THE first team’s recent good form came to a sudden halt at Georges Road last weekend in an awful batting display against mid-table rivals Widnes.

They were blown away for just 75 in 27.4 overs with the innings all over by 3pm with indifferent shot selection mostly to blame and only three of the side made it into double figures, the top score of which was 15.

Brooklands took the wickets of Widnes’ top batsmen to have them 13-2 and give themselves the faintest glimmer of hope.

However, Widnes didn’t buckle and a calm partnership between veteran Philip Catterall (44 not out) and wicketkeeper Matt Burns (17) ended those faint hopes.

Widnes scored the 76 required for the loss of three wickets in 23 overs.

The season has reached its midway point with the first team seventh out of 12 in the league but more in touch with the sides above them than below.

Elsewhere, the second team batted first on a turgid pitch at Bowdon and Dino Jones’ well-crafted 58 helped them get to 145-7 in their 50 overs.

It seemed a more competitive score than it sounds given the conditions, but wasn’t to be as Bowdon eased to their target for the loss of five wickets with nine overs to spare.

At half way the second team were also seventh of 12 and should look to do better in the second half.

Meanwhile, the third XI provided the positive note for the club with a fine chase of 220 against Warrington under the captaincy of 16-year-old Ethan Brookes.

As with the other sides, the third XI are seventh from 12 in their league but this league is wide open and any side can put a decent run together to win it.