KNUTSFORD continue to set the pace in a race for promotion to the Cheshire League’s second tier after making light work of Cholmondeley last weekend.

The visitors appeared on course for a big total after openers Muhammad Arslan (20) and Khawar Iqbal (71) put on 55 for the first wicket.

However the next three went down for just four runs before Iqbal and Muhammad Shazeb (23) began a repair job.

The innings never recovered its early momentum though and Knutsford closed on 173 all out.

They need not have worried after another ruthless display by their bowlers knocked over the home team for 87 in 30 overs to leave them 86 runs adrift.

Captain Adeel Bhatti (2-27) broke through early before Rana Saqlain (4-15) and Nadeem Alam (3-18) applied constant pressure their opponents could not resist.

Zahid Saleem (1-27) took the other wicket to fall.

A tally of five wins from seven games is one matched by Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge, who trail the men from Mereheath Lane by a single point in the standings.

Knutsford host Aston on Saturday.

The second team were too good for Rostherne, successfully chasing 143 to win in 25 overs.

Asumon Ahmed (39) and John Sheridan (49no) added 50 runs together for the second wicket before Zain Ali (33no) shared in an unbroken stand with the latter worth 75 to secure a seven-wicket victory.

A depleted home side had scored 142-8 with Febin Felix (3-13 off seven overs) the pick of a visiting attack that also featured a two-wicket haul for Ryan Butterworth (2-35).

Knutsford, third in Division C North/South, head to Hartford this weekend.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Week Seven

Saturday, June 1

Division Four: Bowdon Vale 136-3 Trafford MV 134; Kerridge 231-7 Saughall 210; Malpas 185-9 Winsford 142; Styal 26-3 Mossley 25; Tranmere Victoria 204 Glazebury 155; Westminster Park 100-7 Wistaston Village 98.

Division C North/South: Ashley Academy 70-5 Hartford 66; Glazebury 2nd 161-9 Winnington Park 2nd 73; Haslington 3rd 107 Appleton 4th 148; Knutsford 2nd 143-3 Rostherne 142; North East Cheshire 2nd 205-4 Europa Exiles 63; Warrington 4th w/o Holmes Chapel 2nd; Wistaston Village 2nd 39 Bunbury 2nd 166-6.