Harkin hits top form

HARTFORD were denied a win by Ellesmere Port's stubborn last man stand at Grange Park on Saturday.

The hosts tried in vain to claim the final wicket that would have yielded maxium points, but not even the brilliance of Brian Harkin could make the breakthrough.

Earlier Hartford had won the toss and chosen to bat.

They maintained a steady run rate, and a steady loss of wickets, to close on 180-9.

Martin Pickup (44), Brian Harkin (38), Martin Hill (24) and Gareth Stokes (21) top scored.

In form Harkin (4-41) built on his impressive batting display to produce a now trademark spell of tight, incisive bowling when Ellesmere Port began their reply.

He was backed up by Geoff Sharp's effective spin, as he too posted useful figures of 4-18 from seven overs.

But neither of them could find a way to notch a five-wicket haul as Ellesmere Port hung on to take a share of the spoils.

Hartford remain just two points adrift of neighbours Kingsley in the Cheshire Cricket Alliance Division One table.