ELWORTH climbed to fifth in NSSC Division One with a fine 81-run victory over Rode Park.

Convincing stuff at London Road and with only 25 points separating the lads from hitting second spot, they could well emerge as dark horses for promotion.

Much will depend on last Saturday's heroes - skipper Jim Higgins again delivering with superb figures of 6-40.

Class after Murray Ranger and Dave Palin had already set Elworth up for success with a crucial century stand.

Inserted after morning rain, the hosts suffered an early blow with opener Pete Davis ousted for a duck in the second over.

That brought the 22-year-old South African to the crease and together with Kevin Underwood (25), they carefully negotiated a difficult spell to get the scoreboard moving.

Although Underwood was ultimately surprised by a full-toss, Ranger and next-man Palin took the game away with a dominant display.

A stunning partnership raised 107 runs in just 80 minutes with Elworth on course for a huge total until Ranger finally fell LBW for a fine 75.

The pace dropped but Palin battled on for his excellent 67 while both Rob Beech (19) and Alex Edmonstone (19) dug in to make sure they advanced towards a declaration at 220-7 off 58 overs.

Any hopes Park had of survival quickly evaporated when Higgins got to work.

Within half an hour, their innings were blown apart at 32-7 with the captain claiming five scalps and Crompton bagging the other two.

Number nine Mark Stanfield staved off defeat temporarily with a gutsy unbeaten 76, Snape also hitting 21 as Park began to irritate before eventually folding for 139.

A late promotion bid will only be on if Elworth can win at Leycett, this Saturday.