WINSFORD Cricket Club took a stroll in the sunshine at Weaverham to record their third successive Meller Braggins League victory.

After being asked to field in the sweltering heat, they kept the home side under constant pressure with disciplined bowling and an almost faultless display of fielding.

Weaverham started quickly through Harris and Caldwell though the unpredictable wicket, coupled with accurate bowling by Andy Beswick and Barry Crellin, seemed sure to produce a breakthrough.

This came from Crellin in the 10th over, and when the Dean brothers joined the attack the writing was on the wall.

Mark Dean had Cross well, caught at gully by Simon Torlop, quickly followed by a strike from brother Colin.

A few overs later, the pair shared four more wickets in the space of just six balls, including the dangerous John Lightfoot, who scored 39.

Mark took three in four balls in a devastating spell, finally returning figures of 5-16, while brother Colin notched 2-30 and Barry Crellin 2-47. Weaverham closed the innings on 140-9.

After tea, Winsford skipper Andy Cooper put himself in the firing line to start the reply with stalwart Paul Yearsley, who produced his best score of the season.

At a steady rate, the opening pair demolished the home attack, defying the scorching heat to put on 91 before Cooper fell to Lightfoot for an excellent 43.

Yearsley went on to a solid unbeaten 58 and Crellins's powerful 24 helped Winsford reach the target and win by nine wickets in the 44th over. They took 22 points back to Knight's Grange.

This Saturday, Winsford 1st XI are at home to high-flying Mere.

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