TOFT prepared for a potentially decisive head-to-head with Hyde this weekend by hammering visitors Macclesfield.

The Knutsford outfit ran out comfortable eight-wicket victors, preserving a 19-point lead at the county league’s Premier Division summit ahead of a trip to their closest rivals – and defending champions.

Macc’s innings ended on 209 after they were put in, spin trio Rob Jones (5-42), Jimmy Lomas (2-46) and Jake Dickinson (2-44) halting early momentum provided by opener Rob Keen (88).

Australian Jake Hancock (104no) led Toft to victory in emphatic fashion after tea, sharing in an unbroken partnership worth 160 runs for the third wicket with Henry Hughes (59no).

Hyde were convincing winners, by a 113-run margin, when they visited Knutsford in May.

However the Booth’s Park outfit’s run to the Cheshire Cup quarter finals ended on Sunday in a heavy 94-run reverse at New Brighton, of the Liverpool and District Competition.

Andy Clarke (126no) starred for the hosts as they racked up 275-4.

Toft struggled in response, succumbing for 181 after James Drummond (54) contributed a half-century.

Vice-captain Dave Blackburn hit a ton for Toft seconds as they scored 251 at Macclesfield.

The home team fell short at 224 in reply, Pete Talbot’s five-wicket haul – plus four for Joe Stanley – the highlights for the visitors.

Youngsters Ted Parr (110) and Joe Regan (100no) made centuries for Toft thirds as they amassed 265-3 off 38 overs against their Northwich counterparts on Sunday.

Their opponents settled early for a draw at 132-2.