FOR a successive weekend Knutsford’s Cheshire Alliance Division Two title hopes were dented by defeat in Wirral.

Saturday saw them succumb to Maritime at Bromborough, with Knutsford falling short of the hosts’ 219-9 when they were skittled for 177.

Adnan Ghazanfar was the pick of the bowlers with 4-54, while Naveed Arshad led the way with the bat with 72 runs.

Knutsford seconds fared better in the reverse fixture, batting first and setting a target of 182 thanks to Ashley Stone’s 55 and Henry Pass’ 43.

But Maritime held their nerve to close on 162-9 for a draw, Adeel Ahmed taking 4-14 and Jack Pass 2-25.