DAVENHAM became only the second team to beat Oulton Park in the Cheshire County League this season when they edged a low-scoring encounter last Saturday.

Defending 148, they dismissed their in-form hosts – victors in their previous five Division One matches – for 134 at Little Budworth.

A combined bowling effort, during which Stephen Bliss (2-16), Robin Taylor (2-35) and captain Dan Hancock (2-27) claimed a brace apiece, secured a 14-run victory.

Elliott Ashwell (43no) and Andrew Mills (23) were the only ones to offer resistance after openers Martyn East (23) and Danny Leech (19) had departed.

Wicket-keeper Mike Sambell held on to four catches.

He also contributed 39 to his side’s 148 all out, while Hancock made 36 off 40 balls lower down the order.

Muhammad Kashif (4-19) continued his fine season with the ball, but it was not enough to prevent his side’s lead at the table’s summit from being trimmed to a dozen points.

Weaverham’s bowlers almost secured for their side an unlikely victory for a second successive Saturday, this time against fellow-strugglers Sale.

The Russets were knocked over for 129 after winning the toss, with Jake Lightfoot (36no) and Rob Dickinson (31) their leading scorers while Alasdair Barrowman returned best of the day figures for the division of 5-43.

Sale then wavered at 90-8 before Jeremy McFarlane (38no) and Mo Ali (14no) carried them to 133-8.

George McCormick (4-38) and Kevin Douglas (2-40) toiled to give their back-markers hope, but to no avail.

Northwich could not prevent Division Two leaders Barrow from taking another step towards promotion by racking up their eighth win of the campaign.

The men from Moss Farm totalled 191-8, the highlight of which was a 98-run partnership for the second wicket between Luke Tapsfield (72) and Chandrika Wathukarage (42).

Captain Mark Walker (27) also put on 51 for the fourth wicket with the former.

Former Oulton Park man Iro de Silva took 5-62.

Barrow replied with 192-5 after Andy Metcalf (47no) finished a job started by skipper Alex Reid (36) and David McClements (41) during a 52-run stand.

Andy Dufty returned figures of 4-53.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Week 11

Saturday, July 1

Division One: Bollington 200-9 Urmston 169-9 Marple 223-7 Macclesfield 186-7; Oulton Park 134 Davenham 148; Oxton 76 Upton 77-5; Weaverham 129 Sale 133-8; Widnes 214-4 Warrington 210-8

Division Two: Barrow 192-5 Northwich 191-8; Brooklands 146-8 Bredbury St Mark’s 145; Cheadle Hulme 98 Alvanley 99-8; Christleton 147-9 Lindow 132-9; Romiley 198-7 Mobberley 196-6; Tattenhall 113 Stockport 202