On a day which saw the West Cheshire League's fixture programme decimated due to recent adverse weather conditions, only seven games from a scheduled twenty two managed to get under way.
A single Division One fixture came under starters orders, and title contenders, Mersey Royal duly took advantage. Inspired by a Liam Driscoll hat-trick, Royal eroded Ashville's lead at the top to a single point, following a 6-0 rout of Ellesmere Port Town at the Wirral Tennis Centre.
Further efforts from Jordan Deer (2) and Adam Smith cemented a comfortable victory, as unbeaten Royal remained focussed on their first ever top flight title success.
In Division Two, third-placed challengers, Litherland Remyca Res., moved to within four points of leaders, Marine U23s , after doubles from Ewan McEvitt, James Hughes, and Lennon Whewell were supplemented by singles from Jamie Alty and John Graham in an 8-0 decision over South Sefton Borough.
Bottom club Rainhill Town Res., received a much needed boost, after they recorded only their second win of the season. Efforts from Dave Kelly (2), Chris Sheehan and Ben Donlevy anchored them to a 4-2 result over Cheshire Lines.
Haworth & Gallagher Bowl first round action saw holders, Mossley Hill Ath. Res. progress to a second round confrontation with Rainford Utd., after they overcame Marshalls Res., 2-1 courtesy of a goal apiece from Owen Hickum and Mo Quisia. The hosts had Adam Hurst on target.
Goals were in abundance in Division Three and despite a four goal blast from Runcorn Sports Res' Ryan Bazeley and an effort from Ryan Burnell, it was visitors, Heswall Res., who bagged the three points via a 6-5 scoreline.
The win came thanks to replies from Nathan Johnston (2), Jamie Steele, Callum France, Sam Sutton-Jeffs and Travis O'Brien.
A goal from Reece Cansfield failed to prevent Aintree Villa Res. from going down 3-1 at home to Bootle Res., who were elevated to third place in the table as a result. Sal Djabi, Manadu and Calum Flynn found the net for the winners.
Lewis Donnelly (2) and Tom McGreevy shared the goals, as Mersey Harps savoured a 3-1 result over Groves who had Jack Sailes in reply.
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