BROOKLANDS Cricket Club's first XI were unable to continue their good run of form and slipped to fourth in the Cheshire County League Division Two table after only accruing five points in a losing draw at Northwich.

Sam Stoneley's 93 from 57 balls got the hosts off to a flyer and he received support from Mark Walker who hit 36 runs from 90 balls, 30 of which came from boundaries.

Northwich closed on 216-7 from their 50 overs with the pick of the bowlers Rob Leach (3-32 off nine overs), with Mark Law (0-32 off 15) keeping proceedings tight.

Brooklands were not able to build a chase, falling to 136-8 in their allocation with former captain Dave Madden (23 not out) the top scorer, after extras (28).

Walker picked up 4-24 and Sam Shepherd 3-34.

Brooklands host Congleton at the weekend and will hope to bounce back.

Things were much better for the second XI when they thrashed Oxton to move level with them in fourth in the table. Hosting the game, Brooklands chose to bowl first and skittled Oxton for 63.

Junior players played a crucial role, youngsters Tom Lett (7-2-27-3) and Sam Higgins (6-2-6-3) with wickets and Dave Cunliffe with three catches.

Cunliffe (26) was the highest scoring batsman as Brooklands won by six wickets using only 17 of their 65-over entitlement. Brooklands travel to sixth-placed Grappenhall this weekend.

The third XI also won at home to Langley to stay third in the table, the highest third XI side in the league.

They travel to fellow third team Urmston on Saturday.

The fourth XI would have been washed out but their opposition conceded and they visit Bowdon Vale on Sunday.