BARNTON'S faltering promotion challenge got an unexpected boost despite being held to a winning draw at home to Norbury when all their rivals for second place lost.

The match started well for Barnton and a big total looked in prospect with Nick Yarwood promoted to open the innings, taking the attack to the bowling.

When he was well caught for 42, Mattie Bebbington continued in his anchor role to equal his season's best with 63.

A flurry of late hitting from Mike Cross (24no) and Steve Yarwood (16no) took Barnton to 178-5.

In reply Barnton seemed to be continuing their quest for a win when Yarwood took two early wickets, including danger man Stuart Twibell.

Barnton looked favourites for a win, but Norbury are fighting for their league survival and Pete Hodge dug in for a marathon innings.

Finally Norbury decided they had to hit out, but Barnton managed to keep their heads to pick up a few wickets with Bebbington taking 2-28 and Nick Yarwood 3-45. Norbury finished on 154-7 with Hodge on a valiant 71no.

l Barnton 2nds' title hopes suffered a disastrous blow thanks to the extra demands of the bank holiday weekend.

The holidays meant that they were unable to find enough players for their trip to lowly Lymm and were forced to concede the match and possibly their league challenge.