NANTWICH fell short on Saturday as they were slumped to a 32-run defeat at home to Neston.

This defeat came despite a promising performance from the team’s bowlers.

After captain Ray Doyle lost the toss at Whitehouse Lane, the hosts were forced to field first but their bowlers took early wickets to leave the visitors on 31-2.

Neston skipper Simon Stokes scored 39 at the top of the order, while David Hurst top scored with 70 in the visitors’ total of 178 all out.

Oliver Griffiths led the way for Nantwich with 4-46, while Louis Cameron took 3-61.

In reply, the home side lost Robert Cook-Sievewright early on and wickets continued to fall at a regular basis.

Doyle played a belligerent innings of 70 but he found support hard to come by as his side were bowled out for 146.

Nantwich travel to Timperley on Saturday.