Hayes' five-star display is key as Oakamoor earn win

OAKAMOOR kept cool heads under pressure to beat Barlaston by four runs in their NSSCL Division One curtain-raiser.

- Chris Travers

Hosts Oakamoor ventured to the crease first and managed to post 181-6 from therir 40 overs.

Joe Avery provided the biggest contribution with 55, an innings which featured eight boundaries.

James Smith (40) and Adam Keates (33) lent valuable support, while Jack Davies' 3-44 was the star turn with the ball for Barlaston.

There were also a couple of victims for Ben Grange.

Brian Sims compiled 34 at the top of the Barlaston chase, but they fell to 103-8.

However, Ethan Squire's 41, plus 22 from Matthew Myers, revived the visitors’ hopes to leave the match on as knife-edge.

But Barlaston were eventually bowled out for 177 as Tom Hayes snared 5-33 and Smith picked up 3-18.

Porthill Park seconds romped to a nine-wicket win at home against their Checkley counterparts.

Porthill Park were set 161 for victory - and breezed to their target inside 26 overs.

A first-wicket partnership of 159 between Tom Timmis and Joe Bridgewater saw them to the points.

Skipper Bridgewater fell for 55, which contained 13 fours and two sixes, with the finishing line in view.

Timmis saw the job through, however, hitting 13 fours and one maximum in his unbeaten 74.

Earlier in the day, Checkley had been restricted to 160-6 from their allocation.