DAVE Saddington took five wickets as Hale Barns' first XI secured a comfortable four-wicket win at Poynton in Cheshire Cricket League Division One on Saturday.

The experienced seam bowler was ably supported by captain Shehan Fernando, who claimed four wickets before adding 29 not out with the bat to steer the visitors to a third victory of the season.

Barns fielded a depleted bowling attack but still managed to grab the initiative from the off as Fernando removed both opening batsmen James Longhorn (three) and Dan Haresnape (duck) to reduce the hosts to 3-2.

Barns continued to build the pressure and were rewarded when Simon Dunn (16) became Fernando’s third victim with the score on 27-3.

Adam Williams (21) and Jon Hadley (21) played patiently in a bid to rebuild the innings for Poynton, but both were dismissed by Saddington, with the latter succumbing to a sharp caught-and-bowled effort.

Having moved the score to 71-4 at one stage, the home team were suddenly restricted to 83-9 as Saddington (5-26) sent three batsmen back to the pavilion without scoring to complete his five-wicket haul.

Tail-ender Andy Heath provided some resistance, contributing 20 to the score, but Fernando (4-28) finally found a way through his defences as Poynton set a required target of just 103 to win.

In reply, the away side made a disastrous start as Chris Colley was adjudged lbw for a duck, while youngster Ben Staniforth was bowled for 13.

Khawar Iqbal (20) and Peter Stubbs (14) also came and went with Barns still 50 runs short of victory, but Fernando eased any nerves with a composed knock.

Ben Hicks (15) and Nick Lathbury (duck) both departed in quick succession to Mark Orpen (2-21), but Hale Barns managed to see the game home with 18 overs to spare, with Fernando remaining unbeaten on 29.

The result consolidates the firsts' standing as early contenders for promotion, with just 10 points separating them and table-toppers Barnton.