STEVE Titchard was left 99 not out but team-mate Neil Barfuss duly completed an unbeaten half-century to earn Widnes a fine seven-wicket win at Chester Boughton Hall.
The performance was also notable for the rich promise shown in the bowling department as Chester were restricted to 203-8 from 55 overs.
Young spinners, 17-year-old Tom Evans took 4-68 from 18 overs while Jamal Khojani, 15, chipped in with 3-44 from 11 after Ian Spencer had put Boughton Hall in.
The hosts made a sound start against a Widnes attack missing the injured Gareth Dyson.
Titchard dismissed Griffiths lbw for 22 but this was the only wicket to fall to the Widnes seamers.
Widnes's reply suffered the worst of starts when they lost James McCoy in the first over.
But Titchard and Ben Williams (14) steadied matters - taking the score on to 50.
Sean Moore (32) joined Titchard and they progressed matters to 128 after 38 overs.
When Moore departed, Bar-fuss gave the innings the winning impetus, hitting four boundaries and four sixes, one of which sealed victory - and prevented Titchard from completing his hundred.
The visitors took 20 points and Chester ten.
Widnes 2nd XI also had an excellent win at Beaconsfield Road against Chester.
Richard Evans (55), Andy Atkin (30), Tony Hurdley (57) and Robert Morris (34) were the main scorers in Widnes's 224-7 dec.
Chester were bowled out for 153 with Alex Duckers taking three wickets and the Morris brothers two apiece.
On Sunday, the second team's Taylor Cup final was rained off, Widnes having made an excellent start on 120-1.
The tie will now be replayed this Sunday at Grappenhall.
On Saturday, Widnes entertain league leaders Oulton Park at Beaconsfield Road (noon start).
Ex-Lancashire and Derbyshire all-rounder Titchard will be playing his last home game for the club, having indicated he will return to his home club Grappenhall next season.
