THE runs were flowing at Little Budworth on Saturday as Chester Boughton Hall opened the season with a win over derby rivals Oulton Park.
Ollie Law hit his maiden County League century and Daron Cruickshank also blasted a ton as the away side declared on 305-3 after 44.5 overs (Warren Goodwin 81). The free-scoring pair shared a partnership of 193.
Park made a brave effort in reply, eventually being all out for 288 from 64.3 overs (Nick James 96).
There were only three balls to spare when Boughton Hall took the final wicket to secure a memorable 17-run success.
Visiting skipper Jim Gillson had opted to bat first after winning the toss, but Steve Ogilby (13) and Lancashire scholar Jordan Clarke (0) departed early to leave Chester 74-2.
But Law (100no), Goodwin and overseas pro Cruickshank (100no) led the revival and ensured Boughton Hall broke the 300-run barrier.
For Park, Robin Taylor finished with two wickets taking both Ogilby and Clark in the same over while Ben Gough took their other wicket.
Louis Bentley took a fine catch to dismiss Ogilby.
Oulton started their innings brightly, but Trevor Fabian got the breakthrough when Martin East was caught at fine leg for 12 (21-1).
The contest remained in the balance, Gough (50) supporting top-scorer James, until last man Thomas Bannister-Wright was caught behind off Cruickshank (4-80) with three balls remaining.
Elsewhere in the Premier Division, NESTON lost to Toft at Parkgate. They were bowled out for 109 after Toft had made 218-9 (Chris Finegan 5-83).
In Division One, CHRISTLETON fell to a 10-wicket loss at home to Bowdon.
The Little Heath side were dismissed for 151 (Iroshan de Silva 38). Bowdon openers Carl Hey (80) and new man Brett Forsyth (64) then knocked the runs off in 38 overs.
Thirteen-year-old Harry Killoran took 6-36 as Boughton Hall 2nds (158-2) defeated Oulton Park 2nds (157ao).
Halls third team were too good for Warrington, declaring on 241-7 ( Tom Evans 82) before bowling their opponents out for 52 (Stuart Brandon 5-15).
A clean sweep for the Hall was prevented when their 4ths lost to Warrington 4ths. They were all out for 142 and Warrington responded with 143-3.
Cheshire take on Cumberland at Neston on Sunday in their opening Minor Counties Knockout Cup game.
