MALPAS lost top spot in Division One on Saturday after battling out a winning draw at home to Mere.

They now lie in the second promotion spot, with Alvanley among the teams breathing down their neck.

Batting first, Malpas posted 206-6 but then Mere made it to 181-6.

Alvanley, taking on Weaverham, also drew a game in which they were the dominant force.

After the early loss of opener Mark Szymura to a hand injury, Andy Bennion (51) and Chris Jones took the score to 96, with Jones coring his maiden first-team 50. Ben Pearce (49) also chipped in to allow a declaration on 203-5.

Determined Weaverham then dug in and reached 136-7.

Mid-table OAKMERE (168-6) drew at Northwich (206-3dec).

KINGSLEY stretched their unbeaten run to fives games and guaranteed themselves Division Two cricket next season by drawing at home to Aston. Aston chose to bat first and racked up 190-8 (Peter Pearce 3-48). Mark Butcher (39) top-scored in Kingsley’s 164-6.

CHOLMONDELEY (170-9dec) won at Lindow (147ao) while BARROW (69ao) lost at high-flying Runcorn (192-8dec).

In Division Three, CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS’ poor run of form continued. They lost to Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge after being bowled out for 128 (Mike Rowlands 48).

Cheadle Hulme responded with 129-7 (Rowlands 3-28).

Third-placed BUNBURY (135-9) won at home to Old Parkonians (133ao).