MISSING key players, Kingsley were satisfied to come away from promotion rivals Romily with a draw in Division Two of the Meller Braggins League.
After Romiley won the toss, their young openers set off at a canter and were assisted by short boundaries, a fast outfield and some woeful Kingsley fielding.
They passed 200 without loss before offering Kingsley a spirited declaration on 212-2 in the 36th over.
Conscious that this was a game they must not lose, Kingsley got off to a more pedestrian start against the home side’s accurate pace attack. None of Kingsley’s batsmen were able to get on top of them and when Ben Pearce (22) was dismissed, the away team knew victory was unlikely. Helped by some defensive field settings, Kieron Ollier (36no) and Matt Gabbutt (8no) batted with skill and patience to see Kingsley to the vital draw in comfort on 140-6.
In Division One, mid-table OAKMERE picked up a maximum points win over visitors Winnington Park.
Returning to the top of the order, Paul Yearsley (21) set the tempo of the Oakmere innings. Dan Wood (22), Paul Hutchinson (22), Ric Lyons (20) and Nick Ball (37) all made useful contributions to Oakmere’s 173ao.
Ball (6-47) then ripped through the Park top order, claiming the first six wickets. Mike Cushion (2-33) helped out to leave Park on 123ao.
