DAVE Hunt's superb bowling wasn't enough to help Malpas finish off hosts Mere on Saturday.
Malpas had declared on 231-4 with Jack Scascighini the pick on 69no.
But despite an early collapse which saw Mere on 33-5, the hosts held on to finish 144-8 and leave Malpas with a winning draw.
It was frustrating for Hunt who took 5-37 off 15 overs.
Oakmere put their promotion challenge back on track by beating table-toppers Hale Barns at home by eight wickets.
Peter Hutchinson claimed 5-24 and Hale Barns closed on 163-9.
In reply, Ian Eaton and Paul Guilford were unbeaten with 73 and 71 respectively as Oakmere scored 164-2.
Barrow travelled to Runcorn facing a team only one point ahead in the league.
But Runcorn scored an impressive 228-3 with Andy Booth hitting 104no.
Barrow slumped to 98ao after a good display from the home bowlers.
A tough decision brought a cruel end to Alvanley's unbeaten start to the season, although they are still top of Division Two.
Scores were level with one ball to go. The CH Ladybridge batsman swung and missed, the ball was returned to Pearce to run out the non-striker - but the umpire called a wide.
Alvanley had recovered from the loss of three early wickets to close on 196-9 off 45 overs, with Cei Sanderson (37) and Nick McKay (81) leading the rescue for maximum batting points.
With six down, Ladybridge got 70 off the last 10 overs.
