton 102-7 Oakmere 96; Prestbury 149 Kingsley 153-5; Winnington Park 158-8 Chelford 159-9; Woodford 153-3 Stockport Trinity 152

Division Four: Holmes Chapel 178-8 Audlem 83; Old Parkonians 217-6 Knutsford 166; Westminster Park 118 Pott Shrigley 165; Winsford 174-4 Tranmere Victoria 144

Division Five: Kerridge 104 Bowdon Vale 107-3 Mellor 124 Frodsham 158; Mossley 178-4 Malpas 130; Saughall 182-5 dec Rostherne 31; Styal 214 Hartford 35