OULTON Park skipper Andy McIlroy went for just 34 runs in 22 overs to stifle Bramhall's run chase and again ensure his side avoided defeat against the odds.

After making just 130-6 in their 55 overs, Park needed such a miserly performance from perhaps the best green-top bowler in the Murray Smith County League.

They can also thank McIlroy for making their batting total anywhere near defendable as his unbeaten 19 took them from just 93 after 45 overs to their final score.

John Davies top scored with 37, and Greg Dimery made 22, but it was a struggle on what was very much a bowler's wicket.

This proved more than favourable to McIlroy, who complemented his tight deliveries with another five-wicket haul as Bramhall finished on 120-7.

It wasn't a one-man show, however. Dimery removed Lancashire opener Paddy McKeown for a duck, and some committed fielding was also instrumental in keeping the score down. Mike Bolger played the innings of the day, 53 not out.

The draw was far more favourable to Oulton, as third placed Bramhall cut the deficit between them by just one point, leaving them 17 points off their second placed visitors.

Even more encouraging is that Bramhall, Alvanley and leaders Alderley Edge, all of whom Park have already faced, are still to play each other.

Oulton Park's cup form is also flourishing as last week they reached the final of the North Wales and Cheshire Cup.

In the semi-final, they dismissed Mold for 134 after making 180-2. Dimery scored 55, Steve Dublin 60.

Oulton Park 2nd XI had to contend with Alvanley's 1st team batsman Steve Zyuma on Saturday - after he was dropped for not making enough runs.

He soon put this right at Little Budworth with a magnificent unbeaten 133, as his team posted 254-6.

Oulton responded bravely with 226 all out. Mike Lindley made 61, Steve Wright 50.

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