DAVENHAM 1sts suffered a heavy defeat at second-placed Stockport Georgians on Saturday.

After winning the toss and asking their hosts to bat, David Ashley ensured his team made the best possible start by taking an early wicket.

But a second-wicket stand of 92 made sure Stockport wrestled back the initiative.

Paul Wright (3-23) was the pick of the bowlers for Davenham as the home side closed their innings on 239-7.

His teammates struggled to gather momentum at the crease, with Jay Cartlidge (16), Ashley (21), Mark Greaves (19) and Chris Hornby (13) falling as they threatened to make big scores.

The regular loss of wickets saw Davenham bowled out for just 119 in 38 overs.

They now lie fifth in Meller Braggins Division One, but will need to put in more consistent performances to have any chance of challenging the pacesetters Tattenhall and Hale Barns.

l TOM Screen scored a century to inspire Davenham 2nds to victory away to Stockport Georgians 2nds.

The opener hit an unbeaten 111 as the visitors successfully chased a target of 224.

Earlier, Davenham had won the toss and chosen to bowl.

And they made early inroads into their hosts' top order.

Stockport managed to recover, with only Steve Warburton able to take wickets in the next 22 overs.

Andrew Simmons (4-44) returned to the attack to restrict the run rate towards the tail end of the innings, which closed at 224-8.

In reply, Screen lost his opening partner without a run being scored, before helping rebuild the innings with a second-wicket stand of 85 with Hodkinson (24).

After a cameo from Cookson (16), skipper Spalding (41no) joined Scree to see Davenham home to a five-wicket win.

Davenham 2nds host Tattenhall 2nds on Saturday at Butchers Stile in Meller Braggins Division A.