RYLANDS cricket team swept to their eighth successive league win at Rostherne on Saturday and will face a big test this weekend.

They won by five wickets with five balls to spare to maintain a 31-point lead at the top of Cheshire Building Society Cricket Alliance Division Three but travel to second-placed Heaton Mersey Village on Saturday.

Rylands' bowlers exploited the humid conditions as they restricted Rostherne with some tight bowling and good fielding early on.

Jamie Leicester took 4 for 43 and Rob Wright scalped 2 for 37 as Rylands held Rostherne to 147 for 8 from 48 overs.

Rylands got off to a terrible start in reply as they lost two wickets in the first six overs before a partnership of 85 between captain Mike Dale and Eddie Platt steadied the ship.

Platt, who remained unbeaten on 74, and Alan Brady, who added 50 with Platt, helped to steer Rylands home.

Rylands' second XI won by two wickets at home to Wirral's thirds.

Wirral posted 190 for 9 from 48 overs, with Jon Walker and Bond Bateson bagging three wickets each.

In reply, Rylands batted sensibly and ninth-wicket pair Walker, 31 not out, and Mike Green guided them home to maintain good spirits ahead of Saturday's clash with Northwich's third string at Gorsey Lane.

Rylands' three junior teams had mixed fortunes at the weekend.

The under 15s and under 13s put in much improved performances before losing narrowly against Weaverham.

An excellent all round team performance helped the under 11s to a comfortable 53-run win at Glazebury.