ELWORTH lost the lead of Divison 1A after slumping to defeat at Little Stoke while Moddershall capitalised to leap-frog them with a victory over Betley.

Elworth struggled with the bat and by the fifteenth over, they had only 34 runs on the board with three wickets down.

Opener Hardstaff (28) had battled hard to stay at the crease and with Rob Beech took the total past 50. But an unbelievable collapse followed within half an hour as wickets were being given away and 54 for 3 became 61 for 8.

Robinson hit an undefeated 28 and, together with the tail's last twosome, doubled the score to 117 from 48 overs.

The home side also lost early wickets and they looked in serious trouble at 37 for 5 after 15 overs.

Elworth's hopes ended as Finney and Patel put together a sixth wicket stand of 81 to see their side home, earning a five wicket victory with twelve overs to spare.

An away victory at Leek is now essential if Elworth want to remain in the Championship race.

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