HARTFORD A’s hopes of celebrating success this season took a hit when they lost to a direct rival last week.

A 5½-2½ reverse at Chester Road against Nantwich A, who also won the return fixture, saw the hosts cede top spot in the South and Mid Cheshire League’s first division.

Mark Gleave, Jarrod Wood, Andrew Moores and James Barber made up their quartet, and they now trail Congleton A – conquerors of a depleted Hartford B – by a single point with three matches still to play.

Hartford C, with Rick Shelmerdine, Justin Pidcock, Chris Forrest and Andy Firth on duty, improved their chances of avoiding relegation when they beat Hartford D.

In Division Two, Hartford F collected their first point of a testing campaign at a higher level when they shared the spoils after a draw with Cuddington B.

Josh Batson, Andy White, Andy Yearsley and Pete Makin played their part.

Hartford’s representatives in the ladies’ top-flight both recorded impressive wins on their travels.

Wenda Deadman, Helen Plumtree, Kate Burrows and Virginia Vale proved too strong for neighbours Cuddington A, running out 7-1 victors.

Hartford B won 6-2 on a visit to Alsager A, where Gill Lodge, Kathryn Barnett, Pauline Cordingley and Andree Rose joined forces.

In Division Two, Hartford C ensured they will be promoted at the end of the campaign following a 6-2 win against third-placed Congleton B.

That helps Hartford D, who squeezed past Nantwich C.

They will be assured of a place inside the top two if they avoid defeat against Congleton when the teams meet tonight.

Results

South and Mid Cheshire League

Week 11

Men

Division One: Congleton A 8-0 Hartford B; Congleton B 2-6 Nantwich Farmers; Hartford A 2½-5½ Nantwich A; Hartford C 6-2 Hartford D

Division Two: Alsager A 7-1 Nantwich B; Hartford F 4-4 Cuddington B; Tarporley 5½-2½ Hartford E; Winsford A 3-5 Cuddington A

Division Four: Cuddington C 6-2 Acton Bridge; Cuddington D 1-7 Congleton D; Hartford G 1-7 Holmes Chapel B; Wistaston B 0-8 Congleton E

Division Five: Holmes Chapel C 5½-2½ Congleton F; Nantwich E 3-5 Winsford C

Ladies

Division One: Alsager A 2-6 Hartford B; Cuddington A 1-7 Hartford A; Holmes Chapel A 0-8 Nantwich A; Nantwich B 4-4 Congleton A

Division Two: Hartford C 6-2 Congleton B; Hartford D 4½-3½ Nantwich C; Hartford E 7-1 Nantwich D; Holmes Chapel B 4-4 Congleton C