Winnington Park 1st XI slipped into the relegation places for the first time this season following an eight wicket defeat against Malpas on Saturday.
Upon winning the toss, Park captain Mike Johns had no hesitation in choosing to bat despite missing many of his first team regulars.
Having lost two early wickets, the experienced pair of GregMcKeown (21) and Mike Johns (58) laid the foundations.
Johns played a number of classy drives to bring up his first half century of the season, but when he hauled out in the deep to the spin of Ward (3-27), Park looked to be struggling.
However, the tail wagged, with Michael Dunning (21) and Mike Begbie (13) getting Park to a competitive score of 147. Pace-man Phil Johnson (6-72) doing the damage for Malpas.
Malpas made short work of the target Winnington set. Chasing down the runs required in 33 overs with eight wickets to spare. Rob Ward (64no) anchored the innings, and was supported well by Adrian Stubbs (40) and Jon Suckley (35no). Spin bowlers Michael Dunning and Jonathan Wales picked up a wicket a piece for Park.
Following the game, Park captain Michael Johns said; "The difference between the sides was not as great as the scoreboard suggests. We were probably 40 runs short with the bat, but the lads were great in the field and didn't give up. Next week we'll be looking to get back on track when we visit Ashton-on-Mersey".
Winnington Park CC 1st XI - 147ao (35.3 overs)
Malpas CC 1st XI - 148-2 ( 33 overs)
Malpas CC win