Hyde produced yet another ruthless performance as they cruised to a 10 wicket victory over bottom of the table Bowden on Saturday.
A wet pitch meant a one-hour delay to proceedings, but after winning the toss it was no surprise that Hyde decided to bowl first and it was a decision that paid immediate dividends as they were ripped the heart out of the Bowdon batting line up to reduce the home side to nine for the loss off five wickets from 11 quality overs.
However, to their credit Bowdon showed great resilience and Joe Chapple (30) and Alec Makin (47) made sure that Hyde didn't have things completely their own way.
There was also 21 not out from James Bottomley as Bowdon posted 133 all out, a score they'd surely have taken earlier in the day, Danny Cranmer claiming 4-33 and Andrew Jackson 3-38.
Once again, the Hyde reply was excellent with Tom Partridge and Luke Young seizing on some poor bowling.
The pair batted with authority as they chased down their target in just over 21 overs. Partridge finishing on 78no and Young on 53no.
To add to the celebrations news filtered through later in the day that their nearest challengers had failed to win meaning Hyde had extended their lead at the top of the table as teams reached the halfway stage of the season.
Next up is a trip to sixth placed Widnes.
*Hyde are also through to T20 finals day after Andrew Jackson smashed a stunning 34-ball century in their quarter final tie at Didsbury last Thursday.
Set 187 for victory, Hyde seemed to be struggling at 18-2, but Jackson's sensational innings meant the Werneth Low men reached their target with 20 balls remaining.
Score: Cheshire County 1st XI Premier Division: Bowdon 133ao Hyde 134-0
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