MIDDLEWICH clung on for a draw against a powerful Upton side which took a liking to an excellent wicket.

Middlewich lost the toss and were inevitably sent out to field on a hot dry day.

Keith Hallam found some assistance in the wicket early on to claim both openers in quick succession.

But then Upton's batsmen found the going easy and scored freely - both the captain Dixon and Upton's overseas player Kirk looked impressive as they recorded a partnership in excess of 130.

Dixon carried his team to an imposing total of 269 for 6 declared in 49 overs, with some destructive hitting in an unbeaten innings of 114.

Hallam remained impressive with the ball, picking up four of the wickets for 55 runs. Aussie Kirk fell for a steady 73.

Middlewich's reply started poorly with opener Martin Dawson falling cheaply in the third over.

Andy Cole and skipper Rich Clorley tried to rebuild the innings and were settling down scoring at four runs an over until Clorley was given out LBW to the first ball of Sharrocks' spell.

Tomlinson continued to tick the scoreboard over, but the run rate was increasing. There were three more LBW decisions, which ended any hope Middlewich had of posing any real run chase.

Middlewich eventually settled on 175-9 after the 51 overs, with opener Cole compiling an eye-catching 58 and Chris Ainley (32) and Gav Tomlinson (31).

Pick of the Upton bowlers were Linwood 51-4 and Sharrock 25-3.

Middlewich would like to thank dentist Ian Llewellyn, of Croxton Lane, Middlewich, for his very generous sponsorship of the game.