OLD Parkonians First XI travelled to Styal this weekend and claimed maximum points, writes Christopher Beckett.

The home side won the toss and batted on what looked like a decent batting surface.

The pitch didn’t play what it looked like at all and a relieved Beckett was happy to be bowling first on a relatively unpredictable track.

The returning Ben Rees opened up with Dan Berkson and the pair were both on the money.

Some fine bowling from Berkson saw the home side reduced immediately to 0-2. More continued pressure from Berkson saw him take three more wickets in his spell – he finished with 7-2-19-5.

Winstanley (4.4-0-13-3) replaced Berkson and bowled some fine swing bowling to mop up the remaining middle order and tail.

The unlucky Rees (7-1-24-0) was replaced by Beckett (4-0-11-1) and the final wicket was a run out with a fine throw in from Lindop.

The chase was steady and Old Parks got home inside 20 overs. Ben Rees (4) was bowled early on and Tim Hitchell (16) departed in similar fashion after striking a few boundaries.

At 26-2, Styal perhaps thought they had a chance but Chris Hitchell and Stu Barr steadied the ship to reach 59 before Chris (21) was adjudged lbw.

Barr (21) was out with just two runs required and Lindop (6*) finished the game in style, hitting his second ball for six to seal the victory.

Scores: Styal 68 all out (22.4 overs), Old Parkonians 73-5 (18.2 overs).

Result: Old Parks won by five wickets. Old Parks 25 points, Styal three points.