IAN Eaton's maiden century made sure winless Winnington Park 1sts gave Poynton a fright on Saturday.

Another spirited performance from the basement side saw them fall just six runs short after a thrilling run chase.

Earlier, Poynton declared on 223-4 after Paul Gould (97) and Barbadian Derwen Thompson (88) shared a 170 stand.

Then Eaton's heroics almost saw Park pull off a surprise victory.

With four of their top five batsmen missing, the visitors were always up against it but Eaton's 126 saw Winnington reach 217, leaving his team needing to score six with two balls left.

Only Hine and Sinclair offered Eaton any support, while bowlers Charlie Lamb (3-65) and Jamie Maltman (3-88) made sure they fell short.

Captain Stuart Hayes has backed his team to finish in mid table.

He said: "We have played better against the top sides which is frustrating.

"But we now go in to the second half of the season with some positives and players beginning to hit form."

Winnington Park now lie 15 points adrift of Cheadle Hulme at the foot of the Cheshire County ECB Division One standings with half the season now played.

They travel to fellow strugglers Bollington on Saturday, where they hope to pick up that elusive first victory.

l WINNINGTON Park 1sts travel to Neston tomorrow night, Thursday, in the Fred Graham Plate first round.

They will be on their travels again in the following round should they claim a win, either to Birkenhead Park or Upton.

l THERE was better news for the 1sts when they left their sorry league form behind them to see off Runcorn in the first round of the Cheshire Shield.

Played as a 20/20 match last Friday, Runcorn were bowled out for just 112.

Winnington reached their target for the loss of only one wicket, and will play Ashley away in the second stage.

The second round ties must be concluded by Friday, July 21.