THE Division Two derby between Malpas and Tattenhall ended in a draw after rain disrupted an eventful match.

Tattenhall won the toss and elected to take to the field.

They soon had hosts Malpas on the ropes at 37-3 courtesy of Tom Hyslop (4-28) and Robin Mulvihill (2-50).

Opener Maneesha Nissanka (34) took the score to 71, before he was removed cheaply by Alan Brock (1-29).

Malpas continued to make steady progress, reaching 176-9 declared off 50 overs with Hyslop denied a late hat-trick by an umpiring decision.

In reply, early wickets from Phil Johnson (2-73) and Mark Goldsmith (2-38) reduced Tattenhall to 24-2.

However, a partnership of 45 between John Hope (19) and Hyslop (38) put the visitors back in contention, only for three wickets to fall without a run being scored to leave Tatts struggling on 69-5.

The innings was eventually steadied by Graham Harper (18) and Mulvihill (36no), with a stoppage for rain leaving just 6.4 overs for Tattenhall to score the 62 runs required to win.

It proved too big a task, despite a brisk stand between Mulvihill and Andrew Morris (30no). The game ended in a draw as Tatts reached 170-7.

Tatts travel to Northop on Sunday for the Cheshire & Clwyd final of the National Village Cup.