KINGSLEY dominated proceedings at Sandbach on Saturday but were unable to force the win.

A great team effort helped Kingsley post an impressive total of 202-8. John Elliott anchored the innings with a dogged 34 before Jonny Ollier (27), Andrew Ainsworth (31) and Adrian Burden (27no) played their shots later down the order.

Sandbach attacked from the start but were continually knocked back by the pace and accuracy of Rob Massey, who claimed 7-49. Kingsley's other bowlers were not able to follow his lead and only one other wicket fell as the home team mustered 176-8.

CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS endured a long day of fielding in the hot sun at Stalybridge but managed to bat for long enough to hold out for a draw.

With skipper Steve Johnson on holiday and opening bowler Andy Barlow (groin) injured, Mike Clarke took the reins and rookie Mike Barrow came up from the seconds to take the new ball.

Stalybridge took advantage of four dropped catches to advance steadily and set up an invincible position, batting out the full 48 overs for 247-7 (Mike Rowlands 3-80, Adam Gewargis 2-22).

In reply, Officers slumped to 53-5 but then Gewargis (74no) began to take the attack to the bowlers.

After Ally Clark (2) went, Gewargis was joined by Clarke (35no) and the pair put on an entertaining 87 runs to reach 178-6.

Also in Division One, second-placed BUN-BURY won by three wickets at Norbury, who were bowled out for 170 with P Caine taking 4-35. Bunbury won with 173-7 with P McBennett still standing on 63.

ELLESMERE PORT drew at Hartford and are now perilously close to the relegation zone.

Hartford were first to bat and, although they reached 180-9, Port secured a draw with 134-9 (Ashton 41).

In Division Two, FRODSHAM drew at Langley.

Frodsham batted first and made 279-4 with J Lewis making 62, J Burton 53 and M Hickton 71. In reply Langley reached 225-9.

At SAUGHALL, visitors Disley won by seven wickets. Saughall were bowled out for 84 and Disley won the game with 85-3.

Visitors Heaton Mersey Village won at CAPENHURST by 74 runs. Heaton Mersey batted first and made 210-9 and, in reply, Capenhurst were bowled out for 136.