DAVE Howarth played a key role in cementing second-place in the Cheshire County Division One after a three-wicket win against Middlewich.

Middlewich won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket still wet from heavy rain on Thursday evening.

They were regretting that decision as they found themselves reduced to 20-5 and 33-6.

A combination of a lower order recovery and Timperley taking their foot of the gas allowed the visitors to get to 102 before being bowled.

Jack White doing the damage again with his third six-wicket haul of the season finishing with 6-52.

In reply, Timperley got of to the worst possible start with wickets falling regularly and found themselves 52-6 when White and Howarth came to the crease. White in his usual flamboyant style hit three boundaries and scored a quick-fire 20 and Howarth ground out 33* from 52 balls to see the hosts home.

Elsewhere, the second team beat Middlewich and moved up to second in the league after a three-wicket win.

Middlewich were restricted to 172 from their 50 overs Matt Fletch (4-91) before Timperley knocked off the runs with three overs to spare with seven batsmen contributing more than 15 but less than 28.

Meanwhile, the third team were outplayed but not beaten by Cheadle Hulme. Chasing 235 Timperley hung on to finish 133-8.