CHOLMONDELEY fell just four runs short of victory in a Division One thriller at Brooklands on Saturday.
After the hosts had reached 145-9 (Ed Middleton 4-32, Guy Ford 2-31, Neil Thompson 2-38), Phil Evans struck a fluent 48 in reply but wickets tumbled regularly at the other end and the cause was lost when Jim Middleton was out for 18 with Chums on 141. There were only four balls remaining.
MALPAS lost at home to Runcorn by four wickets after posting a target of 193-8 (Jon Suckley 52, Adrian Stubbs 44, James Crichton 37).
Runcorn's openers put on a century before Adrian Stubbs was able to break the part-nership. Dave Hunt then grabbed 4-59 but the visitors got home with four overs remaining.
ALVANLEY remain in the relegation places after losing at home to Davenham.
The visitors declared on 258-2 and had Alvanley all out for 135.
In Division Two, BARROW chalked up a fourth successive victory when they entertained promotion rivals Barnton.
The hosts were asked to bowl first and looked to be on the back foot as Barnton reached 82-3 in 18 overs.
But the introduction of spinners Brett Balac and Phil Noble sparked a turnaround for Barrow, halting the run-rate before a late flurry carried Barnton to 191-8 (Dave Ashley 108).
Barrow's reply was built around a second-wicket partnership of 126 between Matt Morris (82) and Lee Dwyer (63).
The hosts overcame a worrying wobble, losing four wickets in four balls, to post a winning 195-7.
In Division Three, CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS suffered a setback as they were beaten at home by Wirral.
Bright sun and a good home pitch should have given Chester the advantage when winning the toss, but a disastrous first half hour, which saw them fall to 11-3, set the tempo for the afternoon.
Mike Rowlands (58) kept the score moving with some sweet leg-side shots, but nobody else could come to terms with Wirral's accurate bowling until number eight Mike Clarke notched an excellent 25no to help the hosts to a below-par 128-8.
Wirral coasted to victory but the introduction of leg spinner Rowlands (3 -35) at least brought some excitement to the final stages as five wickets fell during the last 50 runs of the visitors' 129-6.
* World champion gymnast Beth Tweddle is a special guest at today's celebrity cricket match at Cholmondeley CC.
Beth will officially open proceedings and the charity event, which begins at 10.30am with lunch at 12.30pm.
The match is in aid of the Lord's and Lady Taverners and will feature a whole host of famous names from the world of sport, music and television.
Among those expected to attend are DJ Chris Evans, McFly drummer Harry Judd and comedian Nick Hancock.
