DEFEAT in a derby thriller ended NORTHWICH'S start of three straight wins at Kingsley in Division One on Saturday.
Kingsley needed to hit four off the last ball to win and did so.
Northwich were bowled out for 161 but it was only Ant Shaw's explosive 47 which allowed them to set a respectable total.
They made steady headway but Kingsley were winners at 163-8 thanks to the innings of Alex Hatt, batting at number 10.
Northwich are still top, however, and showed quick signs of recovery by winning at Appleton in the League Cup the following day.
Mark Wrench hit a quickfire 56 and Simon James a defiant 39no in Northwich's 182. Wrench showed his versatility by taking the two openers for just nine runs. Mark O'Neil (3-24), Pete Gibbon (3-37) and James (2-4) wrapped up Appleton at 145.
Juniors: U18s - Northwich beat Davenham by default; U11s - Northwich beat Stretton by 98 runs (James Plant 4-0; Sam Hunt 41 in four overs); U15s - Northwich beat Chester BH by default; U13s - Northwich lost to Chester by 45 runs.
HARTFORD continued to build up promotion pressure in Division Two with their third win in four games.
Opening bowler Brian Harkin took 3-50 off 24 overs and Appleton remained within reach at 188-6 dec.
Gareth Stokes was the big hitter with 81no, Rob Whittle added 57 and Neil Hart 27 in Hartford's reply of 192-2.
