CHESTER Boughton Hall 2nds needed to bounce back after an ineffective display at Oxton last week.

They did so in fine style against a strong visiting Widnes team. Batting first, Phil Thomas (41) and Jonty Hedgecoe (31) laid the foundations that were then built on by Tom Ducker (122no) and George Robinson (57no) who constructed a thrilling stand of 135 in only 17 overs.

The skipper declared after just 44 overs to encourage Widnes to attack the 255 target.

The visitors piled on the runs, ably led by their captain Tim Weardon with 101. With ten overs to go and Widnes on 184-5, Hall's youngsters wore down their opposition, who gave up the chase on 222-8. Brett Balac was the pick with 3-36 off 16 overs. Cluderay (2-30) and Gulzar (2-57) were close behind.

Hall's bowlers and fielders were on top at Hyde the next day, bowling the home side out for 150 in a second-round cup game, but storms ended the match at tea.

The Chester 3rd team posted 281-8 in 45 overs at Warrington, where in-form Graham Dodd top scored with 77. He was well supported by Simon Law's 50 and Max Temple's 39.

Jamie Ducker took 3-33 despite an injury, and promising young off-spin-ner Ollie Law 3-68. Skipper Doug Ramsay (2-9) mopped up the tail as Warrington were dismissed for 171.

Hall's 4ths lost to Brooklands in a big-scoring game at home.

Chester lost two early wickets and veteran opener Ed Mitchell was un-lucky to be bowled for 49. Richard Thistlewood (104no) and father John (51no) shared a partnership of more than 150, allowing skipper Paul Ducker to declare on 251-3 after 50 overs.

Thanks to two unbeaten centuries, Brooklands reached 252-2 in their 38th over. Only Jamie Irwin with 2-45 off 12 overs bowled with any conviction.

Kingsley 2nds drew at Chelford. All the Kingsley bowlers struggled in the heat and Chelford's massive score of 259-8 was dominated by opener Manslow with a knock of 149.

In response, Harrison gave a brief flicker of hope with a quickfire 32, but after he fell the chase was always going to be too much. Ainsworth (50no) and Ashley (19no) batted out the last 17 overs for the draw.

Wistaston 2nds had the better of hosts Chester County Officers 2nds, who had been restricted to 176-8 by the bowling of Richard Barlow (4-62) and R Fitzmaurice (4-49).

In reply, Paul Owen's 99no, along with Neil Steadman 33, helped Wistaston to 178-3.

Oulton won the 2nd XI derby of the two Parks, trouncing Winnington by eight wickets.

Greg McKeown (84no) provided the key contribution to Winnington's 169 tally and held the innings together after Eoin Welch went for 26.

It was 15-year-old Craig Williamson who took the bowling honours with 7-62 off 27 overs.

Oulton replied with 171-2 and it was Jonny Kettle (61) and Jimmy Guest (38no), both aged 16, who steered Oulton to victory, with Mark Johnson chipping in with 31.

Alvanley 2nds suffered their fourth consecutive defeat after posting just 149 (Simon Gree 36, Reg Haslam 25 and Mike Sant 24) at home to Old Parkonians, who cruised home in 31 overs with seven wickets to spare.

Malpas 2nds were comprehensively beaten at home by Over Peover. Malpas were all out for 103 and the visitors weren't troubled as they strode easily to 106-1.