IF Knutsford’s cricketers had any lingering hopes of sneaking into a promotion place, a defeat to back-markers Trafford dashed them.

A familiar failing at the crease cost them in the absence of in-form captain Adeel Bhatti, and they succumbed for 101 after winning the toss.

Only Abdul Qadoos (21) and leading run-scorer Mohammad Arslan (20) offered meaningful resistance in an error-strewn innings that ended with Steve Haughton claiming 4-38.

Stand-in skipper Adnan Ghazanfar described it afterwards as the poorest batting performance in his time at Mereheath Lane.

His bowlers almost rescued the visitors and Zeeshan Shah (4-41), supported by Darren Longden (2-21) and Shake Shimul (3-24) made the home team sweat before closing on 102-9.

Winsford visit Knutsford on Saturday.

Knutsford’s seconds suffered a three-wicket defeat at home to neighbours Over Peover.

They tallied 169 all out, led by Abin Abraham (47) and John Sheridan (30) while Zain Ali (22) and chairman Darragh Downey (24) chipped in too.

However a partnership worth 83 for the first wicket between Jayant Kumar (42) and Danny Ruddock (57) set the visitors on a course for victory.

Mark Dingle took 4-58 on his return, but skipper Carl Mills (27no) saw his side over the line at 170-7.

A trip to Winsford awaits this weekend.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Week 20

Saturday, September 2

Division Four: Old Parkonians 183-6 Pott Shrigley 107; Trafford MV 102-9 Knutsford 101; Tranmere Victoria 91-2 Glazebury 90; Winsford 70 Holmes Chapel 74-1.

Division C South and Central: Aston 2nd 187-6 Langley 2nd 203-5; Cholmondeley 2nd 94-3 Winnington Park 2nd 93; Haslington 3rrd 96 Wistaston Village 2nd 97-3; Holmes Chapel 2nd w/o Winsford 2nd; Knutsford 2nd 169 Over Peover 2nd 170-7; Mossley 2nd 113-3 Prestbury 2nd 259-1 dec.