ELWORTH increased their lead to 26 points in Division 1A of the Pipemaster North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Cricket League with a home victory over Cheadle on Saturday.

Cheadle made an early breakthrough as Simon Hardstaff was removed for one, bringing in professional Andre Percival who staged a superb 157 run second wicket partnership with Hudson. Ryan departed in the 39th over for 61, making his transition into the first team look very easy.

Percival went on to reach his second century of the season and make 130 not out in an Elworth total of 220 for 4 declared after only 51 overs because of injuries to 2 Cheadle batsmen while in the field, including their professional and top batsmen Paul Shaw.

Cheadle started their chase quickly, moving to 25 in just five overs before a mini collaspe with Paul Crompton taking out both openers and Higgins claiming a scalp,to reduce them to 35 for 3. Salt and Pickles steadyed the ship with a stand of 62 until another burst of wickets came with Percival taking three in quick succession.

At 113 for 6, Cheadle needed 108 from the last 20 overs and Salt launched a bid for victory with the tail-enders, adding 27 runs for each of the next three wickets. Higgins held his nerve though to claim all of them despite conceding 38 runs in 5 overs and in-form keeper Thurston ended faint hopes, taking his third catch to leave Cheadle all out for 198.

Elworth are at Betley next Saturday.

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