CHESHIRE star Nathan Dumelow stole the show as Oulton Park overwhelmed Neston.

Skipper Dumelow scored an unbeaten century and took five wickets to preserve the champions' unbeaten start to the season.

And he received stellar support from Chris Bassano on the way to an eight-wicket win.

Park put their hosts in after winning the toss, and Stuart Eaton immediately broke through.

Chris Hackett (82) helped Neston to 196-3 before they promptly collapsed to lose the final seven wickets for just 27 runs.

Danny Jones weighed in with 2-38 for the Little Budworth side, while 16-year-old Craig Williamson continued to impress with two catches.

In reply Oulton Park lost Danny Leech and Jonny Kettle cheaply before Bassano joined Dumelow for a match-winning stand of 189.

Bassano (83no) hit 11 fours and a six in his innings while Dumelow (129no) struck 10 fours and 10 sixes to inspire his side to a resounding victory.

Park face a tough weekend with two fixtures that could shape their season.

Bowdon visit Little Budworth in the league on Saturday before Park travel to Heaton Mersey the following day to continue their defence of the Cheshire Cup.

l DUMELOW was not the only Park player in the runs at the weekend, as Johnny Guest fired 58 for the 2nds.

Steve Yates (43) and Chris Blake (35) played their part as Oulton reached 219-8 at home to Upton.

But their depleted bowling attack proved no match for their guests, who passed their target with five wickets still standing.

l ALSAGER pulled off a shock when they knocked Oulton Park 1sts out of the Fred Graham trophy on Thursday.

Indian batsman Ashwin Punja (72no) top scored as his side posted 145-1.

Park fell eight runs short at 133-8, with Ben Spendlove (34) and John Davies (30) unable to help their team avoid defeat.

l MEANWHILE in other first round matches Middlewich 1sts scored a surprise last over victory at Premiership Toft at Booths Park.

Keith Hallam (2-17) helped his side limit their hosts to 119-6.

In reply, Clorley scored 26 to seal the visitors' place in the next round and a five-wicket win.

They face either Mobberley or Brooklands in the second round.

Winnington Park 1sts carried their miserable league form into the cup, losing heavily at Widnes.

The home side reached 175-8, captain Stuart Hayes taking 3-37.

But his team fell short with the bat, only making 85-8 in reply.