FOR the third season running Northwich go into the final match of the season with something to play for.

Last year they narrowly avoided relegation and in 2003 they gained promotion to Division One of the Cheshire Cricket Alliance by winning on the last day - a feat they must repeat in 2005.

Next week's game sees them go to Sandbach with both sides vying for the title, but Northwich have suffered a dreadful run of results as the season draws to a close.

This week it was their inability to bowl a side out which denied them the vital win in the title race.

They appeared to have done enough against Chester County Offices by posting 174, with John O'Sullivan leading the way with 48.

However, the Northwich bowlers had another off day, a tale which may come to explain their failure to grasp the league honours.

Two wickets apiece for Ant Shaw and Steve Riley were not enough as Northwich used eight bowlers to try to find the breakthrough that never came, with Chester closing on 160-6.

l NORTHWICH 2nds confirmed their third straight league title and second straight cup and league double with a comprehensive win at Chester.

The home side batted first and could not get on top of the Northwich attack, with Sammy Naylor the pick of the bowlers taking 3-7 as Chester ended on 128-6.

Despite falling to 61-5 the Northwich middle order rallied around a common theme for this season, youth and experience.

Mike McDonough (45no) found a willing partner in 15-year-old Matty Jamieson (16no) and the pair forged an unbroken 70 run partnership in 14 overs to secure the victory on 131-5.