A FINE century from Mike Rowlands was not enough to secure a home win for Chester County Officers in Division Three.

Opener Rowlands made a chance-less 132 on Saturday as CCO drew at home to Bowdon Vale.

The Chester hosts won the toss and elected to bat first, with Ian Rule (51) backing up Rowlands.

With the score on 215-2 in the 39th over, an early declaration looked likely, before the loss of five Chester wickets in four overs.

Officers eventually declared on 229-7 from 42 overs, leaving themselves 48 overs to bowl out the opposition.

In reply, Mike Clarke (1-22) made the initial breakthrough and Rowlands (2-38) also turned the screw as Bowdon Vale were reduced to 96-4.

Despite impressive bowling from Steve Johnson (1-19) and Rule (1-14), the visitors were able to play out the draw by posting a final score of 176-5.

Chester finished with 15 points to remain in second place behind table-topping BUNBURY, who were also held to a draw at the weekend.

They played host to Chelford, who elected to bat first and reached 229-9 from their 45 overs, with James Thompson (4-57) and Owen Williamson (3-67) the pick of the bowlers.

In response, Bunbury made 209-3 from 39 overs to secure a draw, with Munson (75) top-scoring.