WINSFORD Cricket Club banished their disappointing league form to reach their first final for five years last week.

Their crushing eight wicket win over Crewe Rolls Royce at Knight's Grange took them to the Quinn Foden Cheshire Shield final.

Crewe batted first and blazed into a good position by scoring 75 off the first 15 overs, thanks mainly to Chris Jones, who went on to make 59.

However, once Winsford tightened up their bowling, wickets fell and Crewe were grateful for some late tail end resistance to finish on 151-9.

Winsford started badly, losing their first wicket with the score on 20, but positive strokes from Andy Johnson pulled them towards the total.

The captain made 62 not out, backed up well by a flourishing 48 from Mark Skellon.

Mark Dean, who finished on 5 not out, also chipped in at the end, ensuring Winsford reached their total with 10 overs to spare.

Winsford now travel to Malpas on Sunday, August 27 for the final.

However, in the league, things failed to improve on Saturday as Winsford were this time on the receiving end of an eight wicket defeat.

Only a fighting 23 from Johnson and a 33 from Mr Consistency Colin Dean showed any resistance as Lindow skittled their hosts for 105.

Mark Skellon's 13 was the only other double figure contribution, while Rob Davies was unfortunate enough to be run out on his debut - without facing a ball!

The target was never going to be a problem, although a combination of the elements and Andy Beswick almost conspired to give Winsford an unlikely draw.

However, the partnership of Joshi (38no) and Lawton (31no), saw Lindow home comfortably.

Beswick, as ever, bowled his heart out for 2-49, including the wicket of last week's centurion Smith, caught magnificently by Mark Dean.

Winsford visit Chelford, who have the same amount of points as them, for a relegation battle on Saturday, where they must win to give themselves some breathing space in Meller Braggins One.

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