SLOW bowlers put the brakes on Bowdon’s run-rate as visitors Toft made a winning start to their latest Cheshire County League campaign on Saturday.

The Knutsford outfit, after winning the toss, set their hosts a target of 254 to win the ECB Premier Division encounter.

After seamers Matthew Cornes and James Drummond had broken through, Toft’s spinners took control with Nigel Muirhead bowling eight overs at a cost of only seven runs.

Jimmy Lomas (6-47 off 16 overs) was then introduced to the attack and, supported by Rob Jones’ leg-spin, they collected the next eight wickets between them as Bowdon slumped to 158 all out.

Earlier, Lancashire’s Jones (103no) had contributed a century to his side’s 253-6, including a 104-run stand with skipper Toby Drummond (53) for the fourth wicket.

Toft host Alderley Edge, convincing 144-run winners against Cheadle in their season opener, this Saturday.

Spinner Joe Stanley (4-11 off 11 overs) was the pick of Toft seconds’ bowling attack as they began the defence of their Premier Division title with a comfortable eight-wicket win against Urmston at Booth’s Park.

The visitors were knocked over for 136, with captain Paul Ashley (3-9) providing able support.

After tea, Toft needed only 25 overs to secure victory with openers Dave Blackburn (56) and Chris Drummond (21) making a solid start before Sam Hatcher (40no) finished the job.

On Sunday, Toft thirds began their Joseph Holt Brewery T20 Cup group-stage campaign with an eight-wicket win at neighbours Ashley.

The hosts reached 75-3, kept in check by young spinner James Hodgson (1-5), before Chris Drummond (24) and Ewan Williams (23no) took Toft to their target inside just 10 overs.