WINNINGTON Park 2nds travelled to Grappenhall on Saturday with a weakened team for a top of the table clash.

Park, who had three key players unavailable, won the toss and decided to bat first on what looked like a batsman's dream of a wicket.

But the team started slowly and soon lost early wickets with Wilkinson and Amatiello going cheaply.

Bhardwa and Hayes also went quickly which brought Chambres to the crease. Together with Begbie they soon moved the score on to a respectable 120 before Chambres went for a good 51. Park finished their 50 overs with the score on 156- 9.

Grappenhall got off to a good start with Hartley hitting Hayes out of the attack with strong shots.

Opener Nicholson was caught well by Winder off captain Shingler, who then brought Chambres and Bhardwa into the attack, which slowed Grappenhall and runs were hard to come by.

Park had some bad luck with Winder having to leave the field with a torn calf muscle. This left Park a man short and gaps appeared.

The in form Hartley played brilliantly for his 81 not out and saw the game home with eight overs to spare.

Park finished with six points to Grappenhall's 25.

Shingler said: "Once again we have played a top side with a weakened team and lost. We need to be more consistent if we are going to challenge for the title."