CHESTER County Officers held out for a draw at Bunbury in the match of the day in Meller Braggins League Division Three.

The top-of-the-table clash saw Chester fielding first, banking on runs being hard to come by from a damp outfield.

But a mammoth partnership from batsmen Johnson (113no) and Lamb (38) meant Bunbury were on 114-2 after just 19 overs and seemingly heading for a daunting total.

But Mike Rowlands (3-60) and Steve Johnson (1-50) kept the run rate down, while three ducks for the batting side turned the match in favour of the visitors.

Bunbury ended their innings on 235-9dec, losing the ninth wicket with the final ball.

In reply, openers Mike Rowlands (49) and James Blaxall (20) racked up the runs.

Despite the best efforts of Danny Roberts (3-38), Chester reached maximum batting points.

Wright (43) was unlucky not to carry his bat when he was given LBW on the penultimate ball of the innings but Chester held out for the draw on 206-9.

Bunbury ended with 17 points to Chester’s 12, meaning the home side stay top of the league but Chester slip to third behind Sandbach, who won their match.