NORTHWICH remained in the promotion chase with a narrow victory over Audlem.
Chasing a modest 112 against the table-propping side, they were cruising on 106-4 but a tumble of rash shots left the winning run to the last pair at the wicket.
In a match played in frequent showers and ending in constant drizzle, credit must go to the umpires, who were happy for the game to reach a finish in conditions some might have considered unfit for cricket.
Ashley Sefton top-scored with 38 and Mark Phillips hit a patient 26, but as the weather closed in and a hasty middle order came and went, it was pacemen Jim Kimber and Rich Maddock who were at the crease when the target was reached - from a no-ball.
It was a fitting end for these two who, earlier in the day, had done the damage to the visiting batting line-up. Teenager Maddock enhanced his reputation, taking 4-20, including a wicket in his first over for the third week running. Kimber took a season's best 5-29.
Northwich seconds remain unbeaten. Andrew Pickstock took three catches behind the stumps as they won at Appleton, who took 48 overs to score 140-8 (Matt Lightburn 4-36, Steve Riley 3-24).
Pickstock, who took voluntary demotion to rediscover his form, top-scored with 57 while Lightburn added 27 not out in Northwich's 144-5 off 37.3 overs.
