ELWORTH tasted defeat for the first time this season, going down at Betley on Saturday, and almost repeated it the next day before snatching victory against Knypersley.

Betley started badly losing skipper Simon Cork to Paul Crompton for only 2 runs to his name. Professional Mark Vermeulen began to find his feet and when joined by Harrison at 51 for 2, put together a superb partnership of 87 until Percival removed both. Johnston arrived at the crease and took charge with a half-century, to steer them to declare at 238 for 7 after 58 overs.

Elworth's start was even worse with both openers dismissed for 10. Runs were hard to find and at 116 for 5 and less than 20 overs to go things were begining to look bleak for the visitors. Top scorer Beech (55) gave it his best shot but when removed by Cooper, the Elworth tail quickly followed and the team were all out for 142. Betley took 25 points, Elworth took 6.

Against Knypersley Elworth were put into bat and Percival (110) made them pay with his third century in four innings. They finished on 218 for 7.

Knypersley lost early wickets leaving them at 42 for 3 after 8 overs. Two great partnerships between Bates with Farr and James, reduced the target to 21 runs off 25 balls and 6 wickets left.

Higgins removed James (43) and Beech dispatched both Bates (50) and Whalley for a duck, all three departing with the total stuck on 198.

Higgins then produced another match winning spell to clear away the Knypersley tail with figures of 4 for 6 in 15 balls. Elworth had pulled it out of the bag with an unbelievable victory by 4 runs with 1 ball to spare. Elworth took 25 points, Knyperley took 8.

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