NESTON’S Cheshire County League Premier Division title wobbles go on.
The Station Road outfit’s lead at the top now stands at just 16 points after they had to settle for a losing draw at Toft on Saturday.
Only Wayne Greve (2-25) and Chris Finegan (2-63) managed to do any real damage with the ball as the mid-table hosts amassed an impressive 272-6 from their 55 overs.
Neston’s reply got off to the worst possible start when openers Greve and captain Jack Smith went early.
Mark Garrett (28) steadied the ship before Luke Camden (32) and Chris Hackett (42) upped the run rate.
But once that duo were dismissed the away side’s hopes of victory evaporated, and instead they had to cling on at 163-8 to take eight points to Toft’s 16.
Neston, who have won only one of their last five, entertain Urmston on Saturday.
The English Schools Cricket Association Bunbury Under 15s Festival comes to Cheshire next week for the first time.
Neston Cricket Club will host the North v London & East match on Tuesday, July 27, and the Midlands v South & West, and London & East v North games the following day.
