CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL can thank their lower order batsmen for their return to the top of the Cheshire County League Premier Division.

Teetering at 53 for five at home to Grappenhall, it didn't look good for Rick Moore's men.

But Harry Killoran, Lloyd Aspin and Jack Williams performed the rescue act with Killoran hitting a match-winning 85 not out that included just five boundaries.

He put on 86 with Aspin (47) and then 71 with Williams (41) as Hall reached a more than respectable 230 for seven.

Two quick wickets from Aspin made him the league's joint highest wicket-taker this season and put the visitors on te back foot.

Adam Roylance did give it a go for Grappenhall with 95 but 4-39 from Williams and Charlie Fleet's 3-51 reduced the visitors to 189 all out.

The win put Hall four points clear of Neston, who had earlier hammered previous leaders Hyde by seven wickets.

The in-form Michael Eckard landed 5-25 with former Hall pace ace Ash Davis taking 3-38 as Hyde were skittled out for 128.

Will Evans' 64 helped Neston to 130 for three inside 28 overs.

Alderley Edge are up to fourth after beating bottom club Oulton Park by 47 runs.

Edge posted 182 for eight before bowling out Park for 135.

Scott Johnston landed 7-27 as Cheadle were wiped out for 78. But the rain then washed out any chance of Timperley chasing down the runs.

The match was also abandoned at Toft where visitors Widnes ended on 36 for one.