CHESTER Boughton Hall are aiming to bounce back from a disappointing final-ball defeat at home to Urmston when they face Oulton Park in a derby clash on Saturday.

With new recruit Ajit Ranjan in the side, Hall will be looking to capitalise on Park’s poor form in the league of late.

But such a result will also require a turnaround in Hall’s fortunes.

Urmston’s win was Hall’s second successive loss and although rain cancellations played into Jim Gillson’s hands as his side claimed 14 points and fifth place in the Premier Division, it was tough to take.

“Urmston didn’t want to play and with other games being off, we were desperate to,” he said.

“Thankfully we won the toss and batted first, so we could at least bank batting points if the weather turned.”

And it did, forcing the game to into a reduced overs contest.

Hall posted a challenging 153-9 however with Ranjan, taking to the field less than 24 hours after arriving from Delhi, adding 24 runs with skipper Gillson putting up 31.

After tea Ranjan’s spin was negated by the limited overs, but Alex Kegg and Maroof Khan were on song to take 3-42 and 3-41 respectively.

But, having been reluctant to play, Urmston found the runs they needed for victory from the final ball to claim a three-wicket win.

“It was galling but we played well,” said Gillson.

“Next up is the derby against Oulton Park, it won’t be easy but they are having a tough time and we have a great opportunity to put some points on the board.”

NESTON stretched their advantage at the top of the Premier Division to 32 points with victory over struggling Nantwich at Parkgate.

Cheshire paceman James Hawley helped dismiss the struggling Dabbers for 98 with a superb 6-25 return.

Neston’s reply was sketchy, but 26no from Chris Hackett and 25 by Wayne Greve saw them home by five wickets with an over in the locker.

In Division Two TATTENHALL and Bredbury St Mark’s drew.

Tattenhall were all out for 156 (Craig Williamson 46) and Bredbury closed at a tantalising 145-9 (Williamson 6-61).

Cheshire Women suffered a 14-run loss at Warwickshire.

They were cruising after Warks set a target of 170.

But at 148-5, Cheshire contrived to lose their last five wickets for eight runs to finish 156ao (Dawn Prestidge 49).