A SOLID batting display by Chester Boughton Hall’s tail-enders secured a draw with table-topping Oxton at Filkins Lane.
The visitors – flying high in the County League Premier Division – were asked to bat first and they responded with 226-9 from their 55 overs. Mark Rowlands (4-40), playing against his old club, and Jack Williams (2-88) were among the wickets.
Chester dipped to 144-7 in reply, but Jack Williams batted patiently and maturely for his 27no off 100 balls and effectively saved the game for his side. Chris Connolly contributed 10no from 46 balls as Boughton Hall’s tail wagged, ensuring they finished on 167-8 (Lee Dixon 44).
Chester won through to the next round of the Cheshire Cup at Didsbury on Sunday.
Alex Kegg (3-10) and Lee Dixon (3-6) helped restrict Didsbury to 141 before Mike Robinson (48no) carried the visitors to a four-wicket win.
Elsewhere in the league on Saturday, NESTON claimed a 41-run success over champions Nantwich. The hosts ran up 206 (Luke Camden 52) and Chris Finegan bagged 6-41 off 13 lethal overs in the Dabbers’ reply of 165ao.
Promoted from number eight, teenage wicket-keeper Rob Marks scored 65 for CHRISTLETON in Division One but it was not enough for victory. The Chester hosts made a par score of 228-5 and opponents Cheadle Hulme replied with 231-6 (Ifti Naseer 4-90).
The OULTON PARK spin duo of Craig Williamson (6-57) and Danny Leech (4-57) were too much to handle as Irby were bowled out for 189 after 50 overs.
In reply, Nick James (46) and Ric Moore (44) were quick out of the blocks and the pair laid the foundations for victory.
It was left to captain Danny Leech (11no) and Williamson (12no) to see Oulton Park home to 190-6 with five overs to spare.
