OLD Parkonians 1st XI again batted poorly as they lost by 16 runs away at Audlem.

After the hosts had won the toss and batted, early inroads were made by the returning Ben Rees and visiting captain Chris Beckett.

Audlem struggled as the opening pair prevented the home side from scoring freely.

Rees (5-30) and Beckett (2-24) indeed did most of the damage with Winstanley (2-11) helping to mop up the tail in Audlem's innings of 93.

It was certainly a day for the bowlers as the response from Old Parkonians was poor.

The Holm Lane side have found it difficult to chase this season and only Charlie Allen (25), who batted stubbornly and Dave Nedugodan (18) could provide any resistance as the promotion chasing visitors were again stunned.

The response fell a mere 16 runs short of the Audlem target.

The loss was another blow for Old Parkonians in their race for promotion this season.

It's all in their own hands however, as they require 37 points from their remaining three games to guarantee promotion to division three next season.

Scores:

Audlem 93-10 (41.1 overs) 25 points, Old Parkonians 77-10 (28 overs) five points

Result: Audlem won by 16 runs Old Parkonians 2nd XI drew at home to Chester BH 4th XI.

The visitors batted first and scored 149 all out with Farukh Nisar (4-24) and Nathan Bradshaw (3-51) were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts.

After reaching 100-4 in response, Old Parkonians collapsed and it was left to youngsters Bradshaw and Fankie Hughes to see out the draw in the reply of 199-9.