NANTWICH CC's outside hopes of lifting the ECB Premier League title were effectively ended at champions-elect Bowdon.
Last Saturday's 69-run victory means the home side now only need to beat rock-bottom Bramhall on Saturday to secure their third title in just four years.
It was no disgrace for the Dabbers, they put up a fight at South Downs Road but ultimately Bowdon steamed to their 12th win of the season, leaving them just 17 points away from retaining the championship.
Having won the toss and putting the home side into bat, Nantwich are likely to feel it all hinged on a crucial drop early on.
Lancashire's Gary Yates was put down at slip on single figures and as usual, it came back to haunt them as he went on to score a vital 52.
Along with Gray (43), the duo saw them through a rocking spell to a respectable declared total of 210-5.
The Dabbers were still not done.
Cruising at one stage, the visitors were going great guns at 73 for 1 before spinners Yates and Dominic Ball were introduced into the attack.
They turned the game and apart from David Celap (42), Nantwich struggled to make 141.
Still second and now 59 points behind the leaders, Nantwich will want to wrap up that spot in a fine season with a home win over Oxton, start 12.30pm.
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