With ex-Chester quickie Ash Davis taking the wickets of Rick Moore and Nick James in the first over, things weren't looking good as the Shrimpers struck.

But unbelievably Warren Goodwin (128) and Lee Dixon (169) - perhaps relived to just concentrate on the Cheshire CCC captaincy, added 338 - a League record for the third wicket. A final total of 367-5 proved too much for the visitors as they crumbled to 140, losing by 227 runs.

With tails up at Grappenhall, Chester then came down to earth with a bump. Looking uneasy throughout, they made just 199. The reply was 203-4 to leave Ross Dixon scratching his head. There were runs for Moore (52) and Harry Killoran (53) but the huge victory a week earlier felt a long time ago.

Back on home soil though things were different against Didsbury although Killoran (58) and 55 from Will Owen rescued a lame batting performance in a 218 total. Killoran (4-39) and Goodwin (4-18) then did the damage with the ball for a straightforward victory.

Next up, Bramhall away and the worst performance of the season. Chasing 221, Chester were cruising at 162-3 with the hosts resigned to defeat. Wickets began to fall, more fell and the self-destruct button was pressed as Chester were inexplicably all out for 202 against the pace of Matt Higginbottom (5-58). No hiding place.

The first draw of the season followed at Filkins Lane against highly fancied Nantwich. A rain reduced game saw a close finish as Chester ended five runs short of their target - with nine down - on 180. Killoran, Jack Williams and Alex Money were in the wickets and Killoran continued his great batting form, rising up the order to hit 83.

May finished with a comfortable victory over the surprise package of the season so far, an unbeaten Timperley. Grant Hodnett was in fine form for the visitors with 120 in a total of 253-7, Williams and Killoran both taking wickets. Goodwin and Moore made light work of the reply with a 166 run opening partnership, Goodwin smashing his second century of the season - 103 - and Moore adding 69.

Despite the away-day woes, Chester finished May in a respectable fifth place with Toft leading the pack:

1 Toft 139
2 Alderley Edge 134
3 Timperley 121
4 Neston 102
5 Chester Boughton Hall 97