AFTER two fine league victories the previous weekend, Sutton visited Cheshire Lines with high hopes but were involved in that most unusual cricket result - a tie.

Lines batted first and struggled to 73-7 in the face of splendid Sutton bowling by Reynolds and Anders. The home side captain, Ashton, stood firm and with support from the tail pushed the score on to 162 despite another excellent Sutton fielding display. Kieron Barr bowled tidily to claim 3-25 and there were two wickets for skipper Andy Brogan.

In reply Suttons early order failed miserably for the first time this season and at 9-3 it was time to test the nerve of the middle order. A stand of 50 between Barr and Anders put Sutton back on course and when Martin Harvey and Mike Rimmer got together they took Sutton to the brink of victory. Harvey hit a classy 30 and Rimmer's 40 contained a sprinkling of venomous boundary shots. With victory in sight, both men lost concentration and were out with Sutton left needing four from the last over with the last pair together. A three from Mark Reynolds left Brian Wearden on strike. He drove the ball straight but the Lines captain crowned a great display by hanging on to a stinging catch to deny Sutton the win.

Jeff Pye's table-topping seconds deserved better opposition than the short handed and totally outclassed Cheshire Lines second string.

The visitors were routed for a paltry 36 runs and Sutton quickly knocked them off to maintain their proud position at the top of the league.

Sutton face Aigburth this weekend which will be a real test of both teams.

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