OXTON could miss out on promotion from the First Division of The Right Move Abroad Cheshire County League after losing by 11 runs in a key match at Macclesfield, which left the victors celebrating the title.
In a fine match between two well-balanced sides, Macclesfield were bowled out for 132, Chris Stenhouse bowling well to return 5-49. Apart from veteran Peter Benson (50), the Oxton batting let them down and they were all out for 121, Craig Melrose 3-34, Evan Gulbis 3-24.
Oxton fell to third place, being overtaken by Heaton Mersey who scored an impressive 91-run win against Bollington, extending their successful sequence to seven wins and three draws.
Heaton Mersey go into their last game at Bredbury on 323 points, six ahead of Oxton, who travel to Wirral rivals Upton.
Birkenhead Park have given themselves a fine chance of escaping the drop with three wins in successive weeks. The latest was by 16 runs at home to Poynton after scoring 178 (Steve Langford 62). Poynton were bowled out for 162, John Costain returning a match-winning 4-27.
Park visit bottom team Alsager in their final game when a victory would ensure safety.
Cheadle Hulme clinched the Second Division title with an eight-wicket win at Congleton when skipper Ewan McCray was again the star with a 6-36 return.
Warrington moved into second spot when they beat wooden spoonists Winnington Park by five wickets at Walton Lea. Park mustered only 74, Paul Agar 4-15 and Warrington got home at 78-5 after a wobble, Liam Heaphy 39 no.
Grappenhall enjoyed a winning draw against Middlewich thanks to a century from Rick Green and they could pip Warrington for the second promotion place if they beat their neighbours at Broad Lane in the final game on Saturday.
Either Winnington or Congleton will be relegated to the Meller Braggins Cheshire League after Saturday’s games.
