Cricket: Iftikhar Nasser and Nick O’Connell hold firm in battling draw for Christleton

CHRISTLETON dropped a place in Division One but are still out of the danger zone after a dogged draw at Irby on Saturday.

The struggling Wirral hosts had opening bat William Passas (77) to thank as they posted 171-8dec (Iroshan de Silva 4-40).

Christleton’s reply replied with 161-9, Matt Astbury (5no) and Matt Parkinson (3no) holding firm at the end. The outcome may have been different had it not been for Iftikhar Nasser (35) and Nick O’Connell (31), batting at numbers seven and eight respectively.

In the Premier Division, Warren Goodwin hit 117 and Steve Ogilby 63 as CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL piled on the runs against Bramhall – but couldn’t quite grab victory.

Their opening partnership put on 181 for the visitors, who dominated throughout but were thwarted by a fine last-wicket stand between Simon Wilkinson and Andy Hayes.

Earlier, Bramhall had won the toss and put Chester in to bat on an overcast, damp afternoon. The visitors, who were 181-1 at one stage, ended up declaring on 260-6.

Bramhall put up a determined response but were opened up by Mike Robinson’s 3-21 from five overs. When the ninth wicket fell with seven overs left, Chester sensed a hard-earned win – yet Wilkinson and Hayes held strong to bat out the draw.

At the sharp end of the table, any one of the top five look capable of claiming the title.

Leaders NESTON lost again, this time to Urmston, by one wicket with one ball to spare in the most exciting finish seen at Parkgate this season.

Neston posted a modest 152 (Jack Smith 36) before Urmston, previously without a win since May, wound up on 159-9 (Luke Camden 6-42).

Champions OULTON PARK are still well in the running after a back-to-form victory at Alderley Edge, declaring on 292-8 with Jonny Kettle (107) and Ric Moore (75) putting on 183. Alderley Edge had a real go and reached 248, Guy Emmett taking 4-49 and teenager Alex Marshall 3-27.

In Division Two, TATTENHALL drew at home with relegation strugglers Birkenhead Park.

Park declared on 183-7 and Tatts just clung on at 162-9 (Craig Williamson 38).

Cheshire host Devon at Nantwich in a three-day MCCA Championship clash, starting this Sunday (11am). Their squad comprises: Kettle (Oulton Park), Dawson (Bramhall), Spendlove (Oulton Park), Duffy (Hyde), Dixon (Oxton), Hall (Bramhall), Dumelow (Oulton Park), Berry (Hyde), Logan (Chichester), Fawcett (Didsbury), Hawley (Neston), Warrington (Nantwich).