MIDDLEWICH CC have all but preserved their county league status.

The men from Haddon Field need just four points to secure their spot in the Cheshire County Cricket League Division Two for next season.

Captain Richard Clorley praised his team's effort.

He said: "We were in danger but responded positively and with style".

Middlewich cruised to a comfortable eight-wicket win at already doomed Brooklands on Saturday after a brilliant bowling display from openers Keith Hallam and Phil Davies.

The pair claimed five wickets apiece as the home side's batsmen struggled to contend with their accuracy and penetration, closing on 104 all out.

Only three of them made it to double figures.

Clorley said: "It was a must-win game, so getting off to a great start helped calm our nerves."

He felt even better when Andrew Cole and Gavin Tomlinson (41) shared a 63-run stand for the first wicket.

Phil Parry, Middlewich's outstanding performer with the bat this season, then saw the innings through with a quickfire unbeaten 28 as the visitors closed on 105-2.

Clorley added: "Andy and Gav got the reply off to a perfect start.

"Gav was particularly focused and his contribution was valuable in taking us towards the target."

They host Grappenhall in the final league match of the season on Saturday, starting at 12.30pm.