SUTTON collected a vital win against Cheshire Lines in their battle for the First Division status next season.

Lines batted first on a damp New Street track and looked set for a good total at 62-3. But a magnificent spell of swing bowling by Steve Brimelow tore the visitors' innings to shreds and with a three-wicket contribution from Andy Barnett the Lines were shot out for a paltry 114. Brimelow took two fine catches and Barnett returned the complement with a stunner off Brimelow's bowling to help him to his 5-29 haul.

After tea, the visitors' bowlers ripped into the Sutton early order as the wicket continued to encourage the seamers. Sutton were unable to cope and at 46-7 defeat was suddenly on the cards. Happily man of the match Barnett had other ideas and batted admirably for 35 runs with skipper Steve Wearden who resisted stubbornly at the other end. They pushed the score to 97 until Barnett fell to a superb catch. The Sutton number 10 went first ball and all looked lost but Ray Foster performed heroically at number 11 as he and Wearden inched Sutton to victory at 115-9. 'Captains innings' is a much used cliche but Wearden's 28 not out under massive pressure was a classic example.

Next weekend is set for a real nail-biter at New Street as Sutton will battle with neighbours Rainhill on Saturday and Wirral on Sunday all three sides chasing a top flight place.

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