KNUTSFORD were made to work for a sixth successive win in the Cheshire League last weekend when they squeezed past Glazebury by a two-wicket margin.

They continue to occupy a promotion position in Division Four, and sit 28 points clear of Trafford MV in third.

A combined effort from Nadeem Alam (4-25) and Rana Saqlain (4-36) helped restrict the visitors to Mereheath Lane to 148 all out after they had won the toss.

Captain Adeel Bhatti (2-34) provided support.

Knutsford’s reply was anything but straightforward, and it wasn’t until Saqlain (38no off 33 balls) arrived at the crease – with the score on 90-7 – that they looked likely winners.

He added a precious 37 runs together with Zahid Saleem (15) before taking his side to 152-8 in the 32nd over.

The best efforts of Glazebury’s Jack Warhurst (4-53) proved in vain.

Out-of-sorts Winsford, without a win in the past seven matches, are Knutsford’s guests on Saturday.

Knutsford’s seconds were frustrated by their Glazebury counterparts during a Division C North fixture in Warrington.

The visitors posted 222 all out with Abin Abraham (34) and Ryan Butterworth (48) putting on 47 runs together for the fifth wicket after Darragh Downey had contributed 40.

The latter then produced his best bowling performance of the campaign, returning figures of 6-31 off 13 overs, as the hosts lost seven wickets for 57 runs from 101-1.

They held on for a draw after closing on 184-9.

Knutsford, third in the table, head to Winnington Park seconds this weekend.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Week 17

Saturday, August 11

Division Four: Audlem 51-2 Frodsham 47; Bowdon Vale 141 Over Peover 257-6; Knutsford 152-8 Glazebury 148; Westminster Park 107-6 Styal 102; Winsford 128 Tranmere Victoria 132-7; Wistaston Village 18-0-6 Trafford MV 120

Division C North: Appleton 4th 229-8 Ashley Academy 230-7; Europa Exiles 90 Warrington 3rd 93-1; Frodsham 2nd 62 Kingsley 2nd 63-2; Glazebury 2nd 184-9 Knutsford 2nd 222; Warrington 4th 43 Bowdon Vale 2nd 46-5