Oxton 190-8 Toft 169-9

TOFT travelled to Wirral on Saturday, where they were held to a draw by Oxton in the Vivio Cheshire County League’s top flight.

The use of Jimmy Lomas as an opening bowler during last season’s encounter prompted promising results, and a return to that tactic worked well as he wheeled away for 28 overs, returning 6-85.

Oxton’s main contributor was Marc De Brabander with 51, but Toft took wickets regularly.

An eighth-wicket stand between Graham Cashin (36) and Tom Swift (22) ensured Oxton reached 190-8 off their 55 overs.

In response Toft lost quick wickets, falling to 15-3 before debutant wicketkeeper batsman Dan Lord put up some resistance with a hard-fought 14.

Knocks from Australian Jake Hancock (70) and Ajif Bajwa (39) ensured that winning the game remained a possibility for both teams before the Knutsford outfit closed on 169-9 with captain Toby Drummond (19no) steering them to safety.

For Oxton, new boy Glen Queri impressed with 6-74.

Toft seconds played out a rain-affected draw at home to Macclesfield in the Premier Division.

Skipper Paul Ashley asked the visitors to bat, and they reached a competitive 202-6 as recent recruit Ahmed impressed for Toft with 3-40.

The hosts looked confident in reply, but lost overs due to several rain interruptions.

In the end they were restricted to 35 overs during which they reached 163-7 thanks to prolific scorer Dave Blackburn, who was run out for 92.

Toft’s thirds had been due to play Urmston on Sunday, but the weather prevented any play in that game.