TOFT topped 300 runs for the second time this season in a Cheshire County League meeting with Chester Boughton Hall on Saturday, but again had to settle for a draw.

They racked up 306-3 at Booth’s Park, where Morgan Clark (129) – who hit 11 fours and five sixes – and captain Toby Drummond (77) shared in a partnership worth 165 runs for the first wicket.

The Australian added 115 more for the third with teenager Sam Hatcher (81no off 58 balls).

However the Knutsford outfit were left feeling relieved by the close after their guests fell narrowly short of a victory at 303-6.

Rick Moore (135) and Warren Goodwin (57) set them on their way with a stand of 130 before skipper Lee Dixon added a rapid 43.

Spinner Jimmy Lomas (4-113) bowled the final over, during which Chester needed 10 to win, after Pete Talbot had captured 2-73.

Premier Division fixtures between the rivals have produced 1,276 runs this season, including 32 maximums.

Toft’s seconds won a similarly high-scoring return at Chester, who posted 233-8 off 50 overs.

Ian Metcalf (92no) led the way, while Will Dunkerley (4-44) was the pick of the visitors’ bowlers.

Wicket-keeper Dan Lord enjoyed a successful afternoon, holding on to two catches and dismissing three others with stumpings.

Chris Drummond (87) set his side on a course for victory before newcomer Mark Leathley (58no) and skipper Paul Ashley saw them to their target in the 48th over.

On Sunday, a youthful Toft thirds lost by eight wickets at Hyde.

Adam Gasgarth (62) was their leading scorer, supported by 13-year-old debutant Max Nightingale (33), as the visitors posted 186-8.

Another teenager, Alex Williams, appeared for the first time too.