WHARTON Cons A missed out on a chance to close a gap to top spot in the Premier Division after guests Comberbach A returned three winners at the Tin Mission.

Craig Bourbonneux, Dan Moores and Colin Peters were victors, as the hosts totalled 222.

Castle Private A were pushed hard by lowly Crosstown A, but won by 18 chalks at the Knutsford green with Jason Cornes (21-8) their best performer.

Elsewhere Rudheath A ended a run of three successive league defeats by beating Hop Pole A, with Tom Lowe (21-6) recording the best individual result.

In Section One, Rudheath B edged hosts Comberbach B by a single chalk to remain in second spot behind promotion favourites Alsager.

Owley Wood A, in third position, saw off back-markers Sandbach Park.

Kelsall A squeezed past their guests Meadowbank A by two points, while there were away wins for Davenham A and Winsford Cons A ¬at Frodsham Red Lion B and Spinner A respectively.

Cuddington A claimed only a second league win of the season in Section Two, with Len Rankin (21-7) returning the best card against visiting Helsby.

At the summit, leaders Wharton Cons C totalled 241 at home to Castle Private C, while closest rivals Barnton Cricket Club A came a cropper at Coppenhall.

Third-placed Hazel Pear A eased past Winnington A.

There is no change at the top of Section Three, where Hazel Pear B and Davenham B completed wins against Crowton and Crosstown B respectively.

Section Four pacesetters Winsford Cons B dropped only seven chalks at home to Norley, while Barnton Cricket Club B were made to work harder by visiting Delamere.

Third-placed Davenham C were victors at Meadowbank B.

Hop Pole B’s record in Section Five remains unblemished following a home success against Spinner B.

Rudheath D, favourites to be promoted behind them, beat Cuddington B at Middlewich Road.

Elsewhere, Winnington B posted 245 at home to Kelsall B.