Barlaston cruise to victory to close in on promotion

BARLASTON moved to the brink of promotion from NSSCL Division One with a thumping victory at home against Stafford.

- Chris Travers

The table-toppers swept to a nine-wicket success to maintain their charge towards the second tier.

Guy Seaton's 27 had led Stafford to 35-1 in the formative stages of Saturday's contest - but the wheels then came off the county town side's innings.

They were soon bundled out for just 53 as Fida Hussain and Ethan Squire helped themselves to 3-4 and 3-14 respectively.

The remaining wickets were shared by Jack Davies and Matthew Myers.

Barlaston required just six overs to knock off the runs as Brian Sims made 24 not out and Hussain added an unbeaten 15.

Second-placed Stone SP 2nd XI and Rode Park & Lawton, in third, are still in pursuit - but the fact they play each other on the final day of the season aids Barlaston's cause.

Stone SP seconds were beaten by Endon in a rain-affected meeting.