GREENMOUNT'S title challenge took a dent when they were held to a draw by mid-table Heaton.

The home side batted first and were soon in the ascendancy after a superb opening stand between Andy Bowker (20) and youngster Ryan Senior (44).

Both were dismissed before posting a possible match-winning score but that honour fell to professional Nishit Shetty as he was left unbeaten nine runs short of his century at the end of the innings.

Shetty was ably assisted by John Ashworth (20) and Mark Fallon (25) as Greenmount posted an imposing 226 for four.

Heaton were soon on the ropes when prolific strike bowler Mark Stewart (3-56) removed Dave Jones for just five.

However, Jonathan Fearick took charge and matched Shetty with 91 of his own runs.

The Greenmount attack struggled to break through on a good batting wicket and West (40*) ensured his side came away with a draw; Heaton finishing on 209-5.

Opening bowler Stuart Leach impressed with 2-55 from his ten overs but the stubborn Heaton batsmen were not to be rolled over.