A WINNING draw was the best Malpas could get out out of a stubborn Alvanley side in Division One of the Meller Braggins League.
Alvanley’s young bowling attack of Lee Ainsworth and Chris Charles reduced Malpas to 32-3 early on.
Adrian Stubbs led the recovery, top scoring with 60 over Tom Coates Harman (34) as Malpas were bowled out in the final over for 223.
Robin Fisher was Alvanley’s best bowler with figures of 4-68.
After tea Alvanley’s Andy Bennion and Dave Shewring (84) hit the ground running, their 50 partnership coming up inside 15 overs.
Bennion fell just two short of a half century with the score on 131.
With momentum lost Alvanley fell to 175-5 with six overs remaining.
Fisher (18no) and Ben Pearce (42no) set about Malpas and Alvanley closed on 209-5 (Jon Suckley 2-49).
In Division Three, CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS marked their return with victory over Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge.
Ladybridge declared on 156-9 and allowed County Officers to have a go at them, which they did.
Mike Rowlands’ 78no and Ian Rule’s 33 were pivotal as Chester reached 157-4. Chester celebrated the result they had wanted, with 25 points. This Saturday’s game is at newly promoted Sandbach.
BUNBURY were beaten at Aston by three wickets, scoring 208-9 before Aston reached 210-6.
