BROOKLANDS Cricket Club's first XI returned to the top of the Cheshire County League Division Two with a bang after a convincing victory over Christleton CC at Whitehall Road.

After winning the toss, Brooklands put Christleton into bat and skipper AJ Hart once again led from the front, dismissing both openers on his way to 5-16 off nine overs.

Only Josh Morgan-Jones put up any real resistance for the visitors, scoring 28 off 76 balls as he and his batting partner, Joe Wells, looked to bat out the overs.

Morgan-Jones finally succumbed to off spinner Mark Law (3-20) and with assistance from Caleb Jones (2-17) the Christleton innings was over with only 80 runs on the board.

Defending a low total, Christleton needed early wickets and when that came with both openers, Jack Bagshaw and Dave Cunliffe, falling to pace man Zaighum Abbas hopes were high for the visitors.

However, with the score at 11-2 the home side welcomed Kiwi Dan Duke and Christian Hart to the crease who quickly regained control of the match, cruising to the target of 81 inside just 15 overs with Duke smashing his way to 51 off 43 balls, including 11 fours.

While the first XI were enjoying an early bath, the second XI were involved in a thriller at Davenham.

Skipper Alan Millington won the toss and elected to field.

This decision looked costly as the home team raced to 160-1 with opener Chris Truelove scoring an excellent century before finally falling for 115.

This led to something of a collapse with Davenham finishing on 239 all out, with captain Millington finishing with impressive figures of 6-52.

A solid batting performance was needed as Brooklands looked to pass 200 for the first time this season.

Veteran George Storrow and newcomer Tom Lush led by example scoring 63 and 53 respectively.

All the other second XI batsman chipped in with runs and Ethan Brooks and Alex Robinson saw them to a last-over victory.

The third XI hosted Macclesfield’s third XI and the visitors found themselves batting first.

Four wickets from skipper Andrew Batty, and two apiece from Paul Vesey and Jaydutt Kamath, saw the away side bowled out for 114.

In reply, the home side lost a flurry of early wickets finding themselves at 30-5.

Once again, a stabilising innings from stalwart opener Ross Willard (53 not out) and vice-captain Paul Vesey (33no) saw the home side regain control and surpass their target with overs to spare.

Sunday saw the fourth XI host local rivals Urmston and they secured a magnificent victory thanks to splendid performances from Sam Higgins (57no and two wickets), youngster Joe Gill (42 and three wickets) and Alex Pugh who chipped in with three wickets.

Urmston rarely threatened to reach the target of 204 with Rohin Jairath’s men winning by 44 runs, ensuring that all four senior teams won and a maximum of 100 points was scored.

Tonight sees the first XI in T20 action at home to Bramhall before taking on Alvanley away on Saturday.

The second XI are at home to Warrington second XI, the third XI face Stockport Trinity away while the fourth XI make the short trip to Ashton on Mersey on Sunday.