DAVENHAM ended a six-match sequence without a victory at a perfect moment to boost their hopes of avoiding the drop.

A six-wicket success at Oxton last Saturday leaves them 28 points clear of the Cheshire County League Division One relegation zone with three matches left.

And a brilliant bowling performance, which saw Ben Gough (5-34) and Ryan Blackie (4-25) join forces to knock over the home team for 95, was a foundation for their fourth win of the campaign.

Opener James Loveridge (42) anchored their reply before Adam Garrod (13no) and Sam Hunt (15no) eased the visitors to their target.

Promotion-chasing Widnes are their guests this weekend at Butcher’s Stile.

Weaverham also improved their chances of remaining in the county league after a thrilling five-run win at Runcorn in Division Two.

The Russets bowled out their hosts for 142 thanks to a collective effort led by Zulqarnain Aslam (3-33) and Doug Pinnington (3-34) with support from Kevin Douglas (2-21) and Salman Hanif (2-7).

They had early had to recover from a slow start to their own innings, and contributions down the order from Tom Hulse (32) and James Bell (28) followed a knock from captain Ian Eaton (26) as they closed on 147-9 in a contest affected by rain.

Weaverham are three points adrift of third-bottom Mobberley ahead of a visit from Warrington on Saturday.

Northwich suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat at home to promotion-chasing Lindow in the same section after they were skittled for 59.

Tim Young, with 6-22, did the damage as only Nicholas Verma and Mark Walker (18) posted double-digit score.

Major Khan (44no) led a cruise to victory inside 14 overs.

Oulton Park’s bowlers had too small a total to defend in a reverse at home to Neston in a Premier Division fixture at Little Budworth.

They were sent back for just 105 after losing the toss, opener Danny Leech (25), Tom Hyslop (20) and captain Patrick Roberts (19) all making starts they couldn’t build on.

Luke Jones (5-19) was the star performer for the visitors, while Ashley Davis (2-29) and Guy Reeve (2-12) offered support.

Skipper David Hurst (50no off 41 balls) steered his side to 107-3 in the 22nd over after Muhammad Kashif (2-44) had followed an initial breakthrough by Matt Parkinson (1-35).

Oulton Park, seventh in the table, must beat their guests Alderley Edge this weekend to keep alive any hopes of a top-half finish on their first season back in the top-flight.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Week 19

Saturday, August 25

ECB Premier Division: Alderley Edge 188-5 Didsbury 170-9; Cheadle 206-5 Bramhall 199; Chester Boughton Hall 260-6 dec Grappenhall 100; Nantwich 95-3 Marple 89; Oulton Park 105 Neston 107-3; Timperley 197-8 Toft 191-8

Division One: Bollington 104-7 Stockport 186-6; Macclesfield 112 Hyde 237-9; Oxton 95 Davenham 99-4; Upton 162-4 Bowdon 161; Urmston 167 Barrow 243-7; Widnes 178-5 dec Sale 92

Division Two: Alvanley 165-9 Tattenhall 167-5; Christleton 236 Mobberley 167-7; Hale Barns 131 Romiley 144-9; Northwich 59 Lindow 63-0; Runcorn 142 Weaverham 147-9; Warrington 115 Brooklands 117-1