THERE was an air of relief as Kearsley finally produced some improved form to at least make up for some of the disappointments of the first half of the season.

Poor batting and the failure of pro Akber to repeat his wicket-taking feats of last season were the main reasons why they have not figured in a challenge for the leadership but it all came right on Saturday when they scored 201-9 and Akber collected seven wickets for 47. Egerton were the side to suffer as Akber's haul saw them dismissed for 135, Chris Tye top scoring with 56, while Kearsley's batting heroes were Steve Davies 73 and Dave Leonard 57, Chuck O'Rourke taking 5-51.