HASLINGTON'S eagerly-awaited return to action ended up in a heavy defeat.

Whitmore did serious damage with the ball before completing a five-wicket victory on their own turf, last Saturday.

A miserable May and its recent downpours have affected the Clay Lane boys more than most.

And the inactivity looked to have played a part in this clash - a lack of time at the crease all too obvious.

There were no contributions of serious note as the Whitmore bowlers dominated.

Andrew Whitehead (3-31), Abdul Aqeel (3-20) and Daniel Hancock (3-10) all played their part in condemning Haslington's innings to a meagre end - skittled for under three figures with just 93 on the board.

The visitors did their best to launch a similar assault, Sohail Tanvir being the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-52.

But Aqeel top scored with 31 to help the hosts to their fourth win of the season and another 20 points.

They now head NSSC Division Two with the top half of the table beginning to break away.

Not consoled by only three points, Haslington now slip into the bottom two.

They need to get out of the rut soon.

A trip to second-placed Ashcombe Park is next on Saturday.