FOR the second week in a row, Alvanley had an off day – this time drawing at home to promotion rivals Northwich.

But with other results in Division One going Alvanley’s way, little damage was done to their chances of a County League place next season.

Alvanley’s opening attack was bludgeoned with 57 runs scored off just five overs before the slow bowlers came on to calm things down.

Rob Fisher (6-27) took a wicket with his first ball but the prolific Mark East continued to score at a pace, assisted by sloppy fielding.

But they cleaned up their act and bowled Northwich for 138 (Dave Shewring 4-52).

Alvanley then stumbled over the run chase, slumping to 32-7.

Fisher (22) led the fightback but Shewring and Chris Charles were forced to dig in and repel all that was thrown at them to ensure seven points with 94-8.

BARROW suffered a six- wicket home defeat to Davenham.

The visitors won the toss and bowled first, skittling Barrow for 78. Davenham then scored 80-4 to win.

MALPAS enjoyed a home victory over Ashton-on-Mersey.

The visitors were first into bat and they declared on 200-6, Jon Suckley the pick of the bowlers with 4-48.

Suckley then starred with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 59 off 70 balls to steer Malpas to 203-6. Keith Rickett (75) and Rishan Fernando (42) also made valuable contributions for Malpas.

In Division Two, KINGSLEY’S bowlers performed on a wet track to bowl bottom side Alderley Park for 46.

Travis Martin (5-25) and Adrian Burden (3-20) took the first two wickets for no score. Off-spinner James Hendry completed the rout by taking 2-0.

There was no middle-order collapse in the reply this week as Russ Cook carried his bat for 17 and Alex Hatt (18) bludgeoned a huge six to finish the game, and virtually guarantee Kingsley Division two status next season.

CHOLMONDELEY (87ao) lost at Stockport (102a).

Division Three saw CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS beat Wilmslow by eight wickets.

Wilmslow opted to bat first and Mike Rowlands’ leg breaks decided the innings, as he picked up three wickets alongside Steve Johnson’s 4-28 as Wilmslow meandered to 105ao.

After tea, Mike Rowlands smashed five fours and three sixes in a scintillating 54 as Chester raced to victory inside 24 overs.

BUNBURY went down to CH Ladybridge, who made first use and posed 118-8. Bunbury were 79ao.