Bollington remain in relegation trouble despite getting the better of a draw with promotion chasing Oulton Park at The Rec on Saturday.

Skipper Toby Ward lost the toss and Bolly were asked to bat on a wicket still carrying some moisture, and things didn’t start well as Ged McKernan departed for a duck in the second over.

Opening bowler Guy Emmett accounted for Tom Barrass and Alex Sykes in quick sucession to leave Bolly 23-4.

Matt Dawson and Mo Ali then came together at the crease determined to stop the Oulton Park charge. Ali played in his usual flamboyant style to hit a run-a-ball 21 before he was dismissed by Emmett.

Dawson was holding firm and when he was joined by Dave Paterson the pair compiled a vital stand of 61. Paterson played with excellent maturity as he made a composed 26 from 51 balls before being caught and bowled by spinner Berrington.

By this point Dawson had gone through to an excellent half-century, and last man Ward hung around to keep Dawson company as Bolly chased batting bonus points, eventually being all out for 179 in the 50th over, Dawson finishing on 88 not out.

It was a great recovery from Bolly from a perilous position.

In reply Oulton Park also struggled early on. Ali removed danger man and Cheshire opener Rick Moore for a duck in the first over and then Ben Tomlinson as the visitors were reeling at 6-2. However, Nick James (31) Pat Roberts (40) and Martyn East (31) all dug in.

Tom Horsfield (2-30) and Stuart Plant (2-32) both bowled well to support Ali, who took 4-28.

Oulton Park managed to hang out for the draw at 140-8 from their 50 overs.

Bolly, who took nine points, head to Bredbury on Saturday hoping for another positive performance.

Macclesfield fail to see off Marple at the death

Macclesfield were one wicket short of taking victory at home to Marple in a nailbiting end to Saturday’s match.

Looking for their third win on the bounce Macclesfield skipper Barney Cutbill won the toss and elected to bat in wet conditions.

From the outset, it was clear this would be a low-scoring affair with the Marple attack bowling in good areas in a slow pitch.

After an early wicket, Rob Keen and Khalid Sawas batted patiently in a partnership of 45.

Sawas then fell to former England quick James Ormond to a good catch running back and Keen departed for a gutsy 24 with the score at 79-3.

James Crosthwaite played well for his 43 but Macc were finding it difficult to get the Marple spinners away during the middle overs.

Greasley bowled with great control to claim 4-30 before some late order hitting from Chris Moores and Liam Markie got the Macclesfield total up to 152-8 after their 55 overs.

Macc were confident it was defendable but it was crucial to take their chances in the field.

Rain delays throughout the afternoon reduced Marple’s innings to 49 overs.

Marple had got off to a fine start to reach 59-0 but the hosts fought back, reducing Marple to 82-4 with Cutbill and Porter doing the damage. Marple then got themselves back in contention with a partnership of 56 between overseas player McGuinness and Ormond.

Just 15 more runs were now required with five wickets in hand.

It was Rob Porter who claimed the breakthrough, bowling McGuinness for 38 which triggered a flurry of wickets to take it to the last over.

Seven runs were required with Ormond still at the crease. Hough then ran out number 10 Greasley, leaving Macc one wicket away from victory with Ian Tait bowling.

However, Macc were unable to get the last wicket as Marple finishedon 147-9 with Ormond opting for caution, rather than attack in the final over, to ensure the game was not lost.

Both teams perhaps deserved more from a highly entertaining game but Macc gained just six points to Marple’s five. Macclesfield stay second in the table but Oxton extended their lead at the top by beating Didsbury.

The match was sponsored by Mick Platt Tiling Services

Macclesfield were beaten in the Cheshire Cup on Sunday by a strong Elworth side.

Elworth totalled 189 in their 45 overs with Markie (4-37) the pick of the bowlers.

The reply never got going, and despite a gutsy 30 from Keen, and some late hitting from Markie and James Cross, Macc were all out for 120.

Next Saturday they host Widnes at Victoria Road.

Prestbury stay in touch

PRESTBURY are still chasing the top two sides in the Meller Braggins Division One after a maximum-point victory over Lindow.

Prestbury batted first at The Village and put on 186-6 at the declaration.

The Lindow innings reached just 144 as they were bowled out to collect just six points, Prestbury taking 25.

Pott Shrigley remain in mid-table after gathering valuable draw points from their Division Three match at Chelford.

The hosts were put in to bat and declared on 198-7, with Matt Tarr taking three wickets.

The rain-affected Shrigley response saw them lose three early wickets and forced them to consolidate.

Phil Beard (18) top scored as they struggled to 95-7 at the close, earning them six points.

Langley’s home game with Stretton was abandoned, with both sides taking seven points.

Pott host Langley on Saturday (1.30pm) with a family funday taking place.

In the Meller Braggins Division C Pott Shrigley seconds hosted Chelford.

Pott put Chelford in to bat and Stuart Hackley started well with three wickets.

Rick Mattock then bowled wicket to wicket and dismissed five to help restrict Chelford to an all-out total of 118.

In reply Pott captain Dawson went for 12 but Mattock attacked, reaching his 50 in 40 balls and chasing down the total in 18 overs. Mattock finished a match-winning show on 74 not out.

Joy for Poynton

Poynton enhanced their promotion chances in Division Two with a five-wicket win against Stockport Georgians.

They bowled Stockport out for 95, with Damien Stringer and Rick Clark both taking an excellent 3-18.

Poynton responded by easing to a winning 96-5, Tom Berzins top-scoring with 42 and Jake Turner hitting 27.

Despite Simon Normanton’s 3-21 for Georgians, Poynton collected all 25 points.