KNUTSFORD could not extend a winning sequence in the Cheshire League to four matches after falling short in a run-chase away to Audlem on Saturday.

Chasing 245 to secure victory, they were dismissed for 181.

Muhsin Ali (42) was their leading scorer, while Jay Khan, Adnan Ghazanfar (both 22) and Darren Longden (20) made starts.

Their hosts had posted 244-9 after winning the toss, taken to that total by an unbroken last-wicket stand worth 63 runs between tail-enders Reg Farnell (39no) and Simon Swift (19no).

Waheed Khan, with 5-46, was Knutsford’s stand-out bowler while Zahid Saleem weighed in with 3-84.

They attempt to get back on track when Pott Shrigley visit Mereheath Lane this Saturday.

Knutsford’s seconds succumbed to a four-wicket defeat against their Aston counterparts in Division C.

John Sheridan (58) and Shaban Farooq (28) appeared to have set them on a course to a big total after sharing in a first-wicket stand of 47.

However only wicket-keeper Gabor Simon (25no) contributed thereafter as they closed on 166-7.

Aston reached their target with almost three overs to spare thanks largely to Bailey Sant (61 off 52 balls) after Ikhlaq Januja (2-35) removed both openers.

It completed a challenging week for Knutsford, who bowed out of the T20 Knockout following a 115-run defeat at higher-ranked Hale Barns.

Their hosts ran up 190-3 after winning the toss, with Zain Ali taking 2-31.

However only Abin Abraham (21) and Matt Clayton (15) reached double figures in a reply that ended on 75.