WINSFORD secured their second victory in as many weeks in a dramatic victory by just five runs at Oakmere on Saturday.

After being put into bat on a poor wicket, Winsford lost their first five wickets for just 37 runs, all falling to Norton.

Only a gritty performance by Ian Lakin (28) and a few blows by Barry Crellin (33) and Colin Dean (21) gave Winsford any respectability.

After the break, Winsford showed their best bowling and fielding of the season, with Crellin and Andy Beswick particularly fired up.

Oakmere found themselves two wickets down without a run on the board. A third soon followed thanks to a superb catch by Chris Brandon.

Cork (32) and Groves (15) looked to be steering Oakmere to victory until Mark Dean bowled Groves. The bowler followed this up with two more wickets.

Andy Beswick then picked up the wicket of Cope, who fell to the catch of the day by Simon Torlop.

With nine wickets down Oakmere looked well beaten, but a stand of 31 took Oakmere to within six runs.

The heroic Mark Dean, however, took the final wicket with just 10 balls to go, to help Winsford continue their progress in the Meller Braggins League.

This weekend, the first XI are away to Weaverham.

Winsford 2nd XI entertained runaway leaders Oakmere 2nd XI and good early bowling by David Johnson restricted them to 37 for 2 before a stand of 80 put Oakmere back on top.

However, Martin Barrett's 4 for 29 helped peg the visitors backto 160 for 8.

Winsford's innings began like all the previous one with early wickets falling. Once again, it was the pairing of John Morgan and Barrett who helped put the wheels back in place.

The wicket of Barrett (24) was crucial, and with skipper Barraclough following, it was left to Morgan (44 not out), with valuable assistance from Brian Smith (26) to help Winsford to a tame draw, scoring five points to Oakmere's 13.

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