RADBROKE132 for 5

Heaton Mersey131 for 6

RADBROKE Hall secured a five wicket win against Heaton Mersey to maintain their title chances.

The home side elected to bat first in good conditions, but were soon in trouble as Radbroke strike bowler Neil Almond (2 for 36) took two early wickets with just a single on the board.

Despite the early setback the hosts clawed themselves back into a respectable position as the Radbroke bowlers struggled to take wickets.

Skipper Keith Hughes, with 1 for 14, was the pick of the bowlers and set a fine example of line and length bowling.

At tea HMV had reached 131 for 6 which on a wicket with variable bounce was never going to be easy.

Radbroke lost opener Christison early and Owen departed soon after for a quick 22.

It was then Walter Reynolds (40) and Mark Price (26) carved out a winning position.

Darryl Bowdens arrival at the wicket provided the final positive push required and eventually Radbroke scrambled home at the start of the penultimate over.

The 20 points gained keeps Radbroke on course for honours with five matches to go.

Next week Radbroke play Wistaston away.