NESTON made it four wins in five games in the Murray Smith League when they demolished Chester Broughton Hall by six wickets to go 16 points clear at the top of the Premier Division.

Despite a smart 70 from Steve Ogilby, Chester were restricted to a modest 162-7 off the maximum 60 overs. Neston eased home with three overs to spare at 164-4, skipper Phil Davis carrying his bat got 69 with Stan Clifford grabbing 36.

Top and second respectively last season, Bowdon and Macclesfield met at South Downs Road, Bowdon winning a low-scoring game by four wickets after restricting their visitors to 94, left-arm spinner G+Carl Gorse 5/24, Neil Cross 4/30.

Cross, whose all-round form this season has been good, claimed 44 in a reply of 95/6, Stuart Garnett (4/30) making it hot for the Bowodn's batsmen.

Upton lost their first game, by seven wickets at Urmston, who registered their maiden victory.

Steve Cartwright (72 not out), skipper Rob Tootell (4/37) and veteran Paul Swann (4/43) did it for the Moorside Road Club.

There was a brilliant opening stand worth 251 between Brooklands openers, Lee Marland (109) and Tim Roberts of Lancashire (138 n.o.) in a high-scoring draw on a good track at Grappenhall.

The two batsmen reached their centuries off successive deliveries in a declared tally of 271/3.

Grappenhall got to 184/8, Will Sharp 60, Phil Murphy 4/23.

Widnes fourth victory in Division Two by 100 runs at Hale Barns, with Bapa Mukherjee again in the runs.

He followed innings of 72, 59 and 96 with an influential 57 in Widnes' 164/4 declared.

Simon Tabb again showing up well with 58.

Barns were routed for 64 by Widnes' Indian paceman Abdul Monayem, 7/23.

Shock in this division was Congleton's dismissal for 35 by Timperley, who had themselves scored only 118, David Deans 35, Keith Mawby 4/25.

The Congleton batting collapse completely against Nick James 5/8 and Nick Liddell 3/10.

Winnington Park's promotion hopes are looking good, their five wickets win at Poynton taking them comfortable second.

James Cowell 5/13 and Paul Allen 4/15 combined to dismiss Poynton for 65 after which Mike Johns had an unbeaten 44 for Park.

Cholmondeley registered their maiden victory, by eight wickets at Sale, who had declared at 165/7, Geoff Potter 6/35.