A STUNNING century from Niall O’Brien helped Nantwich keep their Cheshire County League title hopes well and truly alive against Toft.

The 27-run victory in a rain-affected game at Whitehouse Lane saw them close the gap to leaders Chester Boughton Hall to just 12 points.

After being asked to bat first, Nantwich’s innings got off to a stuttering start when O’Brien and Luke Robinson came together with the score on 96-3.

Their unbroken partnership of 155 led the Dabbers to a big score, with Irish international O’Brien the star.

His knock of 135 included 10 maximums, while Robinson struck 57 as Nantwich declared on 251-3.

That left Nantwich plenty of time to bowl their visitors out, which they eventually did for 224.

Wickets were shared around the attack, with Jimmy Warrington and Oliver Freckingham taking three each and Oliver Griffiths and Shaneil Patel both grabbing two.

The Dabbers visit Hyde on Saturday.