CHESTER County Officers missed a chance to climb the league when they were soundly beaten at Romiley.
They have now won just one of the last four and must swiftly regroup to avoid slipping down the TACS Partnership Cheshire League Division One table.
Chester’s longest trip on the hottest day of the season was rewarded when they won the toss.
But opener Stuart Putson (8) had no luck as the ball spun back onto his stumps and three of his team-mates were clean-bowled.
Chester were reeling on 21-4. There was some resistance as Roger Watt hit 13 and Jay Afridi (25) played with his usual vigour, hitting fours and a massive six to break some house roof tiles.
At 85-5 with 18 overs to go there was a chance that a decent score might be posted but Rowlands (32) lobbed tamely to deep mid-on.
Afridi immediately fell into a trap to be caught on the point boundary and a careless run-out saw Chester lose three wickets on the same score for the second time in the innings.
They scraped to 100ao but, after tea, the home side had little difficulty in reaching 101-1.
MALPAS lost at Upton by 21 runs despite 4-48 and 50 from all-rounder Adrian Stubbs.
Michael Cushion (6-28), Thomas Cristofani (38no) and Rick Lyons (43) inspired OAKMERE to a six-wicket win over Winnington Park.
