URMSTON first XI were on the road for the third game in succession in the Cheshire County League Premier Division, losing to third-placed Oxton.

Urmston won the toss on another blistering day and chose to bat.

The early dismissal of both openers gave the home team an early advantage, the ever-consistent Chris Stenhouse and youngster Jack Corran with a superb opening bowling spell to leave the away side on 34-3 from 16 overs.

With a good wicket and rapid outfield, a big total was always going to be needed.

Back-to-back 50s from Lewis Jackson (53) and Craig Grindley (60 not out), assisted by a run-a-ball 43 from Michael Ness ensured the 200-run mark was reached in the 50th over, giving Urmston the full eight batting points, Stenhouse finishing with 4-53, as the visitors closed on 200-7.

A depleted Urmston bowling attack started the second innings with a 30-minute session before an extended tea break for the England v Sweden World Cup quarter-final.

Urmston were looking to make early inroads into a strong Oxton batting line-up but it did not happen and the hosts went into the elongated tea break on 40-0 from 11 overs.

After the interval, a couple of quick breakthroughs to remove both openers looked to put Urmston back on top. However, Dane Williams (85no) and Australian state player Michael Clarke (58no) quickly eased the home side's nerves, though they were not made to work very hard for their runs.

Oxton reached the Urmston total with 202-2 in the 38th over to seal 25 points.

Urmston are at home to Widnes this Saturday.