CHESTER Boughton Hall missed the chance to propel themselves up the Cheshire County League Premier table on Saturday as they had to settle for a hard-earned draw in a rain-reduced clash at Neston.
With every other match in the top flight falling victim to the weather, victory would have hauled Steve Ogilby’s side into the top half – instead they remain fourth from bottom.
Hall captain Ogilby won the toss and decided to bowl first. His attack took up the challenge as the tight Ian Linwood (4-62) dismissed opener Chris Hackett for just five.
After Neston recovered to reach 90-3 thanks to Mark Garrett (30) and David Hurst (25), teenager Harry Killoran was introduced in the 25th over.
The 14-year-old returned figures of 1-26 off five overs and was unlucky not to take a second wicket when an easy catch was dropped at long on.
Killoran was also to play an important role with the bat.
Set 143-8, Hall’s reply got off to a poor start.
Lee Dixon (42) and Jumar Sarna (35) steadied the ship but after they got out cheaply, further wickets followed.
It was left up to rookie Killoran (8no) and Linwood (5no) to ensure Hall held on at 130-9 despite the best efforts of Chad Wilson (5-50).
Christleton suffered a 99-run Division One loss to in-form Bowdon. Former Lancashire star Mark Chilton survived a dropped catch to fire the visitors to 188-5 with a top knock of 80 and then took 4-15 as Christleton collapsed from 80-2 to 89 all out (Iftikhar Naseer 50).
Malpas drew at home to Warrington in Division Two. Paddy Mackrell (2-26) was the pick of the Malpas bowlers as Warrington posted 181-4dec. Captain Jon Suckley (28no), the in-form Rob Ward (25) and Alan Stubbs (19) then dug their heels in as the hosts replied with 116-8.
