ALVANLEY'S long run of good form hit a new high on Saturday as they entertained leaders Outlon Park in the match-of-the-day.

Second place and promotion is the priority for Alvanley this season but Saturday's dismantling on Oulton closes the gap and could make the Division B championship a possibility.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat on a flat dry wicket.

Any thoughts of a flying start were soon put to rest by Andy Senior and Ben Large. Senior passed the outside edge regularly without any reward but at the other end Large was at his incisive best.

Swinging the ball both ways he dismissed both opening batsmen and conceded just 18 runs from a 10 over spell. Fourteen for two became 35 for three as Fisher began his work. Davis and Johnson added 60 for the fourth wicket but then Fisher and Elviss really got to work. They reduced Park to 126 for nine. Elviss took three for 39 and Fisher four for 56.

At this point Oulton Park declared to deny Alvanley the chance of 25 points.

Alvanley's reply got away to an awful start. Ingram, Cook and Bennion were all sent back with just 15 on the board.

From this point onwards Andy Senior and Rob Fisher flayed the bowling to all parts of the ground.

Andy Senior hit a six and five fours in his 40, but it was Fisher who stole the show hitting nine fours and an enormous six to finish with 68.

Pickersgill and Carolan finished the job off with 20 overs to spare to secure 20 points and the sweetest of victories.

The promotion drive continues this Saturday at Cholmondley but victory must be achieved without all-rounder Andy Senior.

The Second XI also secured victory against Oulton Park.

Oulton batted first and posted 178 for six. Jolion Farra bagged two for 43 and Robbie Roam two for 15.

In replay Reg Haslam notched an unbeaten 78 while John Alberquerque (33 no) and Richie Lewis (28) played the supporting roles and Alvanley passed the target with seven wickets and six overs to spare.

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