Taylor impresses to guide Barlaston to top of the tree

BARLASTON moved to the top of NSSCL Division One with a comfortable victory at Porthill Park seconds.

- Chris Travers

With previous leaders Cheadle seconds losing and fellow highfliers Rode Park & Lawton drawing, Barlaston took their chance to hit the front.

The rain meant the game was reduced to 38 overs per side - and Porthill Park made their way to 163-6 from their allocation.

Joe Bridgewater and Tom Mason both made 36, with Oliver Shirley (25) and Esa Mohamed (17no) also chipping in. Matthew Myers took a couple of wickets for the visitors.

In reply, Edward Seabridge contributed 23, before Worcestershire all-rounder Tom Taylor took centre stage.

Taylor compiled an unbeaten 90 to lead Barlaston to an eight-wicket win inside 24 overs, supported by Fida Hussain (42no).

Cheadle were beaten on their visit to their Stone SP counterparts.

Cheadle took first use on their road trip and posted 161 all out, fronted by B Mellor's 40.

L Welford (38), S Rushton (32) and J Degg (19) were also in decent nick for the Moorlanders.

J Harvey and R Pochwyt picked up 3-38 and 3-43 respectively, with M Parker grabbing a couple of victims.

B Hughes-Philpott (3-29) and R Elwell (3-36) led the Cheadle bowling bid on the resumption.