CRICKET captain Steve Armitage hit his best ever County League total for Alsager on Saturday as he side demolished highflying Chester.

Armitage hammered a memorable 113 in the league before seeing his bowlers rip through their third-placed opponents.

However Saturday's success was followed by disappointment 24 hours later in the regional final of the ECB knockout competition.

Armitage was again the top batsman, with 34, but the middle order collapsed to leave Wolverhampton to cruise to victory.

''It was our best team performance of the season on Saturday, and we clicked all round,'' said Armitage.

''Gareth Rowe and Eddie Gilhooly bowled very well, and that's the third time we have beaten Chester this year.

''We were disappointed by Sunday's performance, because we did not bat as well as we can.

''However we have played well in the competition, have beaten some good sides, and have emerged with a lot of credit.''

Ninth-placed Alsager opened with an impressive 230 for four against Chester in 58 overs.

They lost their first wicket at 25, progressed to 80 for three, and hit another 120 runs before their last wicket went down.

Armitage's 113 was his best for Alsager in seven County League seasons, and included a six and eight fours, achieved by the opening bat in a marathon three-hour innings.

He was well supported by an unbeaten 47 from Darren Long, which he hit in only 47 balls, with Gilhooly adding 28.

Chester were skittled out for 64 in reply, Rowe and Gilhooly in top form with the ball, each claiming four wickets, for 19 and 17 runs respectively.

Alsager took 23 points to two for Chester.

Alsager were dismissed for 133 on Sunday, Gilhooly hitting 28, and Paul Pickford 28 not out at the end.

Alsager were looking good at 72 for two, but indifferent middle order batting and good bowling saw the home side earn just 61 runs for the next eight wickets.

Wolverhampton won with 137 for four, with nine overs to spare.

Colin Wilkinson was the best Alsager bowler, taking two for 13.

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