KNYPERSLEY'S flagging title bid suffered another blow on Saturday when they crashed out to leaders Audley by an agonising two runs.

Knypersley's bowlers gave their side an excellent chance of a home league win by dismissing Audley for 91, but the home side were bowled out for 89.

The result stretches Audley's lead at the top of the table to 29 points, with Knypersley dropping to fourth, 40 off the leaders.

Ian Landon was Knypersley's star bowler, claiming five for 40 in only his second game of the season for the first team, but Knypersley's batting let them down once again.

Audley progressed to 46 for one before four wickets fell in the space of 16 minutes for the addition of only five runs.

Audley managed eight more runs before another two men were sent back to the pavilion, to leave them in dire straits on 59 for seven.

The match looked over at 71 for nine, but a last wicket stand of 20 gave the away side some hope.

Neil Dutton took three wickets for 10 runs and Rob James ended with two for 32,

Chris Barry was out for Knypersley with the score on 13, but a 36 stand between Ross Salmon and Jon Cumberbatch took the score to within 50 of the target.

However Cumberbatch was out for 13, and Salmon went for 34 as Knypersley were reduced to 59 for three.

Four more wickets fell in quick succession to leave the home side on 67 for seven, although Andy Nixon and Neil Dutton added 21 to take the score to four short of victory.

Knypersley managed just one more run as Dutton was run out, Nixon was caught and Ben Griffiths was bowled for a duck.

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