OULTON Park recorded a first victory in the Cheshire County League’s top-flight since 2011 after successfully reaching a target set by Grappenhall at Little Budworth.
Muhammad Bashir (95no) and Tom Hyslop (76) shared in a partnership worth 136 runs for the third wicket when the hosts replied to their guests’ 187-9.
The former struck 13 boundaries, and two sixes, as he played a starring role at the crease for a second successive week.
A collective effort from Oulton Park’s bowlers resulted in wickets falling at regular intervals after the home team won the toss.
Arthur Pennington (56) and later Gaz Burns (47) offered most resistance among the Warrington-based outfit’s batsmen while Matt Parkinson (3-55) and Craig Douglas (3-36) picked up three wickets each.
Muhammad Kashif weighed in with 2-46, including the wicket of Pennington at the top of the order.
Another mixed day for Grappers yesterday. The 1s struggles in the Prem continued after they lost by 6 wickets at Oulton Park.
— Grappenhall CC (@grapperscc) May 6, 2018
The 2s continued their remarkable start to life back in the Prem by beating Oulton Park to maintain their 100% start to the season! #UTG
Davenham played out a high-scoring draw in Division One with Hyde, who reached the final over of their chase 12 runs short.
However they almost claimed a thrilling victory, closing on 215-8 – just one away.
Stephen Bliss took 4-60 while Adam Garrod, a winter recruit from neighbours Barnton, claimed 2-44.
The visitors had posted 216-9 after being put in, led by a run-a-ball half-century by opener Ben Gough (68).
Elliot Alston (58no) provided a timely boost further down the order, while Daniel Cranmer (3-32) was the pick of Sale’s attack.
Northwich, after selecting a side that included nine graduates from their junior section, celebrated a maiden success of a new season in Division Two.
James Plant’s side improved at the crease, scoring 164-9 off 50 overs.
Glinoj Cherian (47) and the skipper himself, who scored 31, were the pick of the home team’s batsmen against promoted Runcorn at Moss Farm.
However the day belonged to youngster Jordan McDonough (5-16) when he claimed a first five-fer in senior cricket to help knock over the visitors for 86 in reply.
He enjoyed support from Andrew Dufty (3-14).
Weaverham endured an afternoon to forget in the field at Mobberley, who declared after running up 295-7.
Abdul Aqeel (100no), Matt Mountney (50), Ben Leigh (46) and Mark Goodstadt (45) were among the runs, while Kevin Douglas (4-45) toiled away for the Russets.
Very much a day to forget today for the boys. 71ao chasing 291. Lots to work on in the week and a tough learning curve for stand in captain @JakeWCC
— WeaverhamCC (@Weaverham_CC) May 5, 2018
He was also one of only three batsmen – James Bell (19) and Salman Hanif were the others – to reach double-figures after the turnaround as the visitors tumbled to 71 all out.
Aqeel (6-42) and Hank Schlaghecke (4-20) shared the wickets to fall.
Results
Week Three
Vivio Cheshire County League
ECB Premier Division: Alderley Edge 83-9 Chester Boughton Hall 167-9; Bramhall 83 Marple 113; Cheadle 184-9 Timperley 187-9; Didsbury 105 Toft 106-6; Nantwich 254-9 Neston 206-8; Oulton Park 189-4 Grappenhall 187-9.
Division One: Barrow 221-2 Sale 211-7; Hyde 215-8 Davenham 216-9; Maccesfield 136-5 Widnes 134; Oxton 156 Bowdon 180; Upton 79-1 Stockport 78; Urmston 161 Bollington 210-2.
Division Two: Alvanley 105 Romiley 67; Christleton 92 Warrington 112; Hale Barns 57 Brooklands 185; Lindow 155 Tattenhall 51; Mobberley 295-7 dec Weaverham 71; Northwich 164-9 Runcorn 86.
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