THE poor batting displays of Weaverham and Winsford at Knight's Grange on Saturday may explain why both are so far down the Meller Braggins One table this season.

It was Weaverham's turn to show their ineptitude first, as they slumped to 51-8. However, Alan Bell (26) and the experienced Gordon Allen (20) showed how it should be done as they took the score to 109 all out.

Despite the lively wicket this was a very gettable target for Winsford, who were keen to build on the success of bowlers Andy Beswick (3-18), Mark Dean (3-41), Mark Skellon (2-13), Colin Dean (1-14) and skipper Andy Johnson (1-7).

Winsford reached 35 with no hint of the drama that was to follow, and after losing Johnson for 31, the batting collapsed with the predictability of a pub comedian's punchline.

Only Skellon, who made 17 before being sublimely clean bowled by Atherton, and Colin Dean (13) managed double figures as Bell took 5-29 and Allen 4-22.

They embarrassed Winsford with both bat and ball, combining to reduce them to 95 all out and win by 14 runs.

This Saturday, Weaverham are at home to Old Parkonians, while Winsford travel to Irby.

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