OLD Parkonians 1st XI welcomed basement club Trafford Metrovics to Holm Lane.

The visitors won the toss and inserted the home side.

Parks made a slow and somewhat concerning start and were reduced to 13-3 off 11 overs.

However, an excellent 97 fourth wicket stand between Dan Berkson (62) and Tim Hitchell (55) certainly steadied the ship taking the score to 110-4.

Both batsmen batted very sensibly leading to a quick fire innings from David Nedugoden (35) during the last few overs with Parks finishing on 174-6.

Trafford MV were never really in the hunt and at one stage were 15-6 before a spirited knock from Andy Harrison (48).

The visitors were all out for 78 in just the 24th over of their innings ensuring a home side victory by 96 runs.

The successful bowlers for Parkonians were skipper Chris Beckett (11.5-4-48-5) and teenage man of the match Dan Berkson (7-3-9-3).

This means that Old Parkonians remain top of the UK Fast Cheshire Cricket League Division Four with a game in hand on second-placed Holmes Chapel.

Next Saturday sees a visit to mid-table Knutsford.

Many thanks to Dave Westwater, Old Parkonians Association Chairman, for his match day sponsorship.

Scores:

Old Parkonians 174-6 (45 overs), Trafford MV 78 (23.5 overs) Result: Old Parkonians win by 96 runs. Old Parkonians 25 points, Trafford MV 3 points.

Team: Chris Beckett, Chris Hitchell, Charlie Allen, Mark Rayner, Dan Berkson, Tim Hitchell, David Nedugoden, Adam Winstanley, Farukh Nisar, Adam Westwater, Mike Hitchell

Umpires: Don Joy and Ashleigh Wood Scorer: Richie Beckett

Parks 2nd XI were also victorious with a 25-point win at Frodsham.

The visitors batted first and made 156 (41.4 overs) with Pete Fearon (61) top scoring.

In reply, Frodsham were dismissed for 117 (37.3 overs).

There was superb bowling from Nathan Bradshaw (9.3-3-17-6) and Adam Walkling (13-4-24-3).

It was fabulous to see four young teenagers in the side all playing their part; Bradshaw, Tim Berkson, Gabriel Bennett and Frankie Hughes.

This latest victory sees the Old Parks second team in third position in Cheshire Cricket League Division C West.

Next week the seconds are at home to Upton 4th XI