ELWORTH hopes of gate-crashing the NSSC Division One promotion party were virtually ended by defeat at Leycett.

The London Road outfit needed victory and almost produced that upset, pushing the second-placed side all the way, last Saturday.

Professional Sumit Panda (67) and Dan Redfern (40) had Leycett flying at one stage but Paul Crompton (2-56) came back with a hostile second spell to give the visitors somehope.

Jim Higgins kept them contained, claiming 2-39 in 21 miserly overs, while Murray Ranger also weighed in with 2-71 as the hosts declared on 209-6.

Gettable from 52 overs but hopes took a nosedive when Kevin Underwood walked for a duck and then again when Pete Davis was removed for 16.

Professional Ranger (62) maintained the repair job and added a rapid 44 with Dave Palin but a mid-innings collapse left Elworth almost out on 121-7.

Palin (65) finally found a partner in Matt Buckley (20) and the duo gave the visitors a shot with 41 needed off the final seven overs.

However a good ball from Richard Irons accounted for Buckley, clinical fielding ran Palin out and resistance was quickly over.

Still fifth, Elworth will want to get back on track at home to Stafford, this Saturday; 1pm.