BARNTON Cricket Club B were one of only two teams to beat higher-ranked opponents in the Littler Cup second round.

They defeated Kelsall, who play three levels higher, by 50 chalks at Owley Wood to progress to the last 16.

Meadowbank B, also from Section Four, join them there following a slender five-point success against Wharton Rec at Winsford Cons.

A team from the fifth tier is guaranteed to make the quarter finals after Barnton were paired with Moulton RBL B, who progressed after Spinner & Bergamot B conceded their tie, in the third-round draw.

Elsewhere Castle Private A made it past Winnington A by a dozen shots after overturning a 92-chalk handicap at Meadowbank.

Wharton Cons A scored a full house in a decimation of Hartford A, while Frodsham Red Lion A overcame a tricky foe in Wharton Cons C.

The Premier Division outfit started 60 chalks adrift, but ran out victors by 20.

The closest tie of the round took place at Winnington Rec, where Comberbach B squeezed past Hazel Pear, from Section Three, B by four points.

Meanwhile Davenham A resisted a determined challenge from underdogs Owley Wood B at Comberbach, where they started 60 chalks adrift.

Barnton CC A, Comberbach A and Frodsham Red Lion C saw off Comberbach C, Rudheath B and Rudheath D respectively.

Six ties were conceded, gifting a free pass to Castle Private B, Owley Wood A, Moulton RBL A, Moulton RBL B, Rudheath A and Tarporley.

Holders Spinner & Bergamot A were eliminated by Winnington B, one of the sides to withdraw from the competition, in last month’s first round.

The last 16 ties are scheduled for Monday week, May 18.

Results

Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association

Littler Cup

Round Two, last Tuesday (handicap in brackets): Barnton CC A (70) 302 Comberbach C (110) 297; Castle Pvt A (4) 246 Winnington A (96) 234; Frodsham RL A (6) 252 Wharton Cons C (66) 232; Lostock Graylams (106) conceded to Tarporley RBL (110); Moulton RBL A (64) w/o Davenham B (110; Moulton RBL B (116) w/o Spinner & Bergamot B (130); Owley Wood A (38) w/o Meadowbank A (36); Rudheath D (140) 266 Frodsham RL C (46) 283; Wharton Rec (110) 318 Meadowbank B (124) 323.

Monday: Barnton CC C (130) conceded to Castle Pvt B (30); Comberbach B (50) 276 Hazel Pear B (96) 272; Davenham A (60) 312 Owley Wood B (120) 299; Hartford A (80) 178 Wharton Cons A (scr) 252; Kelsall (40) 243 Barnton CC B (110) 293; Rudheath A (24) w/o Winnington B (140); Rudheath B (34) 211 Comberbach A (6) 228.