Elworth plough on at the top
Niroshan Bandaratilleke was once again in top form for Neil Davies's side with the outstanding return of 6-56. And with Whitmore struggling at 19-4, an early finish looked more than likely.
But home professional Irfan Fazil (45) and Justin Mould (51) shared a fifth-wicket stand of 82 to ensure they reached a respectable 167.
Barlaston, however, cruised to an eight-wicket victory thanks to opener Ben Grange's unbeaten 78. He received solid support from Phil Walklate with 45.
The 20 points gained leave Barlaston just two points behind second-placed Sandyford, who had to settle for a draw at bottom-of-the-table Crewe.
The home side amassed an impressive 233-7 based on a superb opening partnership of 120 between Mark Hurst and Mark Spencer, both of whom scored half-centuries.
Despite Stephan Shemilt's 48, Sandyford were pegged back by Hamsin Naseer (4-54) and had to settle for a winning draw on 150-5.
Stafford continue to struggle and were hammered at home by Blythe, who are in fourth spot.
Peter Finch's four wickets blew the home side's top order away and they crumbled to just 70 all out.
The visitors wasted no time in knocking off the required runs, and despite an impressive early burst of three wickets from Sean Connolly, Martin Bailey was once again in good form with the bat and saw Blythe home to a four-wicket win, with an undefeated 40.
Meir Heath were big winners of the day at the bottom, after captain Richard Stonier inspired them to a six wicket win at Cheadle.
Andy Shaw's 63 was the backbone of the home side's 171, with seamers Chris Guest and Mike Inskip both claiming four wickets.
The visitors' nerves were soothed by a second-wicket partnership between Stonier and Joe Woodward (57), and Stonier hit an undefeated 78 to ensure his side emerged from out of the relegation places, albeit they are level on points with Stafford.
After a promising, start, Norton are now struggling, and they suffered a 47-run home defeat by fast-improving Rode Park.
Jon Gallimore struck 97 for Rode Park and received great support from Ben Taylor's unbeaten half-century as the visitors made a declaration of 223-8 in just 51.3 overs. Once again, Greg Willott was the pick of the Norton attack with 5-60.
Despite solid knocks from Dan Edge and Joshua Graham, Norton were dismissed for 176.
Elworth strengthened their position at the top by beating Kidsgrove by 168 runs.
The table-toppers ran up an impressive 242-6dec and then routed the home side for just 74.
Unfortunately, the scorecards were not entered so we cannot report on individual performances.
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