WINSFORD 1sts promotion push stalled on Saturday at Pott Shrigley.

But they have Mark Skellon (55no) to thank for helping them avoid defeat after a fine rearguard action.

Earlier the visitors had toiled in the field as Pott Shrigley took control on their way to declaring on 218-6.

A superb spell from Chris Brandon (3-29) was the highlight for Winsford, who were missing several key players.

In reply Winsford batsmen paid for every mistake, collapsing to 27-4.

Stand-in skipper Jonathan Phillips, deputising for the absent Barry Crellin, started a semblance of a fightback in making 33.

Skellon came to the crease with Winsford still in deep trouble at 65-6.

He added 79 with Gareth Whitney (27) in just over an hour before Whitney was bowled with the score on 144.

But Skellon saw his side safely to the end of play, supported by Mark Dean, as Winsford closed their innings on 165-8.

Pott Shrigley took 14 points, Winsford seven, to leave the home team just four points ahead of their mid Cheshire rivals.

Lymm and Ashton-on-Mersey lie in front of them, with just nine points separating the four teams chasing pacesetters Ashley in Meller Braggins Division Two.

Fifth-placed Winsford travel to Trafford on Saturday.

The Manchester team are just one place below them in the standings.

l WINSFORD 2nds went one better than their clubmates, seeing off Pott Shrigley at Knights Grange.

Bowling first, opening pair Paul Hought (2-30) and Phil Doman (3-40) removed the top order for just 80.

Craig Webb (4-46) weighed in with a super spell of his own to end stubborn Shrigley resistance and leave his teammates with a target of 175.

In reply, Ant Ollier (19), Graham Smout (13), Andrew Washington (22) and captain Cooper (19) were all disappointed not to make bigger scores, but 17-year-old James Dean's contribution saw his side home.

Man-of-the-match Dean finished unbeaten on 59 as Winsford won with seven overs to spare.