Conditions were perfect for Wilmslow CC, who beat Appleton by 138 runs in a comfortable victory on a dream wicket at the Rectory Field.
Having won the toss the home team therefore had the initiative, and not for the first time this season, promptly blew it. An extravagant 50 from Adam Dixon was the only highlight as Wilmslow collapsed to 128-7.
As ever, the lower order put it right. Tom Rowe with 59no and Steve Fulker (42) put on a stand of 80 priceless runs, and the innings closed on 223, which was much more like it.
The Appleton top order mimicked their hosts and were out cheaply.
Without a late order they could not recover from 74-7 and were all out for 95.
Skipper Patel (3-35) has a number of options with the ball.
This week it was MOM Tom Rowe who took out the top three and brother Toby the middle three.
An honourable mention must go to Jags Narayaran (7-3-12-1) for a super opening spell with no luck.
The Squirrels now go to Stretton looking to improve on their fourth place in the division.
The Seconds were trounced by Port Sunlight over in Birkenhead.
It was a bit of an eye opener for a team standing second in the league.
Port Sunlight scored an impressive 233-7 then demonstrated that their strength was, in fact, as bowlers and fielders.
On Sunday, the Development XI lost to the league leaders Ashton All Stars by four wickets.
