SHEHAN Fernando took five wickets before adding vital runs with the bat as Hale Barns narrowly held on for a losing draw at Runcorn.

In a high-scoring encounter, Barns fell 51 runs short of the required target, but Runcorn were unable to claim the final wicket they needed to snatch the win.

Barns took the early advantage as Fernando ripped through the top order, claiming four wickets during his opening spell, including James Wells for a well-made 34.

And the visitors continued to dominate when a wicket for Jordan Collins (1-22) reduced Runcorn to 78-5 at the halfway stage.

But the momentum swung in the hosts’ favour as Roger Watt and Dan Booth put on 69 for the sixth wicket.

In attempt to increase the run rate, Booth (40) became the fifth victim for Fernando (5-58) while Watt was dismissed for 33 by Callum Schora.

Runcorn's Steve Sheaky carried on the onslaught with a rapid 29 until Schora (3-63) sent him back to the pavilion, but the spinner could not prevent the home team posting an imposing 204-9 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Chris Colley went for a first-over duck, but Mike Hunter (18) and Sujoy Jaiswal (37) patiently rebuilt the innings.

The duo added 59 to the total before both fell in quick succession to leave Barns behind the rate at 65-3 from 20 overs.

Peter Stubbs (26) and Fernando (36) provided stern resistance, but Runcorn grabbed the initiative once again as DJ McNamara claimed both wickets.

Nathan McNicol (2-52) got in on the act, while McNamara (4-29) gained two more dismissals to put Barns on the brink of defeat.

But with Runcorn requiring one more wicket for victory, Schora held on for Hale, surviving for 21 deliveries to secure the draw.

The result lifts Hale Barns up to seventh in the table, while fourth-placed Runcorn lost ground on joint leaders Bredbury St Marks and Ashton on Mersey.