MACCLESFIELD won by 20 runs at Nantwich to slacken the defending ECB Premier Division champions’ pressure on the leading duo Chester Boughton Hall and Hyde in the Chapel Press Cheshire County League.

Macclesfield totalled only 151, Khalid Sawas 32, Ray Doyle 6-60, Alex Matthews 3-36, but when a heavy shower lopped 17 overs off Nantwich’s reply, they got bogged down. Apart from wicket-keeper Jonny Kettle’s 33, their usually strong batting collapsed to 131 all out, Ian Tait taking 4-42 to clinch an unexpected victory.

Meanwhile, Chester forged ahead at the top with an eight-wicket home stroll over Oulton Park who totalled 222 batting first, Rick Moore 87, Danny Leech 50. Veteran Alex Kegg had the magnificent figures of 7-58 and teenage leg spinner Jack Williams 3-72. For Boughton Hall, Ollie Law hit 77 not out, Warren Goodwin added 62 and Seamus Ogilby made 47.

Hyde made mincemeat of Didsbury although they slipped seven points behind the leaders when they took only the basic 20 points from a six-wicket win. Didsbury were bowled out for 107, Danny Cranmer 5-9, Scott Kirwin 3-30. Danny Berry, 34 not out, led the Hyde reply of 108-4.

Neston’s poor form continued when they lost by five wickets at Toft after posting a modest 176, to which star opener Jack Smith contributed 109. For Toft, Rob Jones claimed 6-78 and Nigel Muirhead 3-26, the home side replying with 178-5, Ed Stubbs 51 not out.

Oxton’s last pair held in a high-scoring draw against wooden spoonists Alderley Edge at Townfield Lane. Aldlerley’s struggling batsmen came off for once with a massive 272-3, Jim Steele 105 not out, Adam Worrall 70. Oxton replied with 195-9, Lee Dixon 63, Mark Rowland 56, Mark Warnes 4-32.

Grappenhall edged out of the bottom two with a winning draw at Urmston.

In the First Division, Marple won by 60 runs at Poynton which stretched their lead to 26 points over Sale who lost their first game by six wickets at home to Cheadle Hulme.

Elsewhere, Irby lost by eight wickets at home to Bollington while Widnes pulled up closer in third with a four-run win at Bramhall after declaring on 174-9, Danny Naughton 105, then dismissing their hosts for 170, Narender Negi taking 8-42.

Brooklands are the new Second Division lesders thanks to a seven-wicket win at Upton.

Warrington moved into the promotion fringe with a four-wicket win at Bredbury.