ECCLESTON earned a winning draw at Shell CC from Ellesmere Port.

After losing the toss the Bobbies Lane men found themselves batting first on a lush green track.

The day turned into one of constant interruptions for rain.

Despite this making the wicket a little lively, opener T Derbyshire at last found the form that had deserted him so far this season to hit a fine 51.

R Burke again looked classy to also notch 51 and along with a couple of quickfire innings from H Ashurst (23) and skipper D Matthews (17) Eccleston reached a fine total of 179 from 40 overs.

More interruptions however meant Shell only had 26 overs to bat, so they never really went for the win but this didn't stop Ecclestons bowlers having a good go at snatching victory.

Only dogged batting by Shells Lewis (50 no) prevented Eccleston going through the order D Burrows (4-35) H Ashurst (2-25) D Matthews 1-21 were the wicket takers as Shell finally ended their reply on 103 for 7.

In the reverse fixture Ecclestons seconds also began to show more positive signs of ending their recent run drought.

Batting first they put on 54 for the first wicket with openers T Roberts (26) and T Rogers (25) doing a fine job.

Useful contributions by M Cross (19) P Lynan (19) and a grafted 30 n.o. by K Holden enabled Eccleston to reach a respectable 148/7.

The bowlers then had their turn and only just failed to record the first win of the season as shell finished on 136/9 great effort by D Gee 5-42, J Pye 3-37 and P Lynan 1-36.

Sunday saw both team's losing to Widnes Recs in the cup competition.

In the first team fixture at Bobbies Lane Widnes were skittled for 107. D Matthews taking a career best 6-18 but Eccleston were also in dismal batting form and were all out for 73 with only I Connor 23 n.o. standing firm.

The seconds fared little better and were 101 all out. K Smith 27 top scoring. In reply Widnes passed the total for the loss of five wickets.

The weekend's matchball sponsors were Matthews Butchers of Earlestown.

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