SATURDAY'S visitors to Bobbies Lane were local rivals Earlestown.

A good start by Eccleston put them in the driving seat, helping them to secure a winning draw.

Steady progress was made by the first three batsmen Smith (23), Elliot (31), and top score Roberts (32).

The middle order then collapsed with three batsmen failing to score. But the tail took up the challenge with Johnson 18, Holden 10 and a blistering 29 not out from 'Slogger' Parry bringing the total to 155/8 in their allotted overs.

Earlestown's best bowler was Williams with 6/54. When Earlestown came to the crease early wickets tumbled. But the middle order steadied the batting with top scorer Allan 37, joined by Lomas 29, Harrison 15 and McLaren 12 to bring the total to 138/9 when the umpires took up stumps to end the game with a winning draw for Eccleston. Eccleston's best bowler was Elliot 5/37, supported by Creak 2/37 and Parry 2/31.

Sunday's game away at Mossley Hill can only be described as a disaster. Batting first Eccleston's openers Smith (25), and Elliot (14) got Eccleston off to a good start. But then the rot set in, with only Manley (23) reaching double figures.

Eventually Eccleston were all out for 97. This included four l.b.w. decisions against Eccleston. The pick of the Mossley Hill bowlers was Fanning (6/21).

When Mossley Hill came to the crease, they attacked the Eccleston bowling and along with some very sloppy fielding, they soon reached the Eccleston target, finishing on 100/5. Saunders (34) and Brown (31) were the main batsmen with the help of Fanning (15 n.o.) Eccleston's best bowler was Elliot with 4 for 46.