WINSFORD'S run of three consecutive Meller Braggins League wins ended on Saturday as they lost by 76 runs to Mere.

Bowling first, Winsford dropped opening batsman Green in the second over and this proved very costly as he went on to carry his bat through the innings.

He scored 89 runs in the 45 over innings, and helped by a quickfire 45 from Danny Eckstein, Mere posted a total of 184-4.

The home bowling did not attain its usual standard and only Andy Beswick (3-57) and Barry Crellin (1-42) gave Winsford their bowling points.

The batting response started well but within the space of the seventh and eighth overs, three wickets fell which effectively took the game away from them.

Only Mark Dean (28) and Crellin (27) batted with any purpose.

Although the tailenders made a good effort to save the match the last wicket fell in the 44th over with the score on 107.

Winsford took two points, Mere 25. The first XI travel to Pott Shrigley on Saturday, lying eighth in the table.

WINSFORD 2nd XI took part in a thriller at Mere, failing to reach their victory target by just one run.

After winning the toss and putting their hosts into bat, some good early bowling, by Dave Johnson in particular, had Mere struggling at 22 for 4.

It took a fine 52 from Anderton, accompanied by some tail end slogging to help push the score on to an admirable 162 all out, with Derek Sargeant returning figures of 5-42.

Richard Evers and Martin Barrett got the Winsford reply off to a flyer, putting on 61 for the first wicket with only one scare when Mere sportingly re-instated Evers when it was adjudged he was obstructed going for a second run.

The partnership ended with Barrett being bowled for 27.

With wickets beginning to fall around him, and in the face of some intimidating barracking, Evers completed his 50 and with 13 needed off four overs, with four wickets in hand, it seemed like the job was done.

Sadly for the youngster, the victory he richly deserved eluded him when panic shots at the other end resulted in dot balls.

With three needed off the last ball, Evers was finally run out for 61 and the game was drawn. Mere took 12 points, Winsford nine. This weekend, the second XI host Pott Shrigley 2nd XI.

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