Nantwich CC’s faint hopes of retaining their Cheshire County Premier title suffered a blow with a 50-run defeat at home to Alderley Edge.
The visitors smashed their way to 299-5 off 55 overs, as the Nantwich attack suffered at Whitehouse Lane.
Calum Rowe led the way with 89 from 124 balls, supported well by Adam Worrall with 71 from just 58 balls, and Mark Currie (66).
Ray Doyle and Jimmy Warrington took two wickets each, but Doyle proved expensive with 87 runs off his 12 overs.
In reply, Nantwich suffered early losses with Rob Howell and Liam Livingstone departing cheaply.
But Jonny Kettle (55) and a fine century by Robert Cook-Sievewright (119) helped put on 126 for the third wicket as the hosts fought back.
However, when their wickets fell, Nantwich’s lower order could not maintain the momentum.
Only Ollie Griffiths, with 28 from just 10 deliveries, offered a glimmer of hope as the hosts were bowled out for 249 with 10 overs left.
Jason Whittaker was the pick of the Alderley attack, taking 3 for 76 in 18.3 overs.
The defeat leaves the defending champions down in eighth place, over 100 points behind leaders Chester Boughton Hall.
The Nantwich 2nd team also lost, going down to a five-wicket defeat away at Alderley Edge.
Nantwich finished on 225-4 off their 50 overs, opener David Ferris hitting a fine unbeaten 106, and Frank Farrington adding 80.
But the hosts reached their target with three overs to spare thanks to knocks from Paul Manton (55), and Jonathon Usher (57).
A valuable 10 points for Nantwich keeps them one place above the relegation zone in the 2nd XI Premier Division.
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