NANTWICH finally broke their duck with a thumping victory at Birkenhead Park.

Almost endless washouts have held the Dabbers back this season but they finally got that first win out of the way, last Saturday.

And they did it in convincing fashion, hammering the hosts by nine wickets.

Aussie Steve Paulsen orchestrated the annihilation with a fantastic all-round display.

The stand-in skipper claimed 5-41 before smashing an unbeaten 79 to wrap up maximum points.

Holding fifth spot in Cheshire County Cricket League's ECB Premier, Birkenhead won the toss and decided to bat.

The Dabbers then took charge from then on.

Paceman Barrington Browne picked up a couple of early wickets to leave the hosts deep in trouble and far too cautious.

Paulsen then got to work as Park struggled throughout, number seven Mahmood top scoring with 30.

Browne (3-37) eventually had him caught lbw and Paulsen almost cleared up the tail with Birkenhead closing on a disappointing 124-9 off 55 overs.

Although they lost Simpson for just four, Nantwich powered home from that point.

Paulsen opened his shoulder on the way to 79 off just 68 balls with opener Olly Sadler keeping him company, hitting 37.

A nice 25 points puts Nantwich mid-table.

They entertain rock-bottom Toft, this Saturday.