CHESTER Boughton Hall are locked in a two-way battle for the Vivio Cheshire County League title.
The club, who have never won the ECB Premier, are well clear of the rest along with Neston – leaders by eight points – after Saturday’s results.
Both won well, while outsiders Hyde and Alderley Edge suffered surprise defeats.
Chester took victory over Marple by six wickets at Filkins Lane in efficient manner.
Though their visitors reached 78-0 they were ultimately restricted to 150ao as Alex Kegg’s comeback yielded 6-36.
At one point Marple lost four wickets for no runs as Jordan Clark took 2-85.
The home side’s reply started poorly with openers Warren Goodwin (6) and Mark Rowlands (8) exiting early on.
But they went on to reach 151-4 in just 22 overs, highlighted by an unbeaten 69 from Lee Dixon, 42 by Clark and Ross Dixon’s unbeaten 18.
In Division One, CHRISTLETON ended up on the wrong side of a draw in a high-scoring clash with Sale.
The visitors made first use and did well to post 278-4 – inspired by Jamal Benzafar (68no), Tyrone Lawrence (62), Keith Wellings (54) and Calvin Flowers (60).
Iro De Silva, who picked up two wickets, then produced a classy 75 after tea.
Aided by Ben Patterson (42) they got scented victory in a tight finish.
But Christleton closed 10 runs short on 268-7 (Lawrence 3-88).
OULTON PARK’s home game with Cheadle match was postponed until Sunday (August 18) to avoid a clash with the CarFest North event at the nearby Oulton Park race track.
