KNUTSFORD landed a blow in the fight to be promoted from the Cheshire League’s third tier when they brushed aside closest-rivals Bunbury last weekend.

It leaves them 48 points clear at the table’s summit at the 2019 campaign’s halfway mark.

Rana Saqlain (92 off 85 balls) was the star turn of the visitors’ innings, scoring six fours and as many maximums, as they ran up 200-8 after choosing to bat first.

Khawar Iqbal (66) also passed 50 for his side.

And they wrapped up an eighth victory of the season in emphatic fashion by knocking over their opponents for just 102 when they replied.

Dan Wood (48) was defiant, but few of his teammates could handle in-form Saqlain (5-35 off 11 overs) who transferred his form at the crease to the outfield.

Nadeem Alam (3-12) and Zeeshan Shah (2-20) weighed in too.

They head next to neighbours Over Peover on Saturday, from 1pm.

Knutsford’s seconds suffered a three-wicket reverse at home to their Winnington Park counterparts, who successfully chased 159 to win.

Mehul Kadu (36) and Rishad Ali (23) added 38 runs for the third wicket before Darren Falland (44) ensured momentum remained with the visitors despite the best efforts of Shake Shimul (2-28) and Mohammad Alif (2-27).

The hosts had been grateful to eighth-wicket pair Shimul (42) and Darragh Downey (32no off 20 balls) for a late flurry of runs after they came together at 102-7.

Asumon Ahmed (30), at the top of the order, was the only other batsman to contribute.

Haslington thirds are their guests this weekend.

Results

UKFast Cheshire League

Week 11

Saturday, June 29

Division Three: Bunbury 102 Knutsford 200-8; Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge 145 Cholmondeley 148-6; Holmes Chapel 227-2 dec Aston 157-7; Old Parkonians 120-2 Frodsham 117; Wirral 88 Audlem 91-4

Division C North/South: Europa Exiles 140-9 Holmes Chapel 2nd 170; Glazebury 92 Bunbury 95-2; Haslington 3rd 222-5 Wistaston Village 2nd 135; Knutsford 2nd 158-8 Winnington Park 2nd 159-7; North East Cheshire 2nd 90-1 Appleton 4th 86; Rostherne 154-5 Hartford 153-8; Warrington 4th 137-9 Ashley Academy 157-7