Strugglers in fine form to enhance their safety hopes

HEM Heath seconds and Norton in Hales both managed to dodge the rain to boost their NSSCL Premier B survival chances.

- Chris Travers

Hem Heath prevailed in a thrilling clash at Elworth, while Norton in Hales took the points from a weatheraffected contest at Knypersley.

The rain may have poured in some areas, but it was runs which flowed in Cheshire as Hem Heath edged out Elworth by just two runs.

A fourth-wicket stand of 102 between Ben Lucas and Nazakat Ali formed the backbone of Hem Heath's 244-5 from their 45 overs.

Lucas hit six fours and three sixes in his 72, while Ali's 61 featured seven boundaries.

Oscar Bradshaw (37) and Matt Lucas (25no) also kept the scoreboard ticking over. Alex Banks took a couple of wickets for the home side.