WEAVERHAM slipped back into the relegation zone despite almost batting for long enough to earn a draw from their meeting with Christleton at Wallerscote Road.

The Russets were dismissed for 185 in the 52nd over of their reply with Kevin Douglas (63) the pick of their performers at the crease.

There were contributions too from Salman Hanif (26) – who added 55 runs for the second wicket with Douglas – Ian Eaton and James Bell (both 24).

Adam Gittins (6-35) took the plaudits.

His side had declared at 291-4 after Josh Joseph (112no) had cut loose during an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership with Alistair Marks (33no) worth 133 runs.

Douglas (3-47) took three of the wickets that fell.

Weaverham travel next to neighbours Northwich, who gave Division Two leaders Brooklands a scare before succumbing to a three-wicket defeat.

The men from Moss Farm were grateful to their tail-end, led by Andrew Dufty (23 off 11 balls), for making it to 143 all out.

Caleb Jones (4-47) and Joe Gill (4-34) ensured the home team were always in control.

However they were grateful to Aidan Khares (31no) for steering them to victory at 147-7 after James Plant (2-47), Dufty (2-42) and Tharusha Fernando (2-22) had raised hopes Northwich could claim an unlikely win.

A partnership worth 49 runs for the fourth wicket between David Cunliffe (27) and AJ Hart (31) eased Brooklands’ fears after they came together at 45-3.

Davenham’s disastrous start denied them any chance of upsetting promotion-chasing Upton at Butcher’s Stile.

They collapsed to 8-5, and made it to 82 all out only because in-form Sam Hunt (52 off 39 balls) dug in.

He was one of nine victims claimed by Ian Linwood (9-28) on a day when he returned career-best bowling figures.

The visitors’ reply wasn’t without complications, but they made it to their target with three wickets still standing despite the best efforts of captain Danny Hancock (3-16), Ben Gough (2-17) and Stephen Bliss (2-28).

Oulton Park were comfortable victors, by 59 runs, on their visit to Marple in the Premier Division.

The visitors put 191-9 on the board after winning the toss, although captain Patrick Roberts (70no) had to anchor their innings after arriving at the crease at 65-4.

Andrew Greasley (4-41) made inroads early on for the hosts.

However their hopes of victory were dashed by Tom Hyslop (5-21), who bowled Mark Makin before taking another four wickets during a spell when Marple scored only 19 runs – falling to 87-8 from 68-3.

They never recovered, and spinner Muhammad Kashif (4-39) finished the job.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Week 16

Saturday, August 4

ECB Premier Division: Bramhall 192 Didsbury 83; Grappenhall 206-9 Cheadle 210-4; Marple 132 Oulton Park 191-9; Nantwich 156 Chester Boughton Hall 160-9; Neston 151-2 Timperley 148; Toft 177 Alderley Edge 230

Division One: Bollington 261-5 Oxton 258; Bowdon 51 Widnes 53-2; Davenham 82 Upton 85-7; Hyde 281-5 dec Barrow 220; Sale 244-6 Urmston 243-7; Stockport 219-9 Macclesfield 275-7

Division Two: Brooklands 147-7 Northwich 143; Lindow 77 Mobberley 178-7; Romiley 101-1 Runcorn 100; Tattenhall 131-5 Hale Barns 130; Warrington 208 Alvanley 177; Weaverham 185 Christleton 291-4 dec