OAKMERE’S seconds could not prevent unbeaten Runcorn from recording a ninth win of the campaign in Division A last Saturday.

The hosts posted 171-9 at Overdale Lane, where in-form Lewis Newall (50) scored a second successive half-century.

That included a partnership for the second wicket worth 51 runs with James Hodkinson (20).

Runcorn reached their target in the 37th over at 174-4, and remain top of the table from Romiley, while Andy Norton took 2-40.

Barnton’s seconds had the better of a draw with their Barrow counterparts in Division B West.

Opener Peter Cook (94) fell narrowly short of a century as the visitors ran up 219-6 off 45 overs, supported by Aidan Malley (43) and Nathan Lang (38) while Jon Ball took 3-57.

Barrow reached 181-8 in their reply.

Captain Matt Morley used half-a-dozen bowlers in an attempt to win the game, taking 4-40 himself after Derek Bowyer (3-34) had broken through early on.

Kingsley seconds lost a high-scoring encounter with Warrington thirds at the Croft, where the visitors successfully chased 258 to win.

Alex Wilson (95) and Tom Hughes (75) both contributed a half-century for the hosts as they ran up 257-6 before skipper Michael Lawless (27no) declared after 41 overs.

Warrington used the extra time effectively, recording a seven-wicket win at 261-3.

Winsford’s seconds suffered another defeat in Division C, this time by 60 runs away to Knutsford.

The home team put 211 on the board, with Phil Hall (3-46) and stand-in skipper Paul Hough (3-50) rewarded for their efforts.

However the visiting batsmen never got to grips with their opponents’ bowling attack, save for Mark Skellon (48), as they succumbed for 151 after losing their final five wickets for 11 runs.

Winnington’s seconds were left kicking their heels after hosts Mossley were unable to raise a team, handing Park maximum points.