BARNTON demonstrated the determination skipper Simon Hancock had asked for when they registered a narrow two-wicket victory over Port Sunlight.

Chasing a target of 111 to win, their top-order folded against Jimmy Roberts (6-31) when they were reduced to 40-6.

However a partnership worth 55 runs between James Hodgkinson (38) and Ben Wingfield (24no) put the hosts in a position from which Neil Langham helped finish the job at 111-8.

Hancock’s decision to field after winning the toss was vindicated when Langham bowled visiting captain Wayne Greve with the first ball of the contest.

Danny Nuttall (76) put on 52 with Danny Jones (17) to steady their side before Langham (4-33) struck again with another delivery that swung beautifully.

Pat Flanagan (3-14) and debutant Sam Connop (3-3), who took a wicket with his first ball in English cricket, continued to apply pressure as Port Sunlight closed on 110 all out.

New recruit Edward Faulkner made the difference for Ashton on Mersey as they inflicted a 51-run defeat on promoted Kingsley.

He made a run-a-ball 39 for the home team, who were under pressure at 117-7 before wicket-keeper Lee Brooks (24no) and tail-ender Josh Knowles (31no off 19 balls) accelerated to 184-9.

Adrian Burden took credit for the first wicket taken by the Crofters in the top-flight, running out David Patterson with a direct hit from 30 yards following a one-handed pick-up.

Travis Martin (2-51), Hayden Lanza (2-34) and Adrian Burden (2-38) shared the wickets, the former missing out on a hat-trick after dismissing opener Alex O’Gara (40) and captain James Marshall.

Kingsley were knocked over for 133, with Kieron Ollier (22) and skipper Toby Mullins (20) their highest scorers as Faulkner returned figures of 5-42.

Oakmere’s bowlers, led by Matt Howard with a five-fer, inspired their side to a five-wicket win at Overdale Lane against Chelford.

The visitors were back in the shed with only 97 runs on the board after losing the toss, with Nick Guest (3-7) and Matt Norton (2-41) supporting their teammate.

Captain Craig Phelan (21no) steadied the ship with Alex Hodges (14no) after coming together at 67-5, their 33-run stand for the sixth-wicket securing maximum points for the Division Two promotion-hopefuls.

Winnington Park endured an afternoon to forget after they fell to 41 all out against Stretton at the Rec.

Frustratingly for them, they were only chasing 76 to win.

Michael Dunning (5-14), Jonny Wales (3-30) and Sam Barnes (2-21) combined to bowl out the Warrington-based outfit for 75.

However only Martin Evans (18) made it to double-figures as his side collapsed in an early finish.

There was no play in Middlewich’s scheduled meeting with Woodford.

Results

Cheshire Cricket League

Week One

Saturday, April 21

Division One: Ashton on Mersey 184-9 Kingsley 133; Barnton 111-8 Port Sunlight 110; Cheadle Hulme 208-8 Disley 173-8; Prestbury 165-9 Bredbury St Mark’s 229-9; Stockport Georgians 91-7 Haslington 90. Cancelled: Lymm v Congleton

Division Two: Irby 96-9 Maritime 205-8; Oakmere 100-5 Chelford 97; Stockport Trinity 150 Ashley 86; Wilmslow 57 Poynton 47; Winnington Park 41 Stretton 75. Cancelled: Woodford v Middlewich