Eccleshall take points in battle of high-fliers to stay out in front

ECCLESHALL maintained their place at the top of NSSCL Division Three after beating fellow high-fliers Betley.

- Chris Travers

The pair served up a high-scoring encounter, with Eccleshall eventually prevailing by 12 runs against their third-placed rivals.

A first-wicket partnership of 133 between Harry Oliver and Zak Mosam set Eccleshall on their way to an imposing 253-4 from their 40 overs.

Oliver hit 12 fours in his 85, while Mosam’s 65 featured 10 boundaries.

Deklan Binnington then blazed three fours and five sixes in a 26-ball 50 not out, with Jordan Beasley chipping in with an unbeaten 26. Jack Taylor took two wickets.

Betley didn’t shy away from that tough target as Jonathan Phipps made 62 hitting 10 fours and two maximums and Tom Happe weighed in with 56. His knock contained eight boundaries.

Bailey Sant (22), Ryan Cheetham (21) and Adam Rowley (20) also made starts, but Betley fell just short on 241 all out.

Jack Armstrong and Alistair Hunt captured 4-21 and 3-35 respectively.