ONLY 49 points separates the top eight clubs in the ECB Premier Division of the Chapel Press Cheshire County League after another series of upsets.

Again not playing like leaders, Neston continued to struggle with a losing draw at Toft where their bowlers took a caning from Pat Roberts 108 not out and Ed Bones 70 who helped pile up a tally of 272-6. Neston’s batting again struggled, although this time they managed to hold out for a draw at 163-8, thanks to a fighting 42 from Chris Hackett.

Alderley Edge are now just 16 points behind in second place after an impressive eight wickets win chasing 209-6 at Urmston, for whom outstanding Aussie Sean Clarence top-scored with 57. An unbroken third wicket stand worth 158 between Richard Wilkinson and wicket-keeper Andy Worrall, who both ended up with 90 not out, carried their side home.

Nantwich’s fourth successive victory, a run which has earned them 97 points, came at the expense of reigning champions Oulton Park at Little Budworth. Oulton were dismissed for the unusually low score of 96 by in-form paceman Jimmy Warrington, whose 7-59 return takes his tally for the season to 44 wickets, and Barrington Browne 3-35.

Now in a threatening third spot, Nantwich replied with 99-3, Lou Vincent 40 not out.

Hyde also stayed in the title reckoning and plunged Oxton back into relegation danger with a six wickets win at Townfield Lane. Oxton mustered only 100, Danny Berry 5-47, Rob Woolley 4-34 and Hyde had the match won rapidly after tea at 101-4, Dave Fitzsimmons 36, Andy Birley 4-37.