IMPROVING Knutsford prevailed in a run-chase to win a thrilling Cheshire League encounter with Pott Shrigley in the final over.

Chasing 146 to win, they were second-favourites at 85-7.

However an unbeaten partnership worth 61 runs between Zeeshan Shah (39no) and Shake Shimul (23no) took the men from Mereheath Lane to their target with seven balls to spare.

Shimul, promoted from the seconds, secured a fourth victory in their past five games in Division Four with an elegant drive.

They had dismissed the visitors for 145 after losing the toss, with captain Adeel Bhatti (4-43) among the wickets.

He passes 30 for the campaign as a result, and denied Ryan Anderson-Fitter (49) a half-century.

New-ball partner Zahid Saleem (2-38) was economical during 14 overs, while Shah (1-23) and Shimul (2-41) provided support as change bowlers.

They sit fifth in the table ahead of a visit from Westminster Park on Saturday.

Knutsford seconds, depleted by absences, suffered a nine-wicket defeat at their Chomondeley counterparts.

Despite not having a full complement, they occupied the crease for 45 overs to put 98-7 on the board.

Alan Hills, aged 72, was their leading scorer with an unbeaten 28 while opener Gabor Simon (19) protected his wicket for most of the visitors’ innings.

However Chum needed only 15 overs to secure a comfortable victory, with Ashish Abraham (1-35) taking the only wicket to fall to earn the visitors a point.

Mossley seconds provide the opposition in Division C this weekend.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Week 13

Saturday, July 15

Division Four: Glazebury 114 Audlem 58; Knutsford 146-7 Pott Shrigley 145; Old Parkonians 234-4 dec Winsford 26; Trafford MV 86 Westminster Park 189; Tranmere Victoria 80 Holmes Chapel 180-6

Division C South and Central: Aston 2nd 211-9 Haslington 3rd 187-7; Cholmondeley 2nd 99-1 Knutsford 2nd 98-7; Mossley 2nd conceded to Over Peover 2nd; Prestbury 2nd 245-5 Langley 2nd 243-8 dec; Winsford 2nd 105 Winnington Park 2nd 110-4