Toft 118-5 Bowdon 115

TOFT recovered from back-to-back defeats to beat Bowdon in a low-scoring encounter at Booth’s Park.

The visitors batted first, though once debutant Jack Goode (3-9) had removed Stephen Ball (22) the Knutsford outfit assumed control.

Jimmy Lomas (3-6) bowled seven maidens in a nine-over spell to help skittle Toft’s opponents for just 115, England under 19s international Rob Jones chipping in with two wickets.

He was the only batsman to pass 30 in the match, finishing unbeaten on 76, including 11 fours, as the hosts eased to a five-wicket win.

A successful weekend continued when they scored an eight-wicket win against in-form Marple in the Cheshire Cup third round on Sunday.

Captain Toby Drummond asked the visitors to bat, and they posted 173-8 with Andrew Jackson (2-16), Lomas (2-16) and Jones (2-28) sharing the wickets to fall.

Openers James Drummond (76) and Jake Hancock (65) batted aggressively during a partnership worth 143 runs that left the outcome in little doubt.

Toft reached their target at 177-2 off 30 overs, with Jones and Henry Hughes at the crease to hit the winning runs.

Their second string continues to dominate the Vivio Cheshire County League’s Premier Division, this time out-playing challengers Cheadle on Saturday.

Having won the toss, Toft putting Cheadle into bat before bowling them out for 97 with spinner Nigel Muirhead capturing 4-17 with support from James Hodgson (2-13).

Toft needed only 18 overs to knock off the required runs, for the loss of one wicket.