PROMOTION and a club record broken – it has been a truly magnificent season for Knutsford Cricket Club's second team.
A 95-run victory over Trafford Metrovics at Mereheath Lane secured promotion from Division C East of the Cheshire Cricket League.
It was also their 16th victory from 21 outings this year – a club best – and they will be confirmed as title winners by beating Langley on Saturday.
Having been put into bat by their visitors, Knutsford's top order laid a solid foundation as openers Mohammad Alif (25) and Mohammad Arsalan (46) put on 56 for the first wicket.
There were strong partnerships throughout as the hosts reached a total of 205-7, with Waqar Khan top-scoring with 48.
Mohammad Hamza (30), Alamdaar Hussain (16) and Bilal Hussain (16 not out) also made valuable contributions.
The visitors started brightly but a brilliant run-out by Alif proved the catalyst to turn the game Knutsford's way.
Mohtashim Asif (3-33) and Hamza (1-27) found their range as Trafford were eventually bowled out for 110.
Alif backed up his batting and fielding display by taking 3-11 with the ball, with Khan and Nadim Alam taking a wicket each.
The first team rounded off a great day for the club with an excellent win at Appleton.
Set a challenging 212 for victory, Zahid Saleem's powerful 84 not out proved critical as he added to his earlier three-wicket haul with the ball.
Shake Shumul (29) and skipper Adnan Ghazanfar (20) also made key contributions while of the bowlers, Ajmal Mugal stood out after taking his first five-wicket haul for the club.
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