North Staffs & South Cheshire Premier League leaders Checkley captured a winning draw against title rivals Longton.
Batting first Checkley declared in the last over, posting 221 for nine, captain Michael Allen top scoring with 77, Nick Hunt (55) also passing fifty, as Craig Barker bagged 4-32.
In reply Longton got off to a terrible start and never recovered, closing their innings on 79 for nine after 47 overs, Richard Cooper collecting figures of 4-32 for Checkley. With the draw Checkley extend their lead over second place Leek by two points moving to 10 points clear.
Leek collected their fifth winning draw of the season when they travelled to Burslem, to keep the pressure on Checkley.
Being put into bat Leek had starts in the top order, but it was Chris Beech who went on, top scoring with 78, helping his side to hit 223 for seven, while Michael Brown took 4-89.
In response Burslem were reduced to 46 for four, but recovered to 80 for four when they closed their innings after 35 overs. The draw leaves Leek five points above Stone in third and 10 behind top of the table Checkley.
Stone closed the gap on the top two beating Porthill at home by seven wickets. Stone won the toss and put the away side into bat, reducing them to 6 for three, eventually dismissing Porthill for 114, Dries Nell the pick of the bowlers with 3-34. In the run chase Luke Cheadle led the way with 67 not out, guiding his side over the line in the 28th over.
Knypersley’s championship hopes took a blow with a losing draw at basement side Elworth. The home side batting first, posted 270 for four from their allotted overs, Yasir Ali smashing 130, supported by opener Chris Regan with 67 not out.
In the second innings Knypersley closed their innings on 133 for five after 56 overs. The draw leaves Knypersley 30 points behind Checkley, while Elworth are 37 points adrift of Burslem and safety.
Audley, who were comfortably beaten by 79 runs against Hem Heath, sit directly above Elworth. Batting first Hem Heath were dismissed for 168, Thomas Oaks taking 7-52 for Audley. In response Audley never got to grips with the Hem Heath bowling attack and were blown away for 89 inside 32 overs.
Whitmore beat relegation threatened Wood Lane at home by eight wickets. Having dismissed the away side for 100 – Lee Johnson (5-44) collecting a five wicket haul, Raja Hayat saw his team over the line in the 22nd over with two wickets in hand, finishing unbeaten on 50. Defeat leaves Wood Lane just 11 points above the drop zone.