Skipper Rob Mulvihill took 6-121, and was joined by Gary Forster (3-41) but they failed to stop Burnage from scoring 220-9.

Tattenhall were without influential Paul Kettle and Graham Harper in their ranks.

Tattenhall stood at 98 for 6 with both opening bowlers at the crease, and despite the flurry of wickets at the other end Damian Lewis had smashed his way to 50 with some hard hitting through the leg side, and Mulvihill knocked off ones and twos as they kept the required rate at under five an over.

But Burnage sensed danger and picked up their bowling. With Mulvihill unable to force the pace, Lewis succumbed to the pressure and skyed one, only to be caught for 78 and Mulvihill went soon after for 34.

Some resistance from Roy Sandford and the deputising Beddow ended in scenes of celebration for Burnage, and disappointment for Tattenhall, as they came up 53 runs short, knowing they could have won it.

ALVANLEY eased any lingering relegation worries with a stunning win against Malpas.

Lee Ainsworth's early burst was wicketless, while James Wheelahan, playing his last game before heading back to Melbourne, eventually broke the deadlock, having Phillips caught behind.

Pete Pearce grabbed the next wicket, but Wheelahan went on to complete a five-wicket haul for just 55 off 17 overs. Late blows took Malpas to 205 for 7.

Alvanley were dealt a double blow as Andy Bennion and Ben Pearce both fell early on, but a stand of 54 between left handers Si Gee and Marcus Gilbert put them back on track before Gee walked for 27. Skipper Mark Szymura (31) and Phil Jones (24) pulled the innings together before Gilbert hit 61.

Chris Fletcher and Lee Ainsworth found themselves needing 16 off two overs. Just five off the penultimate over swung the game towards Malpas, but Fletcher swung a six onto the football ground to grab the initiative back and hitting the two runs needed off the last ball.

SAUGHALL were handed their first defeat in three months against league-leaders Rylands.

Skipper Chris Andrews (45) and Martin Huxley (43) starred for Saughall who were all out for 164.

Rylands openers cashed in as they reached 79 without loss.

Mike Andrews (1 for 22) and Dipak Jena (2 for 30) attempted to skittle Rylands who scratched and scraped a victory, scrambling a bye in the penultimate over to reach 165 for 6.

CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS can see the trap door looming after their defeat at Weaverham.

Only Ian Barlow (26) compiled a decent score in their 114-8 declared, with 31 extras the major contributor, including 17 byes and eight no-balls.

Weaverham also struggled with Alen Roberts again chipping in with a couple of wickets, and Mike Pownall (3-23) teasing out the midddle order.

However, Lightfoot kept his head to make 46 not out and keep Weaverham's promotion hopes alive with 116-6 in a six wicket win.

Chester are now in a three-horse race with Wilmslow and Bowden Vale, but only one can survive with the other two taking the dreaded drop.

BARROW catapulted themselves into top spot after their victory at in form promotion contenders Prestbury.

Barrow's opening bowling attack of Mal Barrow and Phil Johnson soon made life difficult.

Barrow taking the first two wickets and at 36 for 3 after 18 overs, Prestbury were in trouble.

A sequence of dropped catches kept Prestbury in the game as Prestbury to reach 136 for 7.

18-year-old Matty Russell was supported by Marlon Barclay and Lee Dwyer who took the attack to the bowlers. Dwyer was out for 35, Barclay for 24 and man-of-the-match Russell finished on 58 not out as Barrow made 137-3.