Jean-Pierre’s 73 inflicts first defeat for Oxton

Aug 14 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

OXTON suffered the first defeat of the season in their bid to gain promotion from the First Division of The Right Move Abroad Cheshire County League.

They were well beaten at Timperley, who could yet prove to be formidable opponents in the chase for one of two top spots.

Consistent left-hander Chris Davies (61) was the only Oxton batsman in form in his side’s disappointing 166, Mark Leathley taking 6-51. Timperley replied with 168-4 to win by six wickets, Jean-Pierre Lee 73.

Leaders Macclesfield, meanwhile, were held to a 12 points draw at Didsbury who ran up 226-9, Paul Sperring 88. With a fine unbeaten 118 from Aussie Evan Gulbis, Macclesfield gave chase, but closed 14 runs short on 212-9.

These results enabled the chasing pack to move up, Bollington winning by nine wickets at Alsager while Heaton Mersey beat Poynton in a low-scoring game. Despite recent player acquisitions, Birkenhead Park continue to struggle and their seven wickets home defeat by improving Upton was their 11th in 17 games keeping them firmly in 11th spot. Tom Hunter (75) batted well Park’s 173-7, but Upton’s young skipper Lee Dixon (64 not out) and Nick Rivbett (61) saw their side comfortably home.

Leaders Cheadle Hulme suffered their first defeat in Division Two, Burnage winning at Grove Park by five wickets.

Warrington earned 17 points from a winning draw at Congleton and returned to second, thanks, largely to 83 by James Hughes.

Only one club will be relegated to the Meller Braggins Cheshire League this season and the fight to avoid the drop intensifies. Congleton occupy bottom spot at the moment as Winnington Park, Tattenhall and Mobberley all begin to collect crucial points.