PAUL Coot’s century was a highlight of Barnton’s winning draw with Chester County Officers at Broomsedge on Saturday.

He struck 115, including 15 fours, as the hosts racked up 255-3 before declaring.

Included in that impressive total was a 180-run partnership for the second wicket with Adam Garrod (95no) before a quick-fire contribution from Cory Devanny (35 off 18 balls).

Neil Langham was rewarded with three wickets during the visitors’ reply, but it wasn’t until captain Simon Hancock introduced himself to the attack that his side took control.

He returned figures of 5-5 off 10 overs, only for Chester to limp to 109-9 before Barnton’s bowlers ran out of time.

Kingsley slumped to a seven-wicket defeat, their first of the campaign, at home to Bunbury.

Only three batsmen made it to double figures as the Crofters were skittled for just 81, a marker reached easily by the away team inside 28 overs despite an early breakthrough for Steve Kitchen (2-16).

Winnington Park captain Alec Butcher was left to rue dropped catches after his side lost for the first time this season.

Ashley left the Rec with maximum points as a reward for a three-wicket victory after chasing 149.

“We didn’t do the basics well enough to deserve a win,” said Butcher.

“Our bowlers kept us in the game, but we put down too many catches.”

Park were dismissed for 148 after winning the toss, Jonny Wales run-a-ball 41 – including eight fours – and Rob Begbie’s 34 the best contributions.

Wales (5-54) was the hosts’ best bowler.

Oakmere registered a first win of the campaign, beating Chelford by 25 runs at Overdale Lane.

They posted 189-5 after winning the toss, with captain Paul Yearsley (59) and Rick Lyons (54) both reaching a half-century in a partnership for the second wicket worth 86 runs.

Harrison Jones (37) accelerated the scoring late on.

Chelford’s reply started swiftly after tea before spinners Nick Guest (3-64) and Guy Groves (5-29) combined to turn the contest their team’s way as they bowled out the visitors for 164.

Winsford prop up their rivals in Division Three following a fifth successive defeat on Saturday, this time by 23 runs at home to Wilmslow Wayfarers.

Craig Webb took 5-46 on his return to the first team, helping restrict the visitors to Knights Grange to 157-9.

But the hosts’ reply fell short at 134, despite the best efforts of Colin Dean (46) and Ben Crellin (40).

Results

TACS Partnership Cheshire League 
Division Two, Saturday:
Barnton 255-3 dec Chester CO 109-9; Haslington 144-2 Stockport 143-9; Kinglsey 81 Bunbury 85-3; Lymm 134-7 Woodford 180; Oakmere 186-5 dec Chelford 164; Winnington 148 Ashley 151-7.

Division Three: CH Ladybridge 146-9 dec Aston 75; Port Sunlight 161 Over Peover 154; Wilmslow 152-4 Cholmondeley 150-8; Winsford 134 Wilmslow Wayfarers 157-9 dec; Wirral 114 Langley 126