NORTHWICH were left frustrated after racking up more than 200 again at Moss Farm, only to be denied a victory by Cheadle Hulme’s last-wicket pair.

Mark Walker’s men had the better of a draw in the Division Two encounter, compiling 246-6 after being put in.

Gladwin Cherian (25) and Chandrika Wathukarage (59) added 52 runs for the second wicket before the latter shared in a partnership worth 87 with Matthew Dufty (58) for the third.

Walker (33) and Lee Evans (50no) then put on 71 during their time at the crease.

The former champions closed on 203-9 in reply after struggling at 20-3 early on.

Tom Whitehouse (65) and Waqar Hassan (43) led their recovery, while James Plant (3-26) and Andrew Dufty (3-82) were the pick of the hosts’ attack.

Oulton Park rise to second in Division One despite being held to a losing draw at Oxton.

The Wirral outfit posted 228-7, helped their by half-centuries from Dane Williams (94) and Andrew Gibson (64) while Matt Parkinson claimed 3-50.

A modest response from the visitors ended at 150-3, with Cheshire returnee Daniel Leech (51no) holding firm.

Martyn East (37 off 40 balls) scored more quickly.

Davenham had the better of a draw with Macclesfield at Butcher’s Stile, where they reached 212-5 after being put in.

Ben Gough (54) and Peter Gallichan (26) put on 58 runs for the second wicket before Sam Hunt (79no off 76 balls) took charge, hitting five maximums during his free-scoring innings.

Tom Tudor (3-34) shone for Macc.

They hung on a 163-9 after tea, led by Tudor (66), while Gough (3-22) and captain Dan Hancock (3-47) impressed with the ball.

Weaverham’s early-season struggles continue after a six-wicket reverse at Upton, who register a first win since being promoted.

The Russets were restricted to 146 all out, with Rob McMillan (61) their leading scorer at the top of the order.

That included a stand worth 67 runs with skipper Ian Eaton (23) after the pair came together at 12-2.

The home team reached their target at 147-4, an innings anchored by Matthew Ingram (58no) after McMillan (2-33) and George McCormick (2-49) had made an initial breakthrough.

Results

Vivio Cheshire County League

Week Three

Saturday, May 6

Division One: Bollington 164 Marple 165-3; Davenham 212-5 Macclesfield 163-9; Oxton 228-7 Oulton Park 150-3; Sale 203-8 Warrington 201-7; Upton 147-4 Weaverham 146; Urmston 261-4 dec Widnes 267-3

Division Two: Bredbury St Mark’s 97 Romiley 102-2; Brooklands 118-6 Alvanley 117; Christleton 128 Barrow 248-5; Lindow 222-9 Tattenhall 218-5; Northwich 246-6 Cheadle Hulme 203-9; Stockport 198-9 Mobberley 200-4