KNUTSFORD continue to lead the way in the Cheshire League’s fourth division following a 54-run win at Winsford last weekend.

Their bowling attack proved decisive, with Zahid Saleem (5-50) claiming five wickets to knock over the home team for 114.

He enjoyed support from captain Adeel Bhatti, whose three-wicket haul included the prize wicket of his counterpart Mike Dean (36).

Knutsford had posted 168 all out after winning the toss, although they appeared in trouble at 91-7 before Bhatti (21) and Zeeshan Shah (31no) added 51 runs together.

Muhammad Arslan (20) and Asumon Ahmed (29) contributed higher up the order.

It leaves them with a narrow three-point lead ahead of a date with Wistaston Village, who have yet to record a victory and have lost five of their seven matches, at Mereheath Lane on Saturday.

Knutsford’s seconds could not take a final wicket they needed to beat their Winnington Park counterparts in Northwich.

The visitors put 176-9 in the score-book, with an outstanding knock from Raghu Bhaskar (58no off 24 balls) – which included five fours and as many sixes – following one by Zain Ali (42).

Winnington closed on 163-9 after Bhaskar (2-20) and Siddarth Kholi (2-49) had made initial inroads.

Cyril George took 3-6 in three overs, including a maiden, to ensure a close finish but Park’s last-wicket pair held on.

They will host Warrington thirds in a Cheshire League Division C North fixture on Saturday, from 1pm.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Week Seven

Division Four: Audlem 205-9 Over Peover 117; Bowdon Vale 117 Trafford MV 120-0; Styal 170-6 Glazebury 156-9; Westminster Park 70 Frodsham 48; Winsford 114 Knutsford 168; Wistaston Village 144 Tranmere Victoria 172

Division C North: Europa Exiles 106-9 Bowdon Vale 2nd 217; Frodsham 2nd 114 Ashley Academy 117-8; Glazebury 2nd 195-8 Appleton 4th 103-7; Knutsford 2nd 176-9 Winnington Park 2nd 163-9; Warrington 4th 73 Kingsley 2nd 77-2