CHESTER BOUGHTON HALL skipper Rick Moore led by example as his side clinched a 63-run victory at Cheshire Premier Division rivals Hyde.

Moore hit 76 runs and then took 4-28 as Hall preserved their top-spot status in the division.

Warren Goodwin (26) and Moore made a solid start for the visitors, but lost the latter and Jamie Crawley, Alex Money and Lee Dixon in quick succession.

Hyde bowlers Glen Hannah (3-54) and George Balderson (3-44) were proving a handful, before Moore and Harry Killoran (47) steadied the ship to add 58 to the fifth wicket and help steer Hall to their 222-run total.

Hyde’s reply was well-marshalled in the early stages with openers Tom Partridge and Luke Young dispatched for just 23 runs combined.

Knocks of 39 and 42 from Tom Partridge and Luke Young respectively helped to settle the hosts, but Moore along with Jack Williams (2-33) and Lloyd Aspin (3-59) helped skittle Hyde for 159.

The victory kept Hall four points clear of title rivals Neston, who stormed to a 176-run win at Marple.

Centurion Will Evans blasted 117 of his side’s eventual 279-6 score, which also included a 72-run tally from Luke Camden.

The Marple reply struggled from the outset, with James Morgan’s 27 from 13 deliveries proving to be a high point in their top order.

Neston bowler Luke Jones (5-17) was in ruthless mood alongside team mate Ashley Davis (2-30), with Marple crumbling at a score of 103.

Alderley Edge remain in contention following their nine-wicket triumph at Toft.

With the hosts’ batsmen removed for 130, due largely to the bowling of Thomas Forman (5-40), the visitors quickly set about their target.

An unbeaten 62 from Calum Rowe proved decisive, with Sam Perry’s 34 and Ed Foster’s 27no inspiring a 131-1 score inside 36 overs.

A top score of 42no from Cheadle opener Ryan O’Brien underpinned his side’s seven-wicket victory at Widnes.

Oulton Park heaped more misery on basement side Grappenhall where the visitors savoured an eight-wicket success.

Park skipper Martyn East hit an unbeaten 63 in their 107-2 score after the hosts hit 106.

Meanwhile, Nantwich consolidated their mid-table status as they won by five-wickets at Timperley.