NORTHWICH recovered from an early batting collapse to hold Holmes Chapel.

The home side stumbled to 45-5 before Nigel Goolding and John Hughes hauled them out of trouble.

Goolding grabbed a half century and Hughes hit 35 as the pair put on 86.

Simon James' unbeaten 24 guided the Moss Farm men to 188-9 and full batting bonus points.

The visitors suffered a wobble of their own when Matt Lightburn made early inroads, but Northwich could not capitalise.

Lightburn finished with figures of 4-52, while Goolding topped off a fine performance as he took 3-18.

Holmes Chapel closed on 155-7, posting nine points against the 14 claimed by their hosts.

l Northwich 2nds made the most of a short boundary to continue their fine form.

Veterans Nick Shaw and Mark O'Neil helped themselves to four wickets apiece to restrict Holmes Chapel to 179-9 off 45 overs.

Skipper Andy Gerrard top scored with 83 as Northwich reached their target with two overs to spare.

l David Murphy skittled Capenhurst 2nds in less than two hours as the 3rds claimed an easy win.

He took six wickets in a stellar 13-over spell as Capenhurst crumbled to 34 all out.

Skipper James Dufty put his faith in the juniors to reach the total, which they did losing only three wickets.

The following day Dufty led his men to a convincing win over Rylands 2nds in the Cheshire Alliance Knockout.

Northwich reached their target of 138 with five wickets still standing.