CHESTER County Officers climbed back into Division One's top two after a comprehensive home victory over Sandbach on Saturday.

Sandbach threatened to get a good score with opener Martin Metcalf playing some excellent shots to pass 50, but wickets were falling at the other end.

Sandbach eventually capitulated for 150 in 43 overs, with Steve Johnson ending with figures of 7-53 in 21 penetrating overs, while Mike Rowlands picked up two wickets.

After tea, Sandbach started poorly. Officers' opening partnership had amassed 82 - achieved in only the 12th over - when Tony Hattersley was caught for a stylish 37.

Mike Rowlands (60no) and Tony Collard (18no) finished the job with 20 overs to spare, reaching 151-1.

Leaders BUNBURY enjoyed a five-wicket victory over visitors Hartford, who were bowled out for 218 with R Whittle (51) and B Harkin (33) after batting first. Bunbury's D Roberts took 4-90.

Bunbury won the game with 221-5 with O Williamson unbeaten on 70, Simon Lamb (51) and Benn Camber (35).

KINGSLEY continued their promotion push with a comfortable win against Radbroke Hall at the Croft.

After losing the toss, Kingsley took the field and, with regular opening bowler Burden missing, John Ollier (2-14) took the new ball.

He was supported well by Massey (1-38) and Kitchen (2-46) as Radbroke made 139-7.

With rain expected, Butcher (69) and Elliott (51no) took to the crease hoping to get quick runs. The pair put on 117 for the first wicket leaving the foundation for victory as Kingsley reached 141-1.

ELLESMERE PORT lost to Wood-ford, who set 243-9 with Andy Sayers taking 4-136.

In reply the home side crashed through Port's batsmen, skittling them for 107ao

In Division Two, a poor batting dis-play saw SAUGHALL slump to defeat at FRODSHAM.

Chasing 232 on a good batting track, the visitors were quietly confident, but were dismissed for just 105 in 26 overs. Chris Andrews top-scored for Saughall with just 22 and only two more batsmen made double figures as wicket after wicket tumbled in quick succession.

Williamson took 5-41 for the hosts, while Saughall's highest partnership was just 23.

Saughall captain James Huxley said: 'Frodsham bowled especially well, but to be dismissed for just 105 on that pitch was inexcusable.'

In Division Three, Port Sunlight conceded their match at home to CAPENHURST.