TOFT'S outside chance of taking the first division title of the Cheshire County Cricket League lay in virtual ruins on Saturday evening.

On a rather sodden Booths Park wicket Hyde's slow bowler David Parr ran through Toft's late-order batting and dismissed their last five wickets for the remarkable bowling analysis of 4.4 overs, 3 maidens and taking those last 5 wickets for just 4 runs.

In a match shortened from 100 overs to 78 because of rain, Hyde won the toss and elected to bat.

Toft's spinners took control reducing Hyde to 69 for 7. However as in the previous week's game against Macclesfield they found that tail end batsmen often have little respect for spin bowlers and they proceeded to add 73 precious runs for the loss of 2 more wickets.

Hyde declared at 142 for 9, off 44 overs, leaving Toft the remaining 34 overs to get the runs.

Toft's lack of fast bowlers which would enable them to kill off a side was never more evident.

The Hyde quick bowlers frustrated the Toft early batting and then succeeded in forcing them into a series of rash strokes which reduced them to 18 for 4. Toft were unable to save the game and they capitulated to a miserable 55 all out, only Chris Sheldon reaching double figures with 17.

Toft were unhappy with two lbw decisions, but Hyde deserved their victory and were the better side.

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