A BELOW-PAR batting performance ensured Nantwich ended the weekend disappointed as they fell to an eight-wicket defeat at Bowdon.

Dabbers captain Ray Doyle won the toss and elected to have first use of the Bowdon pitch, but it quickly descended into dire straits as they struggled to cope with the hosts’ bowling attack.

The batting unit collapsed as they slumped to 52-7.

Louis Cameron and Ollie Griffiths restored some form of respectability with a partnership of 56 for the eight wicket.

Cameron fell for 26 and Griffiths plundered 43 from just 26 deliveries, but Nantwich were eventually bowled out for 119.

Nantwich’s bowlers came out fighting, with Cameron and Alex Livingstone taking an early wicket each to leave Bowdon teetering on 9-2.

However, the third-wicket pair of Carl Hay and Patrick Ashling steadied any nerves and put on a partnership of 111 to see Bowdon home in just under 37 overs.

The seconds fared better as they held on for a draw against their Bowdon counterparts at Whitehouse Lane.

The visitors chose to bat first having won the toss and they struggled at first, with Ben Mogg and Mark French taking a wicket each to reduce them to 21-2.

However, Bowdon batsmen Hal Dwobeng produced an excellent knock of 85 from just 68 balls to take his side to a total of 206-8 from their 50 overs.

Nantwich’s chase got off to the worst possible start as Newton, David Hine and Fergal Madden all fell cheaply to leave them struggling on 23-3.

Saving the game looked unlikely with the score at 87-7, but Jake Pearson’s unbeaten knock of 45 ate up 145 deliveries to seal a draw.

The first team face Weaverham in a T20 match tonight, Thursday, before returning to league action against Macclesfield at Whitehouse Lane on Saturday at the same time as the seconds visit Davenham.