NORTHWICH suffered another batting collapse and lost at home to Kingsley in the First Division.

They were going well at 89-2 (John Hughes 22, Mark Phillips 38, John O'Sullivan 33) but then crashed to 140ao.

What's more, key Kingsley bat John Ollier was dropped more than once on his way to a match-winning 63 of his team's 141-7.

Captain Simon James said: 'We have got half a season to correct the situation or we will be going straight back down.

'But as I keep telling everyone, the long-term future is fine.'

James' confidence in the youngsters was further bolstered this week by the Under 13s scoring 188-6 and beating Rylands by 177 runs, bowling out the hapless opponents for just 11 runs.

The 2nd and 3rd-team games were both postponed.

THE sun did not shine but the gales stayed away as Hartford's cricket illuminated the afternoon at Disley.

Hartford recorded a brilliant 35-run win over their hosts, after winning the toss and electing to bat.

There seemed little prospect of getting in a full game and with a wind blowing straight down the wicket, control of the bat was a difficulty. But Hartford's early batsmen never looked in danger. Dave Brandreth registered his first 50 for the 1st XI, top scoring with 78, and was supported by Matt Shinkfield (47) and Neil Hart (31).

Hartford saw their innings close on 178-6 in 46 overs.

Equally, the Disley batsmen didn't seem in much danger from the weakened bowling attack and were moving along quite smoothly until a couple of clutches of quick wickets.

Damien Corrigan bowled well in his second game to claim 3-36, Shinkfield collected 3-15 and Rob Whittle 3-25 as all the bowlers chipped in and completed the victory off the first ball of the final over, Disley being bowled out for 143.