Another joy day for Alex Barber’s men…….Home victory over Aston - our fifth successive 25-point win – allied with Lindow’s unexpected failure to beat Kingsley—put us into the second Cheshire League Division 2 promotion spot we’ve been chasing so hard. It was nearly even more valuable because leaders Winnington Park only just squeaked past Barnton, getting home by two runs . Our five- wicket win was all the sweeter because holiday calls meant we had to make five changes, including giving debuts to two more of our hot prospects, Pat Hulley and Joe Woollam.  And it was Pat who played a crucial part, figuring in the winning 41- run sixth wicket partnership with main batting hero Rob Booker when victory was far from certain. The chunky teenager intelligently played the foil to Rob and his unbeaten 13 included our only six of the innings. If Rob was the main man in the batting, hitting eight fours in his gritty, unbeaten 42, there was no doubt about the key bowler. Paul Garner began the season as our No l spinner, but a barren spell let in Paul Hooton. Now Hoots’ holiday gave him another chance and how the slow left armer took it. Outstanding figures of 7-36 in 16 overs show how he ripped the heart out of the Aston innings in a performance of familiar guile and craft. He worked in a fine spin and pace partnership with Alex Barber, the usual attack leader who came on as second change because of a side strain.  Sammy Astley and Rob Booker backed their bowlers with fine catches and only opener Wright(53) and No 3 Draper(27) offered serious opposition in a stand of 74 for the second wicket. Both were Garner victims and the last seven wickets went down for 41 in 11 overs, leaving us to get 134 to win
When our solid openers, Rick Holt and Tommy Rolph, accumulated with some comfort against a modest attack, the win seemed just a matter of time. But, after putting on 42, they were both out in the same Whitehead over – Holt for 23 and Rolph 19. Ben Allcockc(6) left five overs later and we started to wobble. Ned Kelly, showing signs of getting back to silky form, steadied us with Rob Booker before being surprisingly bowled for 23 to end a stand of 37 and leave us on 87-4. Barber’s intended assault soon ended, but that allowed young Hulley to make his mark which he did so well.
Scores: Aston 133-8(45 overs; Wright 53; P Garner 7-36, A Barber 1-41). Romiley 135-5(35.2 overs; R Booker 42no)