ROB Jones scored a stunning century for Toft against champions Alderley Edge last Saturday, but it was not enough to prevent a third successive defeat.

The Lancashire star amassed 141 off 116 balls, including every run of a last-wicket partnership worth 69 with tail-ender Jimmy Lomas.

However the men from Booth’s Park were dismissed for 206.

That condemned them to a 71-run defeat, although a tally of 14 fours and eight sixes from Jones kept alive their hopes while their other batsmen struggled to score.

Their hosts amassed 277 after winning the toss, with Khalid Sawas (69) and captain Adam Worrall (93) adding 83 for the fifth wicket after they had stuttered on 75-4.

James Scott took 3-69, while Jones weighed in with 2-31.

Toft sit fourth in the Premier Division table ahead of a visit from title-favourites Chester Boughton Hall – currently a dozen points clear of closest-rivals Nantwich – on Saturday.

Play starts at midday.

Toft’s seconds have won 10 of their past 11 games, while the other one was abandoned, following a six-wicket success against Alderley Edge at Booth’s Park that keeps them top of the table.

They knocked over their guests for 96, with spinner Joe Stanley (5-13) the outstanding performer while Will Dunkerley, Nigel Muirhead and Pete Talbot claimed a wicket each.

After their openers were dismissed cheaply, the title-hopefuls were guided to their target at 100-4 by Ewan Williams (42no).

A victory at their Chester counterparts on Saturday will make certain they finish first.