KINGSLEY moved up to fifth in Division Two on Saturday after winning a low-scoring thriller away to local rivals Barrow.

Asked to bat first on a flat but damp pitch, the visitors were reduced to 27-5 by Barrow seamers Rishan Fernando and Mal Barrow.

But a partnership of 34 between Mark Butcher (22) and George Waring (39no) proved to be crucial as Kingsley limped to what they thought would be a below-par 95-9.

The early stages of Barrow’s reply followed a similar pattern to the Kingsley innings, as they plunged to 26-6.

But the wickets continued to tumble as Barrow were all out for just 43, with only debutant Aaron Williams showing any composure at the crease.

Travis Martin (3-6), Jonny Storey (3-15) and Adrian Burden (3-8) led the rout.

CHOLMONDELEY (181-7dec) drew at Lymm OP (153-7).

In Division One, ALVANLEY’S lead at the summit now stands at an impressive 42 points.

They chalked up a convincing home win over Runcorn, who opted to bat first and were all out for 157.

Lee Ainsworth and Kenny Roberts shared the new ball and both found movement through the air, reducing the away side to 45-5.

A seventh-wicket stand worth 71 was the highlight for Runcorn, but Ainsworth (3-29) and Roberts, who claimed his first five-wicket haul for the club, returned to clean up the tail.

Mark Szymura and Andy Bennion opened Alvanley’s response and added 42 in just seven overs before Bennion fell for a forceful 28.

Nick Geddis soon followed but a wonderful stand of 90 between Szymura (79) and Jack Yates (39) was decisive as Alvanley won with 158-4.

Alvanley’s closes rivals are OAKMERE, who triumphed at home to Hale Barns. Michael Cushion took 4-38 as the visitors were all out for 102. Oakmere then eased to 105-4.

In Division Three, CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS remain second despite being held to a draw at Over Peover.

Overnight heavy rain meant that the pitch was wet for Chester, who were put in to bat first. Mike Rowlands (60) again looked in good form and although the opening partnership was broken in the 10th over, Roger Watt (32) assisted in keeping the runs flowing. Mike Jones (51no) helped push CCO to a respectable total of 185-7.

In reply, the pace and accuracy of Vamshi (6-32) kept the run-rate low.

Over Poever were never in the hunt but they could not be bowled out and ended on 124-8.

Leaders BUNBURY (213-5) were indebted to a fine 101 from Simon Lamb as they won at Sandbach (209-6dec).