Ellesmere Port 189-7 (12 pts) Chester CO 190-3 (20 pts): PORT produced a much-improved performance following their opening-day disappointment at Kingsley a week earlier, but were still edged out by the visitors with just three balls left.
Although Chester's victory in the final over made no difference to the hosts' points total for the afternoon, it ensured County Officers picked up 20 as opposed to eight.
Home captain Phil Ashton said: 'It was a good game enjoyed by both teams, and we played far better than in our previous match. We produced a solid batting display and could have taken more points but dropped a few catches that might have made a difference. We can't be too disappointed after going so close against one of the championship favourites.'
Port were put into bat with openers Ashton (16) and Dom Green (22) run out and caught respectively off Johnson.
Paul Isaacs (8), bowled by Wilks, and Colin Rogers (10), bowled by Gilbody, had little joy but the hosts responded with a 79-run fifth-wicket partnership.
John Cheeseborough made 40 before being caught by Clarke off Navid, who also bowled Gareth Boys for 42.
Paul Betteridge was unfortunate to be adjudged lbw for eight by Jackson, while John Park (21no) and Craig Rawson (10 no) saw out Port's innings in their allotted 48 overs.
Midway through Chester's response, it looked like Port might have a chance but a failure to take more wickets ultimately cost them.
Hattersley led the visitors' charge with a knock of 82no but Clarke (17) was caught by Boys off Park and I Barlow was bowled by Betteridge for 43.
The best piece of fielding of the afternoon came when Boys hit the stumps from distance to run out Navid (6), but the visitors hit their victory target with just three balls to spare thanks to Gilbody's 34no.
