ECCLESTON notched up a comfortable victory at Moorfield on Saturday.

Put into bat, Eccleston soon lost opener Connor without scoring. From this disastrous start Eccleston picked themselves up and put together some very useful partnerships contributing to a total of 153-9. Top scorer was Smith (33) with D Ashurst 25, A Atherton 22, H Ashurst 15 and a very useful 14 not out by skipper Elliott. Moorfields' best bowler was Fitzgerald with 3-17.

Rain delayed the start of the Moorfield innings making a very interesting encounter. They only required 126 to win, but again the very hostile Eccleston bowling attack, supported by some excellent fielding soon had the game under control. Moorfield were all out for 94 giving Eccleston a comfortable victory. Only Jackson 30 McCann 17 and Deighton 15 reached double figures. Outstanding bowling came from Rob Creak (3-14) well supported by H Ashurst (2-20), D Ashurst (2-28), A Elliott (1/18) and a very economical 2-12 from eight overs by Mathers.

In the Second XI fixture at Bobbies Lane Moorfield were put into bat, but had no answer to the Eccleston bowling. They were all out for 50 with only Sefton (22) reaching double figures. The best of the Eccleston bowlers was Lynan 5-12 with Gee 2-10. A mention to for young Mike Burrows who took 1-7 from four overs.

When Eccleston came to the crease both openers were back in the pavilion for only one run but old hand Jimmy Johnson (18) and Lynan (18 not out) steadied the collapse to see Eccleston to 51-4 and another victory.

The only wicket takers for Moorfield were Brophy 1-5 and Dean 1-16.

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