Neston lose after Camden haul

With Neston still failing to recapture their early-season form, the position at the top of the Chapel Press Cheshire Premier League becomes more intriguing by the week with any one of the current top five looking capable of landing the title.

Neston lost again, this time to Urmston by one wicket with one ball to spare in the most exciting game seen at Parkgate this season.

Neston posted a modest 152, skipper Jack Smith top-scoring with 36 and paceman Jibran Khan taking 5-52. Previously without a win since May, Urmston wound up on 159 for nine, top scorer Sean Clarence 32, with their last pair at the crease.

Occasional bowler Luke Camden claimed a career-best 6-42 to come near to snatching victory for his side. Strangely, Camden does not bowl regularly for Cheshire Under 16s.

Ever-improving Hyde edged up into second place, now just 15 points behind the leaders, with a comfortable 76 runs home win against Toft after declaring on 190 for nine, Danny Leech 50, Rupe Kitzinger 3-48.

Toft were bowled out for 114 thanks to a superb spell of pace bowling from Rob Woolley who took 8-49, only Ed Bones defying him with an unbeaten 37.

Hyde’s record since their last defeat on May 8 is now won seven and drawn three.

Champions Oulton Park meanwhile, stay well in the running after a back-to-form victory of 44 runs at Alderley Edge after declaring on 292 for eight, openers Jonny Kettle, 107 and Rick Moore, 75 putting on 183.

Previously beaten only once all season, Alderley Edge had a real go and reached 248 largely thanks to a hard-hit 93 from Richard Wilkinson, while Guy Emmett took 4-49 and teenager Alex Marshall 3-27.

Oulton may currently lie fifth, but are now only 25 points behind Neston whom they entertain at Little Budworth next Saturday.

Nantwich recorded their fifth straight win with a seven wickets stroll against Bowdon at Whitehouse Lane. Bowdon were rattled out for 125, Jon Gray 43, Lou Vincent 3-23, Jamie Warrington 3-45. The Dabbers then knocked off the runs in 37 overs, Nadeem Ahmed contributing 67.

Oxton fought their way 25 points clear of the of the relegation zone with a key six wickets win at Didsbury, whom they bowled out for 165 in the 60th over, Nick Anderson 52, Sean Moore 3-53. Oxton replied with 167 for four, a swashbuckling innings of 96 not out taking the eye by left-hander Lee Dixon, who now has 818 runs for the season.

Openers Warren Goodwin (117) and Steve Ogilby (63) put on 181 to help Chester Boughton Hall declare at 260 for six against Bramhall. The Boughton Hall bowlers then failed to dislodge the Bramhall tail-enders as the division’s bottom team ended up on 214 for nine, Mike Bolger 55, while 17 year-old Mike Robinson claimed an impressive 3-21. This was the only drawn game in the top flight.