Below-par batting was once again to blame as The Groves were beaten again on Saturday.

The club’s worrying dip in form continued as they lost their seventh game in a row in Division Three of the TACS Partnership Cheshire League.

Second-placed visitors Over Peover came away with the win, dropping Groves into the relegation zone.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first.

Martin Flanagan (5-50) was the pick of the Groves bowlers but he could not prevent Peover from reaching 181-8 in 45 overs. Joshua Cummings chipped in with 2-39.

But Groves’ reply came in short. They lasted for 33.5 overs, making 108ao. Only two players – Nathan Evans (62) and Damian Walters (14) – made it into double figures as a succession of batsmen failed to deliver.

Groves go to Stockport Trinity this Saturday.

In Cheshire Alliance Division One, losing the toss failed to knock Ellesmere Port out of their stride as they picked up a home win over Wilmslow Wayfarers.

Paul Betteridge returned superb figures of 5-40 to help skittle the visiting side for 90 in 30 overs.

Gareth Boys chipped in with a useful 2-4 as the Wilmslow batting line-up was blitzed.

The Port lost five wickets on the way to reaching a winning score of 91, in 36 overs.

Boys led the hosts home with an unbeaten 27.

Port travel to the Wayfarers’ neighbours Wilmslow this Saturday.

In Division Three, Capenhurst (168-8) drew with Hartford (177-7).

Cape host Westminster Park on Saturday.

Cheshire look to strengthen their Minor Counties Western Division title prospects when they start a three-day game against Devon at Bowden on Sunday.

Play starts each morning at 11am.