Rowley hit an unbeaten 120

Michael Rowley’s unbeaten century kept Burslem’s title hopes alive against table topping Wood Lane. Rowley who was ably supported by Christopher Lowndes (75no) finished on 120 not out as Burslem chased down Wood Lane’s total of 242-4 for the loss of two wickets. The highlight for Wood Lane was Ryan Hassett’s 110.

Leek beat second place Stone by 34 runs to keep their belief burning that they can finish top. Alex Mellor (119no) and Tom Steele (89no) set the game up for the Highfield side, posting 239-2. In reply Stone had starts throughout the batting lineup but only Richard Harvey (60) went on as they were dismissed for 205 in the 53^rd over. Greg Willott and Paul Hammersley both picked up three wickets.

Sandyford moved out of the relegation zone with a 97 run victory against bottom of the table Little Stoke. Sandyford finished their innings on 201-7, Dave Moors (59) and Sohail Rauf (44) the main contributors. Gareth Morris was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-58. Morris was then the only resistance against the Sandyford bowling attack facing 98 balls for his 38, as his side were all out for 104, Daniel Roberts claiming 4-18.

Audley beat Longton  by five wickets batting second. Longton were dismissed for 177, Tom Redfern top scoring with 29 while Roger Silence took 3-38. Audley got off to a poor start in reply losing opener Richard Holloway without a run on the board but captain David Fairbanks (74no) guided his side home in the 54^th over.

Mo Hussian’s hundred setup a comfortable 125 run victory against strugglers Barlaston. Hussian (104) was given support by Michael Hall (49) and Ben McGuire (33) as Hem Heath declared on 253-9. Zafar Igbal (6-67) then demolished the Barlaston top order to leave them on 75-7 and Hussian picked up the last three wickets as home side fell for 128.

Nayyar Abbas’s efforts weren’t enough to stop Knypersley from falling into the bottom two. In the first innings he claimed 6-82 as Porthill finished on 200. He then scored 54 as his side was bowled out for 151, Ian Butler claimed his fourth five wicket haul of the season for Porthill.