A LAST-DITCH bowling effort rescued a draw for Warrington after visitors Marple threatened to overhaul their total.

After losing the toss and being invited to bat first, the hosts made a positive start under the guidance of captain Richard Heaney and overseas player Huw Stone.

They put on 81 for the first wicket before Heaney fell for 29, quickly followed cheaply by Adam Green and Will Fleetwood, but Stone remained unmoved.

He top-scored with an excellent knock of 84, well supported by an unbeaten 40 from James Rudd and 38 from Liam Heaphy as Warrington closed on a respectable 218-7 from their 50 overs.

In response, Marple openers Mark Bennett and Mark Makin put on 88 for the first wicket before Bennett fell to spinner Brad McIntosh for 50.

Makin top scored with 70 as Marple looked set to win the game with the score at 188-4, but Warrington’s bowlers responded brilliantly with quick wickets to keep the visitors in check.

McIntosh finished with 4-54, while Stone, Ashley Scholes and Rob Batey took a wicket each as Marple could only reach 208-8.

The seconds collapsed with the bat as they fell to an eight-wicket hammering at the hands of Nantwich.

Warrington won the toss and chose to bat first, but the home bowlers ripped through their batting line-up with ease.

Only Isaac Webster resisted with 31 as the visitors were bowled out for just 74, a target Nantwich reached in just under 17 overs.

The thirds had more luck but could only manage a draw at Oxton despite a stunning batting display from Harry Kellett.

The 16-year-old made a superb unbeaten 101 to help his side to 229-6, with Billy Gilbert also chipping in with 49.

With the ball, Gilbert took three wickets along with Raj Soni and Ben McCarthy to ensure Oxton could only reach 191-8.

The firsts visit Davenham on Saturday while the seconds face the same opponents at home and the thirds host Winnington Park.