LAST season's finalists and competition favourites Daten were dumped out by Beeches after a nine goal epic.

Premier champions St Michael's scraped through 5-4 against first division Monks Sports.

RJM grabbed the day's highest score, 9-0 at Lomax CC.

Craig Beech hit a hat trick, Jon McDonald two, Andy Clifton, Ben Stubbs and Casey and Peter Dorgan all scoring.

Halebank booked their place in round three with a 3-0 win over Vicars.

Mond Rangers beat Burtonwood Albion 5-1.

Act R Sports won 5-3 at Avon Athletic, while Cronton Villa swept into round three with a 5-1 win at Croft. In the league, Beechwood leapfrogged Mill Brow in the second division.

Graham Shone hit an early penalty for Mill Brow, but Beechwood romped into a 3-1 lead before Gary Robinson restored some respectability for the hosts.

The top of the table now shows three teams level on points, Lomax's cup defeat not affecting their share of the lead after Mill Brow's defeat.

In the day's other game Matthiola won 1-0 against Windle Labour Club, to stay in touch with the leading group.

In the Grange Valley Amusements sponsored third division, leaders Runcorn Athletic won 5-3 at Newton le Willows. Second placed Eagle Sports won 3-2 at Village Social.

Penketh United hit seven against Widnes Bayer, their best return for more than two years.

In the reserve sections, Ford Reserves drew 1-1 with Halebank, opening a further gap for leaders Sidac Sports.

Moorfield 3rds won 5-4 at Fife Rangers, Grange Safeway beat Moore United 6-3 and Runcorn Albion fought back win 4-3 at Fearnhead Thirds.

Albion had led 2-0 before conceding from a corner. James Burton and then Bill Maunder added further goals for Fearnhead, before Albion won with two late strikes.

Orford Youth Centre beat St Michaels 3rds 3-0, a result that reversed placings at the foot of the table. For the latest news see www.warringtonsoccer.net