MOBBERLEY could not halt Upton’s promotion charge in the Cheshire County League’s third tier on Saturday, suffering a two-wicket defeat.

They were bowled out for 141, with Mark Goodstadt (53) and Robert Spilsbury (21) making the biggest individual contributions at the top of the order.

In-form Abdul Aqeel (6-45) kept Mobberley in contention, but Upton reached their target at 142-8.

In the Cheshire Alliance top flight, Holmes Chapel’s promotion hopes took a hit in a five-wicket reverse at rivals Wistaston.

Opener Mark Rebbeck (41) and Mark Stuart (37) led the way as they were dismissed for 159 before their Crewe-based rivals completed victory with five overs to spare at 165-5.

Knutsford seconds lost by 29 runs at home to their Appleton counterparts in Division Three.

Set a target of 161 to win, they fell short at 131 all out despite the efforts of Rasel Ahmed (38) and Rob Vaughan (36).

Muhammed Roshan took 4-23 – while James Derbyshire, Adnan Ghazanfar and Ahmed claimed two wickets apiece – when the visitors totalled 160.

In the Cheshire League, Ashley suffered a heavy 123-run defeat at home to Barnton in Division Two.

Chelford went down by six wickets against promotion-chasing Winnington Park in the same section, while Over Peover could not prevent hosts Alderley Park recording a three-wicket victory when they met in Division Three.