SUTTON Cricket Club claimed to third place in the league with victory at Cheshire Lines on Saturday.

After a delayed start the New Street side were asked to bat on a rain-soaked wicket. And they soon found themselves in trouble at 30-3.

But Martin Harvey (44) and Andy Barnett, with 42 then showed how to bat on an unpredictable wicket.

Their superb partnership allowed Sutton to declare at 151-8.

Cheshire Lines then struggled as Ray Foster and Joe Harvey, with three wickets apiece, and John Allanson and S. S. Das, with two wickets each, bowled out Lines for 98.

This Saturday Sutton entertain second-place Wavertree.

Meanwhile, the second team had to settle for a draw against Cheshire Lines.

The batsmen were all in form as Sutton reached 206-3. Players in form were Steve Wearden (58), Brian Wearden (42), Derrick Moss (37 not out), Phil Kelly (32) and Gary Frost (19 not out).

In reply Cheshire Line reached 151-7.

Sutton match sponsor was Harold Smith Bookmakers.

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