SATURDAY saw the Vale Royal derby clash of Barnton and Winsford at Broomsedge.

Winsford entered the game with a vague threat of relegation and needed just seven points to stave off the threat without relying on other results.

Barnton captain Steve Yarwood won the toss and as seems to be the norm this year Winsford batted first.

A flying start from the openers brought 18 off the first three overs before Mark Nicholas skied a pull to midwicket.

This brought Barry Crellin (30) to the crease and he kick started an excellent day for the Winsford batsmen.

Jon Phillips (33) Nigel Wakefield (37) Colin Dean (28) and Mark Dean (22) all contributed as Winsford reached 198-9.

Barnton's innings started well with Nick Yarwood and Matt Bebbington looking assured before Yarwood was adjudged lbw to Dave Tierney for 22.

This brought Paul Coot to the crease and his partnership with Bebbington was the most productive of the innings before Crellin had him down the legside for 43 with the score on 118.

The game could have gone either way at this point, but Winsford's hold was secured when captain Steve Yarwood ran out Matt Bebbington for 48.

Mike Clarke (1-28), Crellin (2-49) and Dave Tierney (4-38) all weighed in with wickets as Barnton made 179-8.