CHESTER County Officers turned in a good all-round performance but fell two wickets short of defeating Runcorn.
Hosts Chester had to settle for a 16-9 split of the points from Saturday’s TACS Partnership Cheshire League Division One game.
After winning the toss and deciding to bat on a good-looking wicket, CCO openers Mike Rowlands (43) and Stuart Putson (19) lasted long enough to take the shine off the ball.
Mike Jones (87) and Roger Watt (42) shared a 50 partnership as the home side continued to pile on the runs, despite the loss of the occasional wicket.
Jones was caught on the boundary from the last ball of the innings as Chester, having declared sooner and been beaten earlier in the season, made it to 263-8 from their 45 overs.
After tea the pressure was applied with Steve Johnson taking 1-25 from 11 and Mike Clarke 1-22 from 10 to keep Runcorn well behind the required run rate.
Graham Dodd bowled well to take 2-13 from six and Rowlands 3-41 from 12.
A variety of bowlers were used to try to dislodge the last two batsmen but skipper Mark Cahill (34no) stood firm and managed to hold on for the draw at 146-8.
