CHRISTLETON 2nds clung on for a draw after James Locke almost single-handedly ensured Cheadle Hulme 2nds posted a huge total.

His 155 helped the hosts to 255-7, aided by poor fielding and an injury to Christleton's Chris Brookes in the first over.

Despite a below-par performance, with Greg Malkin (2-59) and skipper Brian Wareing (2-49) the pick of the bowlers, Christleton dug deep and batted out for 180-7, no-one posting a large score.

The 3rds made the trip to Elworth and bowled the home side out for 133. Matt Malkin (1-25) and Richard Sissons (2-25) took their wickets in the first six overs.

Christleton then raced to a winning 136-2, Lamb caught out on 45 and Phillips not out on 48.

ALVANLEY 2nds defeated Stretton 2nds in a thriller, taking maximum points to extend their unbeaten run this season.

Stand-in captain John Farmer elected to bat first on a greenish wicket.

The visitors reduced Alvanley to 48-4 before John Farmer and Steve Charles (22) dug in, Farmer going on to score a gritty 80 as Alvanley ended on 176-9.

Stretton struggled initially but ended on 175ao with three balls left, Bill Pearson taking 3-19 and Chris Jones 3-7.

TATTENHALL 3rds met Alsager 3rds as they too aimed to continue their unbeaten run. Batting first, Alex Sandland's 52 was the highlight of Tattenhall's collapsed innings of 130ao.

Alsager started well and, despite pressure from Tattenhall's fielding, the target was not sufficient to force any mistakes and they reached it having lost only three wickets.

Top quality bowling against Grappenhall steered OULTON PARK 2nds towards victory.

The home side were bowled out for 166 with Stuart McLeod bowling 18 overs for 5-69 and Craig Williamson 24 overs for 4-59.

Oulton's batting line-up saw off the mediocre Grappenhall attack, Mark Johnson making 61, Ben Kettle 39 and Simon Torlop 29no.

MALPAS 2nds gained a morale-boosting victory against visitors Old Parkonians by two wickets.

Parkonians won the toss and elected to bat, closing on 189-8.

The home side did a good containing job and steadily chipped away thanks to the efforts of Tom Coates (2-44), Henry Wilson-Theaker (2-51) and a good spell from Martin Punnett, who was unlucky to pick up only 1-23 from his nine overs.

In reply, Malpas lost early wickets, but Tom Coates (34), Danny Lloyd (29) and a well compiled 57no by Mark Dunning saw them home with five overs to spare, finishing on 193-8.