FOR the first time since the late 1970s, Chester County Officers played host to a league game against Oakmere.

The depth of batting in the home side’s line-up proved key as CCO won to take a narrow lead at the top of the TACS Partnership Cheshire League Division One table.

Oakmere won the toss and elected to bat first in difficult conditions. At one stage, a brief heavy rain shower was preceded by a gust of wind strong enough to blow one of the site screens over and send the covers flying off down the field.

Oakmere ended their 44 overs on 140-9 (Jay Afridi 6-35) and, as a result of the earlier rain delays, the home side had 40 overs for their run chase.

After tea, Mike Rowlands (58) and Martin Barrett (15) set about the opening bowlers with some free flowing shots.

At one stage, the run rate rose to an uncomfortable level – but with six overs remaining, the run tap was switched on and a three-over spell went for 29 to level the score. Mike Jones (19no) hit the winning single to take CCO to 141-5.

MALPAS, relegated last season, went down to a home defeat to Mobberley.

Adrian Stubbs (37) did the bulk of the scoring for the hosts as they were all out for 104. Then Mobberley replied with 106-5 (Phil Johnson (3-32) to clinch the win.