TWO Toft batsmen shared in a near 200-run partnership on Saturday, but it was not enough to prevent defeat against Alderley Edge at Booth's Park.

Second-wicket duo Jake Hancock (108) and Rob Jones (88) added 191 to the hosts' total together before the Knutsford outfit's final seven wickets fell for just 57 runs.

Three of those were ducks.

Sean Sturrock took 4-74 for the visitors.

Alderley produced their own batting heroes in reply with Alan Day (112no) and Andy Worral (50) helping them over the line by four wickets at 278-6.

Spinner Jimmy Lomas (2-95) removed Cheshire regular Calum Rowe (34), but Day provided a backbone for the visitors' innings as they reached their target.

For Toft, Pete Talbot returned figures of 3-36.

Despite losing the game, they occupy fourth place in the Premier Division table behind 100 per-centers Alderley, Chester Boughton Hall and Nantwich.

Defending champions Toft seconds edged a competitive contest in the return game, winning by three wickets.

Fielding first, the visitors' spin duo Nigel Muirhead (4-53) and Joe Stanley (3-42) were were most successful with the ball as Alderley Edge were dismissed for 171 in the final over.

New recruit Mark Blackhurst (48), supported by Luke Beesley (39no), ensured Toft reached their target in the 43rd over after closing on 172-7.

On Sunday, Toft's third team recorded a second successive win in the Joseph Holt Brewery T20, beating Elworth by 49 runs at Booth's Park.

The hosts posted 157-4, with opener Chris Drummond (67) leading the way with a quick-fire knock.

Elworth's reply fell behind the required run-rate early in their innings, finishing on 107-6.

Paul Moore and Jim Bishop captured two wickets each for Toft.