OPENER Ray Hunt stood firm as those around him fell when Tattenhall 2nds entertained Burnage 2nds.

As early wickets tumbled, he stuck around to put on 74. He was eventually joined by skipper Mark Sandford (41) as they propelled their side to 210ao.

In reply, Burnage got off to an explosive start with their opening pair putting on 98. They were pegged back by the leg spin of Ben Cooke (3-40) and man of the match Tim Grey with an outstanding 6-37.

Burnage were bowled out for 191 to give Tattenhall a 19-run victory.

MALPAS 2nds posted 154-7 against Runcorn 2nds thanks to good knocks from Mark Dunning (34), captain Robbie McWilliams (29no) and Richie McWilliams (15no).

It was a defendable total. Malpas then got Runcorn to 100-5 with good bowling from Dunning (2-39) and Danny Lloyd (2-39), but they let it slip and Runcorn snatched the win with five overs to spare.

CHRISTLETON 2nds travelled to title challengers Didsbury with six players unavailable including leading run scorer Mike Hollindale. Christleton won the toss put their hosts in to score 225-6 (Wareing 2-29).

Christleton seemed to be coasting in reply, needing 90 runs off the last 20 overs with wickets in hand. However, when Chris Brookes (42) was caught and Andy Hayland (33) was run out, Christleton collapsed and scraped a draw with 182-8.

Third place met second as CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL 2nds host Alderley Edge at Filkins Lane and were held to a draw. Tom Ducker (51) and Jonty Hedgecoe (41) put Hall on target for a big score but those around them did not do enough and they were bowled out for 211.

In reply, Edge made 170-8 but were forced to play for the draw due to the impact of Hall's Andy McIver who took four wickets - all bowled - as well as a fine slip catch and a direct-hit run-out on his second-team debut.

Hall 3rds could not finish Warrington 3rds off after registering 166ao. Youngsters Glen Coppack and Byron Ward batted sensibly for 31 and 33 respectively, but a collapse was saved by Charlie Owen (35) and his partner Pete Cluderay (31no).

Warrington managed to draw with 156-9 (Jamie Ducker 5-21, Bobby Evans 2-24).

Warrington 4ths offered little resistance against Hall 4ths, whose openers Ed Mitchell (100no) and Cliff Mallows (142no) batted the whole innings to score their maiden centuries in a magnificent 264-0 total.

In reply, Warrington struggled as Chester's opening bowlers Mark Inchley (1-13) and James Miln (4-31) got stuck in.

Joe Killoran was then unleashed, taking 3-44, before John Thistlewood polished off the tail with 2-12.

Chris Blake (70) led the way then Mark Johnson (46), Ben Kettle (28), Mike Blake (20no) and Ed Farquhar (22no) shared in the runs as OULTON PARK 2nds hit 217-6 for victory at home against Heaton Mersey 2nds.

The visitors had scored 216-9 with Mike Blake taking 4-54 and Craig Williamson 2-78.