BOTTOM club Nantwich got that sinking feeling again at Christleton on Saturday.

Despite the firepower on show, the Dabbers are simply finding runs hard to come by. But the task at Christleton, who have been promoted five times in six seasons, was always likely to be tough.

Nantwich batted first and were all out for 101. The sixth man in, Paul Hampshire (35), made the only notable contribution as Alex Barr (3-10) and Ben Briscoe (3-35) ripped through the side. Maroof Khan took 2-0 in just four balls.

Trinidadian teenager Daren Cruikshank, who had returned 2-23, followed up his fiery pace-bowling with a cameo innings of 24 against fellow West Indian Barrington Browne (3-49).

Although Nantwich's bowlers did a good job to restrict their opponents, a steady innings was all that the hosts needed to notch a five-wicket victory, finishing on 105-5.

Division One side Alsager had their two Asian stars to thank for their win over Winnington Park. Leg-spinner Arshad Mohammed claimed 5-38 in Winnington Park's 164 (Aiden Baker 65).

That set the scene for in-form Ashwin Punja, who thrashed his way to 85 as his side squeezed home by two wickets and moved up to fifth.