THERE was agony for Cholmondeley on Saturday despite their derby win at Aston in Meller Braggins League Division Two.
They started the day lying third and that was where they ended up – one place out of the promotion frame.
Aston were put into bat in bowler-friendly conditions and struggled to 88ao (John Ashcroft 5-31).
Chum’s reply started positively but on 29-1 the heavens opened and caused a 90-minute delay. Panic set in on the resumption. Three wickets fell for no runs as veteran Pat Beesley (5-31) took a double wicket maiden.
On 69-8 Aston were favourites but big sixes from captain Chris Baker and Mark Jones saw Chum to 90-8.
However, celebrations were cut short by the news Runcorn also won and had held on to second spot.
Elsewhere in Division Two, KINGSLEY’S season ended with a draw at home to BARROW, who also missed out on relegation by one place.
Barrow’s safety was largely due to a chance-less 101no from Marlon Barclay that enabled them to declare on 175-7. In reply, Mark Butcher hit 32 before the rain closed in with the score on 118-9.
In Division Three, BUNBURY (93-8) missed out on promotion. But they showed their class by robbing promoted Woodford (92) of the title.
CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS registered their worst result of the season, bowled out for 53 by leaders Romiley (54-2).
