ECCLESTON romped to a convincing win against Hale at Bobbies Lane on Saturday.

The visitors batted first, but faced a hostile Eccleston attack spearheaded by Paul Mathers.

As Hale struggled to 67 all out, Mathers claimed 2-15, D. Ashurst 4-22, H. Ashurst 2-4 and R. Creak 1-5.

When Eccleston batted, Jaundrill departed without troubling the scorers. But a stand of 57 by Atherden (34) and Karl Smith (19) steadied the ship.

And it was left to H. Ashurst to hit the winning four as Eccleston finished the job on 69-4.

The second team won a much more exciting game at Hale.

Batting first, Eccleston amassed 144 all out. Top scorer was Littlewood with 35. He was well supported by Gornall (18), Lynan (14) Ashton (15), Cross (12) and Johnson (11).

Hale replied steadily reaching 72-5. The Brooks came to the crease and the fireworks really started. He hit an aggressive 46 before he was caught.

Hale now needed 18 runs with three wickets remaining to win.

But the determined Eccleston bowlers ripped out the remaining wickets for only six runs.

Pick of the Eccleston bowlers were Gee (4-42) and Lynan (3-13), with Johnson, Burrows and Holden claiming a wicket apiece.

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