OAKMERE'S poor form continued on Saturday as the were again forced to rely on the tail end to hang on for a draw.

Heavy rain throughout the morning meant that the home match against Runcorn was reduced to 32 overs per side and the visitors quickly set about showing their intent rattling up 171-7 with only Paul Hutchinson offering any resistance taking 4-56.

Runcorn's good form continued into the field where they made life difficult for Oakmere on what was becoming an increasingly difficult pitch.

Going for victory Guy Groves (22) and Paul Guilford were caught on the boundary as they tried to force runs on the board and Paul Hutchinson weighed in with 21 but in the end Runcorn proved too adept in the field and the tail were forced to hang on for the draw.

Finishing on 130-8 Oakmere still have an outside chance of pushing for the title but must improve at the crease and in the field and rely on other teams doing them a favour if they are to stand any chance at all.

lTHE seconds are showing real championship form as they kept up the pressure at the top of the reserve division with a good victory at home to Knutsford.

A battling Oakmere side defied the rain and their bogey team to come away with what was, on paper, an easy 10 wicket win.

Rain reduced the match to 78 overs and the Oakmere bowlers quickly set about Knutsford who elected to bat first in the wet conditions.

All the bowlers contributed to the away side's downfall with Mike Cushion and John Crouchley both claiming 3-33 in Knutsford's total of 118 all out.

Oakmere's man of the match, 20-year-old Saeed Kara quickly showed what he is capable of notching 61 not out from the total of 119 for no loss.

He was assisted by fellow opener Ian Morgan who also finished unbeaten on 41.

Oakmere's title challenge continues away from home on Saturday when they will look to claim the scalp of local rivals Davenham.