Barrow were strengthened by a rising star from Queens Park Club in Trinidad and Tobago, Marlon Barclay and, ironically he proved to be the only batsman to come to terms with a sluggish wicket, smashing six sixes in 89 out of the first 114 runs as Barrow finished on 151-8.

Mike Clarke was the pick of County Officers' bowling with 5-17 in nine overs and Graham Wilks gave solid support at the other end with 2-26.

Chester's fielding saw Steve Holland taking two catches and Mike Rowlands three.

Chester's batsmen also struggled as Barrow turned to spin straight away via Phil Noble, to take the pace off the ball.

Rowlands top scored with 44 as Chester held out for a draw comfortably and finished on 99-6 and took six points to Barrow's 11.

Six wickets from Les Perkins helped Saughall to a 71 run victory in their home fixture against Norbury.

Saughall were inserted and were 14-1 after Martin Huxley was bowled.

James Huxley (31) and debutant Dipak Jena (18) steadied the ship with a 44 run partnership, but their dismissals in quick succession left the score 68 for 3.

Chris Andrews (20) and Andy Thomas fell in the same over. At 81 for 5 Saughall needed to rebuild and good contributions followed from James Martin (20), Les Perkins (14) and Ben Salisbury (21) as Saughall posted 153.

Norbury were dismissed for 82 as Perkins starred with the ball.

Meanwhile, Alvanley fought out a hard-earned draw at promoted Mere in the Cheshire Alliance League.

Mark Szymura inserted the home team, giving the new ball to debutant Lee Ainsworth, at just 16.

Changes of bowling had little effect until Graeme Leadbetter was introduced in the 16th over. His accuracy and persistence kept Mere in check and in the process bagged him 4 for 32.

Andy Bennion and Glenn Pickersgill opened up for Alvanley but Pickersgill departed. 40 for 1 off 10 overs represented a good start.

Ben Pearce (27) fell before Bennion was given out LBW, and the writing was on the wall at 55 for 7.

In reply, Pearce stayed to the end for a 108 ball 18 not out.

Chester County Officers seconds bounced back from the disappointment of last weekend to comfortably beat Kingsley.

Officers restricted Kingsley to 75 all out. Officers only lost one
wicket to easily win by nine wickets.