DAVE Saddington produced a five-wicket haul to lead Hale Barns to a narrow one-wicket victory against Cheshire Cricket League Division One bottom side Irby at Brooks Drive.

Youngster Ben Staniforth and Jordan Collins then put on a stand of 57 for the sixth wicket to steady the ship as Barns stumbled to the required target with just four balls to spare.

The hosts were in command from the off as Saddington claimed two quick wickets to restrict Irby to 3-2 after five overs.

Luke Dolan made 16 until he was run out by Shehan Fernando, but opener Gareth Lea and Anthony McCarthy rebuilt the innings admirably.

From 44-3, the duo added 74 to the total before Saddington finally removed Lea for 66.

His dismissal prompted a collapse as McCarthy (49) fell one short of a half century, while Dave Newman and Mark Newman both departed cheaply to Saddington (5-44) as the visitors posted 167-8 from their allotted overs.

In reply, Chris Colley and Mike Hunter took the score to 20 inside seven overs until Mark Newman found a way through Hunter’s defences for 10.

Colley soon followed for 19, becoming Rob Mallon’s first victim as Barns stuttered to 41-2.

And things got worse for the home team as Mallon (4-53) ripped through the top order, including in-form captain Fernando for just one which left them reeling at 57-5.

That brought Staniforth and Collins together at the crease, who both showed determination and patience to frustrate the bowlers.

Their partnership guided the score to 114-5 when Staniforth was dismissed by Mark Newman (2-32) for a well-made 41, while Collins immediately joined him back in the pavilion for 35.

Waqar Khan (3-69) took three wickets in quick succession to leave Hale still needing two runs with one wicket remaining.

But Theo Sharrock (eight not out) held his nerve to give Barns the win that shifts them up to fourth in the table, closing the gap to second-placed Romiley to 23 points.