CHESHIRE saw off Cumberland for the third time this season on Sunday to reach the Unicorns Knockout Trophy last eight.

Following a pair of T20 wins earlier this month, Rick Moore’s men completed a hat-trick following a narrow three-run victory at Oxton.

“It was touch and go,” said the former Oulton Park skipper afterwards.

“We lost our way a bit in the middle of our innings on what was at times a tricky pitch, but we fought back well.”

Moore, now at Chester Boughton Hall, struck an unbeaten 81 for his side.

He received support from all-rounder Wayne White (49) during an innings that closed on 219-7 off 50 overs.

Cumberland appeared to be favourites when they reached 77 without loss, opener Matt Semphill (62) leading the way, before clever bowling from Ross Dixon (4-40) and Simon Normanton (1-36) halted their progress.

The visitors remained in the hunt though until Jack White (2-36) pushed the hosts over the line.

Lincolnshire, conquerors of Northumberland by 88 runs, visit for a last-eight tie at Chester next month.

Cheshire: Calum Rowe (Alderley Edge); Will Evans (wicket-keeper, Neston); Rick Moore (captain, Chester Boughton Hall); Wayne White (Leek); Ed Fluck (Alderley Edge); Luke Robinson (Nantwich); Ross Dixon (Upton); Nick Anderson (Didsbury); Simon Normanton (Stockport Georgians); Jack White (Timperley) and Ash Davis (Neston)

Results

Unicorns Knockout Trophy

Second Round

Sunday, May 20

Berkshire 261-9 Cornwall 225

Cheshire 219-7 Cumberland 216-9

Devon 281-6 Wiltshire 225

Hertfordshire 226-9 Oxfordshire 227-3

Lincolnshire 266 Northumberland 178

Norfolk 166-0 Bedfordshire 165

Staffordshire 265-8 Shropshire 266-9

Suffolk 192-7 Buckinghamshire 191