Winnington Park 3rd XI captain Paul Morris led from the front with an explosive 94 as Park comfortably swept aside Neston’s 5th team to return to the top of the league.
In beautiful Cheshire surroundings, the Northwich side fielded a healthy mix of youth and experience, which once again proved to be the perfect blend.
Bowling first, Park struggled early on as Neston raced to 70-0 from 6 overs. After Stephen Riley (2-39) had made the breakthrough, tight spells from Ash Houghton (5-41) and Dan Barnes (1-16) pegged Neston back. After Dan Barnes had finished his spell, Peter Room (2-17) took over and bowled with good flight to take the innings’ last two wickets.
In reply, Morris started brightly, and played his shots freely. Sam Barnes went for 0, but Sam Speak (10) batted solidly to support Morris. After Speak had gone with the score on 70, Paterson joined the skipper and played a disciplined, sensible knock, as he refused to give his wicket away.
Morris passed 50 and Park began to look comfortable, especially with 60 overs to meet their target.
The captain blasted several more boundaries but skied one to mid-off just six runs short of his ton, however by that stage the game was always in Winnington’s hands.
Peter Room (0) failed to open his run count for the season, but Alan Stone hit a cameo 18* to seal the victory, with Paterson 14* at the other end.
Neston 165ao.
Winnington Park 169-4.
Park win by six wickets.
In beautiful Cheshire surroundings, the Northwich side fielded a healthy mix of youth and experience, which once again proved to be the perfect blend.
Bowling first, Park struggled early on as Neston raced to 70-0 from 6 overs. After Stephen Riley (2-39) had made the breakthrough, tight spells from Ash Houghton (5-41) and Dan Barnes (1-16) pegged Neston back. After Dan Barnes had finished his spell, Peter Room (2-17) took over and bowled with good flight to take the innings’ last two wickets.
In reply, Morris started brightly, and played his shots freely. Sam Barnes went for 0, but Sam Speak (10) batted solidly to support Morris. After Speak had gone with the score on 70, Paterson joined the skipper and played a disciplined, sensible knock, as he refused to give his wicket away.
Morris passed 50 and Park began to look comfortable, especially with 60 overs to meet their target.
The captain blasted several more boundaries but skied one to mid-off just six runs short of his ton, however by that stage the game was always in Winnington’s hands.
Peter Room (0) failed to open his run count for the season, but Alan Stone hit a cameo 18* to seal the victory, with Paterson 14* at the other end.
Neston 165ao.
Winnington Park 169-4.
Park win by six wickets.