Nantwich, who had lost only once all season before the weekend, pushed their in form opponents close but simply did not have the resources to bowl out their formidable batting line up.

Earlier, Robin Taylor (2-35) had claimed the prize wicket of Steve Paulsen to turn the match in Oulton Park's favour.

Paulsen had racked up an astonishing 732 runs this season before he arrived at the crease, but he could only add 35 before he was caught and bowled by Taylor.

Oulton breathed a huge sigh of relief, for the previous over Taylor had clean bowled the Aussie with a no ball.

Chris Jones (3-36) was the pick of the bowling attack as Nantwich were restricted to 211-6, Oliver Sadler top-scoring with 66.

In a change to the recent script, Oulton Park had to rely on their middle and lower order batsmen to steer them to victory, after Chris Bassano, Danny Leech and captain Nathan Dumelow were all out cheaply.

Only Ben Spendlove (49) found any form and, at 140-6, his side were struggling.

John Davies (27) and Stewart Eaton (25no) spared their blushes as with Danny Jones (20no) they reached their target with three overs to spare.

Oulton Park now boast a two-point advantage at the summit of the ECB Premier Division, and they will be hopeful of extending that advantage when they travel to bottom placed Oxton at the weekend.

Hyde face a tough test this weekend against third placed Christleton.

l HOLDERS Oulton Park face Alderley Edge at Little Budworth in the quarter final of the Cheshire Cup on Sunday.

The winner will play host to Widnes or Poynton in the following round, and they also play their quarter final match at the weekend.

l OULTON Park 2nds were left frustrated by Heaton Mersey 2nds.

Steve Yates (95) and Mark Johnson (50) were in fine form as Oulton reached 260 all out.

They were denied victory by spirited opponents, who closed on 233-9 to claim a draw.

Craig Williamson (3-95) was the pick of the bowling attack as Oulton bounced back after last week's loss.

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