THE CANCELLATION of Oxton’s home game against Warrington enabled promotion rivals Didsbury to go 25 points clear at the top of Division One on a wet day in the Right Move Abroad Cheshire County League.

Clear leaders three weeks ago, Oxton were desperately keen to take the field, but when Andy Birley and his team were frustrated by light rain, Didsbury piled on the pressure elsewhere with a winning draw against Timperley. Didsbury scored 171 before restricting their opponents to 56-6 (Peter Manser 4-30) when rain washed out further play.

Surprise package Upton moved up to within two points of Oxton with a victory at Cheadle dominated by players named Dixon. Greg Dixon top-scored in Cheadle’s 185-9, no relation Gary Dixon taking 4-53 and his teenage son Ross 3-21. Upton went on to win by three wickets, thanks to Adam Watson 53 and young Ross Dixon, who scored a vital 45.

Christleton, who have had five points deducted for slow over rate bowling, beat Cheadle Hulme by four wickets on a pacy wicket at Little Heath. Nick Moore top-scored with 91 for Christleton, who replied with 222-6 to their visitors’ declared tally of 221-5.

Opener Tom Hunter scored a fine 118 for Birkenhead Park who collected 16 useful draw points in their bottom of the table clash at Bollington. Park declared on 229-4, then had Bollington in trouble at 200-7, Chris Foran 4-48.

CHESHIRE Board meet Warwickshire in an Under 19 challenge match at Grappenhall today (11am).

CHESHIRE: Rick Moore, captain (Christleton), Mark Bennett, Hassan Rashid, Adam Catlow (Heaton Mersey), Jonny Kettle, Louis Bentley, Craig Williamson (Oulton Park), Tom Gledhill (Middlewich), Mark Newman (Irby), Pat Roberts (Toft), Khalid Sawas (Macclesfield). Team manager: Steve Amison.