KEVIN Douglas produced his best bowling performance in close to three years as Weaverham’s fight-back at Warrington ended in vain.

With the Russets protecting a small total, he took 6-38 – a first five-for in a league fixture since September 2014 – to put the frighteners on their hosts at Walton Lea.

However the home team limped to 109-8 to inflict on Ian Eaton’s men an eighth reverse in 10 first division games this season.

A late-order collapse, when the final four wickets fell in successive deliveries to an inspired James Rudd, had earlier seen Weaverham dismissed for 108 after being put in.

Eaton (30) and James Lewis (24) put on 48 runs for the third wicket.

Oulton Park moved 22 points clear at the table’s summit after cruising to an eight-wicket win at Sale in the same section.

They knocked over their hosts for 96 after winning the toss, with overseas signing Muhammad Kashif (5-18) and Andrew Hards (3-33) doing the damage after Joe Cannon scored 41 at the top of the order.

Opening pair Martyn East (32) and Danny Leech (37no) led the way in the visitors’ reply, which reached 97-2 in the 24th over.

Davenham, unbeaten in their first eight matches, have now lost the past two following seven-run reverse at home to Bollington.

They could be forgiven for feeling confident after holding their guests to 156 all out, with Robin Taylor (5-53) the pick of their attack.

Ryan Blackie and Ben Gough (both 2-26) provided support.

However the visitors’ bowlers turned up trumps to dismiss Davenham for 149, captain Danny Hancock (46) unable to take his side to victory after a seventh-wicket stand worth 72 with Blackie (14).

Bolly’s match-winner was Barbadian pace-man Dario Searle, who took 4-28.

Northwich’s bowlers endured a difficult afternoon in the field at Moss Farm, where visiting Brooklands amassed the league’s highest total of the day with 292-4.

Captain AJ Hart (119no) shone by scoring an unbeaten century, supported by wicket-keeper Alex Edwards (51no) and Kevin Carroll (43), while James Gittings took 2-72.

Northwich reached 188 in reply after openers Luke Tapsfield (42) and Gladwin Cherian (26) had laid a foundation.

Stand-in skipper Lee Evans added 38 and Matthew Dufty 21, but Rob Leach (6-55) was Brooklands’ match-winner.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Week 10

Saturday, June 24

Division One: Davenham 149 Bollington 156; Macclesfield 247-9 Widnes 125-9; Marple 197-3 Upton 196-5; Sale 96 Oulton Park 97-2; Urmston 140-6 Oxton 137; Warrington 109-8 Weaverham 108

Division Two: Alvanley 187-6 Lindow 136; Bredbury St Mark’s 210 Christleton 256; Cheadle Hulme 76 Romiley 78-5; Mobberley 145 Tattenhall 148-9; Northwich 188 Brooklands 292-4; Stockport 185-8 Barrow 189-6