CHESTER County Officers made an instant return to winning ways in Meller Braggins League Division Two on Saturday as they beat a game Mere side by 107 runs.

The table-toppers showed the discipline that has been missing from their batting as Mike Rowlands (31) and Ian Rule (63) shared a first-wicket stand of 66.

Mike Jones picked up the tempo after the openers were dismissed, hitting three huge sixes in his knock of 38 to help CCO to 180-5dec.

Hosts Mere were then bowled out for 73, Vamshidhar Parvathaneni (3-32), Steve Johnson (3-34) and Rowlands (3-2) doing the damage.

Second-placed Kingsley continued their unbeaten run with a five-wicket home victory over Aston.

Missing talisman Travis Martin, Kingsley’s ground staff prepared a slow turning pitch.

Their decision was vindicated as Aston were soon bogged down by the left-arm spin of Adrian Burden (3-22).

Ben Pearce (4-5) found turn at the other end as the visitors were dismissed for 93.

The recalled John Elliot (42) led the reply and together with Ben Stoddart (20) put on 45 for the first wicket as Kinglsey made it to 94-5.

Cholmondeley (170-4) were six-wicket winners at Bunbury (168-8).