CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL came agonisingly close to securing a third Cheshire County League Premier Division victory in a row as Toft held on for a draw.

Back in form after winning their previous two matches, Hall picked up where they left off after being put into bat.

Opener Rick Moore led the way with 84 from 97 balls, which included 11 fours and 2 sixes, while William Owen (64), Warren Goodwin (32) and Jordan Clark (31) also weighed in with runs as Hall declared on 257 for eight after 53 overs.

Matthew Cornes finished with 5 for 62 but his team-mates struggled with the bat in reply.

Toft were languishing on 60 for five but Ed Stubbs (49) and Andrew Bones (57) steadied the ship in the middle of the order.

When they departed more wickets were lost but Toft hung on for a draw at 182 for nine, Jack Williams taking 3 for 42 as Clark, Owen and Harry Killoran all claimed two victims.

Hall, who picked up 14 points to Toft’s seven, are sixth in the table.

Leaders Timperley secured a four wickets success over Marple who were dismissed for 114, Mark Makin making 43 as Edward Galley(6 for 40) did the damage.

Four players got into the 20s as Timperley won with 117 for six.

Second placed Nantwich registered a nine wickets success over Bramhall.

Alex Hunt (48) helped Bramhall amass 171 all out but despite Nantwich losing an early wicket in reply, Steve Rimmer (105) and Ryan Brown (58) led them to a winning 174 for one.

Neston (184) are third after losing against Grappenhall (232-3), fourth placed Oulton Park (114) went down by 160 runs against Alderley Edge (274-8) and Cheadle (90-4) defeated Didsbury (89).

Division One strugglers Barrow are still looking for their first win after losing by three wickets against Macclesfield.

After electing to bat first, Barrow were dismissed for 193, middle order duo M Nissanka (50) and Stephen Ogilby (36) pushing the score up.

In reply, Nissanka, Iroshan De Silva and Nick Mumford all took two wickets but Barrow saw Macclesfield win with 195 for seven.

Alvanley lost by five wickets against Division Two leaders Lindow.

Simon Gee top scored with 70 as Alvanley made 193 for eight but Lindow reached 195 for five to seal victory.

Tattenhall won by five wickets against Runcorn. Aamir Afzal top scored with 61 as Tattenhall made 171 for five after restricting Runcorn to 166, and Christleton (132 for nine) held on for a draw against Hale Barns (182 for nine).