CHESTER CO suffered a disappointing defeat against promotion-chasing Radbroke Hall.

Paul Owen got the game off to a good start with a powerful 40, but the introduction of Indian star Manoj Roy to the attack slowed the runs right down as he took four mid-innings wickets including the obdurate Mike Clarke for 24.

Only a splendid partnership by Steve Johnson 43no and Andy Barlow 24no took the score to a respectable 166-7 on a good batting wicket.

Radbroke's two batting stars, Les Forsyth and Roy, took to the wicket after tea and two hours later were still there, clinching victory with two overs to spare.

However, Roy (69no) was badly dropped at mid-wicket off spin-ner Mike Rowlands when on 25 and Les Forsyth (93no) led a charmed life, as he survived a strong appeal for caught behind and hit the ball agonisingly close to fielders on numerous occasions.

Clarke bowled a tremendous 14-over spell of away swingers, beating the bat repeatedly and taking the edge, but to no effect.

Chester seconds, depleted by two late cry-offs, tried desperately to maintain their championship challenge, but a sporting declaration backfired when paceman Adam Gewargis pulled up with a thigh strain after only three overs.

Radbroke clinched victory in the final over by three wickets, leaving Chester a distant 50 points behind current leaders Northwich.

Kingsley has seen its fair share of thrilling finishes this season, but none more so than the amazing win against high fliers Sand-bach.

The home side's decision to bat first to take advantage of double points paid off as Elliott (34) and Butcher (21) set up a solid opening stand. Kieron Ollier then played a captain's innings of 61no as he led his team to a respectable 175-5 and maximum batting points.

Sandbach's openers also laid a solid foundation, but scoring was slow on another wet track and, once they were out, the remaining batsmen were under pressure to score quickly.

Matty Ollier tempted three out of their ground to be stumped by Leneghan which virtually ended Sandbach's hope of victory and promotion.

With the game fizzling to a draw, young paceman Andy Storey then returned in the last over to claim the final two wickets and a victory that sends Kingsley climbing into the top half of the table.

Saughall's match against Port Sunlight was cancelled.

Bunbury beat visitors Frod-sham by 100 runs, hitting 177-4 (P Kwissa 63no) before sending Frodsham back for 77.