WARREN Goodwin helped Chester Boughton Hall post the league’s highest tally of the summer on Saturday – but it wasn’t enough to earn his side a win.

The in-form Goodwin struck a superb 153 against local Premier Division rivals Nantwich at Whitehouse Lane as the visitors racked up a huge 333-3dec. He was backed up by Indian Ajit Ranjan, who hit 77.

But the declaration probably came too late as Nantwich secured the draw with 226-6 in their reply.

Chester had batted first and, initially, were pegged back by an accurate opening spell from Jimmy Warrington and Barrington Browne.

But when Ranjan linked up with Goodwin at the crease, the pair added 183 for the second wicket. Goodwin, fresh from a big century for Cheshire, crashed the ball to all corners, hitting five sixes and 22 fours.

In reply, Nantwich were wobbling on 51-2 and 85-4. But they secured the draw despite the best efforts of Ranjan (3-55) and Alex Kegg (2-55). Debutant Ollie Thompson also grabbed a wicket.

NESTON’S seven-match unbeaten run at the top of the Premier Division came to an end – after skipper Jack Smith was forced to rush to the aid of his wife.

Smith (76) was supervising his side’s recovery from 70-7 to 147-7 at home to Hyde when Neston team manager Bob Cooke ran on to the field to tell him that his other half was in labour.

Smith duly departed to rush his wife to Arrowe Park Hospital, where she later gave birth to the couple’s second sons, Finlay Edward.

It was a happy ending for Smith but not for Neston, who were skittled for 170. Hyde then made 171-2.

Reigning champions OULTON PARK registered a 46-run success at home to second-placed Toft.

Jonny Kettle scored 57 and Rick Moore 51 in Park’s total of 193, spinners Jeremy Hart taking 5-50 and Jamie Lomas 5-68.

Guy Emmett’s post-tea burst of 5-53 proved too much for Toft, who were all out for 147.

In Division One, struggling CHRISTLETON went down by five wickets at home to improving Upton.

A couple of superb innings – from the ever-reliable Iroshan de Silva (91) and David Bates (86) – helped Christleton declare on 230-5.

But Upton edged home with eight balls to spare, posting 236-5 thanks in part to an excellent 77no from Kiwi George Earl.

Paul Allen did his best to prise out the Upton batsmen, taking 3-69, while Iroshan collected 2-74.