OVER Peover advanced to the semi-final of the Meller Braggins 1st XI 20/20 Knockout last Thursday.

They claimed a convincing 61-run victory at home over Division 1 opponents Wilmslow.

Put in to bat against a backdrop of dark rain clouds, Peover got away to an explosive start, rattling up 57 without loss over five overs.

Skipper Matthew Tucker hit 23, sharing an opening partnership of 57 with Tom Stubbs, who kept up the momentum with some powerful hitting.

Stubbs also shared a fifth wicket partnership of 56 with Mark Nightingale (24) and was eventually run out for a fine 80 (four sixes and four fours) in the penultimate over.

With the Wilmslow cause hindered by missed catches, Peover posted a daunting 169 off their 20 overs, for the loss of eight wickets.

Toby Newson was the most successful bowler with an outstanding 3 for 17 off his permitted four overs, and Wildsmith took 2 for 39.

In reply the visitors made a disastrous start, losing opener Buys with only two runs on the board.

Further wickets fell in quick succession as Peover clung on to their catches, and at 41 for 6 after eight overs Wilmslow were in deep trouble.

Hamal Kanani and Toby Newson put on 39 for the seventh wicket, but after Kanani fell to a smart stumping by Tom Stubbs off Neil Mills for 28 and Newson holed out to John Bodimeade for 23 nine runs later, the innings folded to 108 all out at the end of the 17th over.

The wickets were shared amongst all the bowlers, Gavin Kay taking 3 for 28, Matthew Tucker 2 for 20 and Mark Nightingale 2 for 24 from their four overs, and Ollie Rushton 1 for 23 from three overs and Neil Mills 2 for 13 from 2.

Peover will play their semi-final match at home on Thursday July 6.