MALPAS drew at Prestbury in Division One on Saturday but came away with the lion's share of the points.

Malpas batted first on an unpredictable track.

Only Adrian Stubbs (40) and Ron Hart (21) came to terms with the conditions as the visitors reached 167-8, thanks in part to useful contributions from the lower order.

In reply, Prestbury encountered similar problems, but with the low target this was always going to be a tight game.

One Malpas bowler who found the conditions to his liking was Mark Goldsmith, who came away with superb figures of 6-62 from 18 overs, ably supported by James Crichton with 2-34.

Going into the last over, both sides had a chance of victory, but neither was able to take the initiative and the Prestbury innings ended on 163-9, giving Malpas 15 points and Prest-bury 10.

CHOLMONDELEY lost by 19 runs at home to Marple.

The visitors batted first, scoring 207-9 with all the Cholmondeley bowlers contributing.

In reply, Guy Ford batted superbly for 75. He was ably supported by wicketkeeper/batsman James O'Brien (25) and all-rounder Andy Latham (25). However, it was not quite enough with Chums 188 all out.

ALVANLEY took advantage of a slow pitch and reckless Runcorn batting to reduce the home team to 86-6. But a sensible partnership of more than 100 runs allowed Runcorn end on 209-7.

Mark Szymura and Andy Bennion replied cautiously for Alvanley and managed only 17 runs off the first nine overs.

Wickets tumbled as Alvanley tried to accelerate and when Szymura was spectacularly caught on the boundary by Andy Booth, Alvanley were 67-5.

Phil Jones played a controlled innings of 32no to guide Alvanley to safety as the innings closed at 126-8.

Alderley Park was the destination for Division Two outfit BARROW, who won the toss and put Park in to bat.

Phil Noble and Matt Morris took wickets to put Park on 53-3 and spinner Brett Balac had some joy as Park were eventually all out for 157-8.

The Barrow opening partnership of Lee Dwyer and Gareth Pawlett soon set about the bowling quickly, reaching 38 before the loss of Dwyer.

Then the in-form Matt Morris came to the crease and started to dispatch the bowling to all parts. Barrow reached 158-4 in just 36 overs to win, Morris finishing on an un-beaten 67.

CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS enjoyed a handsome victory at Lindow in Division Three.

After deciding to bat on the flat-looking track, solid performances from Tony Hattersley (32) and Chris Wright (38) helped CCO to 193-8.

Then they unleashed their bowling attack and Andy Barlow quickly claimed 3-20.

Spinners Mike Rowlands and Mike Pownall finished the job with 4-18 and 3-5 respectively as Lindow were skittled for 95.

The 98-run victory earned CCO another 25 points and consolidated their third-place standing.