Moddershall poised for title win

Moddershall pulled off a crucial three wicket win at Audley afer they got the home side out for 130 to secure a 21-point advantage at the top of the Waterworld North Staffs and South Cheshire Premier Cricket League.

Leek lost at home to Knypersley after declaring at 183 for 8 (Jamie Cullerton 32 not out, Darren Butler 4-53). They recovered from 106 for six through Cullerton, Ed Jones (15) and Colin Dearden (10 not out) but it was not enough as Knypersley reached the target with eight overs and three wickets in hand.

At 93 for seven it did look like the visitors were sunk but skipper Paul Goodwin with 47 not out was joined by Rob James (48 not out) and they added 92 to seal the win.

Longton, having hauled themselves into contention last week by beating Leek in a low scoring match were on the wrong end of the same scenario this time.

Hosts Stone skittled the Trentham Road outfit for just 75 and made heavy weather of reaching the target, eventually getting home by four wickets.

Wood Lane's eight wicket win over Barlaston leaves Stafford in the relegation zone. Barlaston struggled to 82 all out and the home side lost just two wickets en route to a vital 20 points.

Stafford meanwhile with three wickets apiece for Mark Bengry (3-59) and Niroshan Bandaratilleke (3-57) saw Porthill Park reach 180 for seven declared (Dave Griffiths 66).

In reply their survival campaign was not helped by Fazal E Akbar's 4-54, although gutsy contributions from Rob James (33), and Bengry (22) meant Porthill ran out of time at the end. Stafford gained wining draw points finishing on 159 for nine.

At Festival Heights Burlsem and Little Stoke drew, the home side on the winning end of things. They were all out for 170 (Khalid Malik 45, Chris Lowndes 38, Michael Brown 32) as Gareth Morris and both 'Dans', Hancock and Colclough, took three wickets for 43, 43 and 33 respectively.

Little Stoke were hanging on at the end 137 for nine, Nick Bratt the hero with 40 not out. He entered the fray with his team taking a mandatory eight count at 71 for seven and held Burslem (Brown 5-41, Samiullah Khan 4-47) at bay.

Moddershall are now undoubedly favourites to take the title. They travel next to Wood Lane and will find their hosts fired up for the next round of the relegation battle. It will be the same story for Leek at Stafford while Audley visit Little Stoke.