CENTURION Ross Salmon led promotion-hopefuls Knypersley CC to a superb nine-wicket victory against rivals Stafford.

It was exhibition stuff from Salmon (117no) and Paul Goodwin (83no) as the home faithful were treated to two top class innings that saw their side leap into the all-important second spot in NSSC Division One.

After putting the visitors into bat, Jim Millward got the early breakthrough with Mansfield bowled for 7 but Owen and Hickey staged a recovery before both were gone with the score at 83.

Kyle and Bengry threatened to take the game away with an excellent stand, hitting anything loose that came their way.

The duo took the total to 152 before Mahmood trapped Bengry LBW for 33 and then dismissed his successor for a duck, courtesy of a stumping by Goodwin.

Andy Jones soon ended Kyle's vigil (45) and Knypersley were right back in it.

Waterhouse and Phazey put up stubborn resistance as Stafford eventually closed on 208 for 8 but it could have been far worse for the home side.

Jon Cumberbatch's dismissal for 0 raised eyebrows but from then on in, the Salmon and Goodwin show got them home.