RYLANDS recorded their fifth consecutive league victory on Saturday, as they defeated Mellor at home to remain second in Cheshire Alliance Division Two.

Winning the toss and batting first in miserable conditions, Rylands got off to a shaky start as opener Richard Buck recorded a duck in the second over.

The conditions lent to a stop/start innings which seemed to disrupt the Rylands’ order as wickets fell cheaply, with opening bat Eddie Platt, 31, and the prolific Alan Brady, 54, the top scorers in a reduced innings which saw Rylands to post 127 from 35 overs.

In reply Mellor found themselves 0 for 1 in the first over, as Buck returned the favour, bowling the Mellor opener out for nil.

This seemed a devastating blow as a procession of wickets soon followed.

Rob Wright was the pick of the attack with 4 for 30, backed up by young off-spinner Jordan Carroll, 2 for 19, and two magnificent direct hit run outs from the arm of Brady as Mellor were bowled out for 79 ensuring maximum points for the Gorsey Lane outfit.