Chester out of running after Nantwich reverse

Chester's dramatic turn round in form continued as they lost for the second week running, this time at Nantwich.

And once again Rick Moore's side failed to make a hundred, struggling to notch just 70 on a damp pitch. Yet things looked rosy as they then reduced their hosts to 14-5 only for Ollie Griffiths (37*) to take up the challenge with Jimmy Warrington (20*) as the pair plundered 33 runs to get Nantwich home. Griffiths and Warrington's scores were the highest in the game, Chester best offering coming from Ollie Law with 18. Tom Wyatt (13) was the only other batsman to reach double figures (extras 16).

The game was delayed an hour due to a damp square and there were raised eyebrows from the locals when Rick Moore won the toss and opted to bat. As it was, it's questionable whether the pitch actually got any better as the day went on.

Progress was that slow that Chester - having lost Moore and Alex Money with just 14 on the board - only overtook the number of overs bowled when they reach 19-4 from 18 overs. The uphill struggle continued as Matt Jones, Harry Killoran and Lee Dixon all went cheaply.

Law brought some energy and a semblance of order but the going remained tough as Warrington (2-6 from 8 overs) and Griffiths (2-8) turned the screw. While Dixon and Law were together however, you felt that seeing off the miserly pair would allow them to open up for the last ten overs. However, the opportunity didn't arise and with Law out and 61-6, the scramble was on for Chester to somehow hurdle their way to 90, a total generally felt to be challenging. They fell 20 short however as Scott Wardley took 2-17 and Ray Doyle swept up 3-9.

Things then proved just as tricky for the Nantwich top order and Chester were jubilant as George McCormick immediately removed the prized scalps of Ryan Brown and Luke Robinson, both without scoring, in three balls.McCormick was causing havoc, working in tandem with Killoran as Nantwich spectacularly crashed to 14-5.

Whether Chester then took their foot off the pedal or Nantwich just applied themselves better - probably a bit of both - the game swung as Phil Stockton and Griffiths took the score to 40. Patterson was a passenger - adding a solitary run but holding his end up - as Griffiths' well-known explosive approach took over, fighting fire with fire.

40-6 still meant work to do as Chester toiled to remove Griffiths. But he and Warrington remained, the pace bowler striking two big sixes to complete what had looked an unlikely victory. McCormick ended with 3-25, Killoran 2-22.

Chester miserable recent record at Nantwich continues and for the second week running they struggled with the bat. With two games to play, a top position in the Western League is now out of their grasp.

It's a home game next up with Oxton.