NANTWICH eased their fears of relegation from the Cheshire County League Premier Division with a comfortable 68-run victory over Bowdon on Saturday.

After skipper Ray Doyle won the toss and elected to bat first, the hosts lost both opening batsmen early to leave the middle order with the job of rebuilding the innings.

Vice-captain Robert Cook-Sievewright top scored with 50, while Steve Rimmer and Doyle provided valuable support with 34 and 20 respectively.

The hosts were eventually dismissed for 193, giving their bowlers a defendable total.

Despite the visitors making a reasonably solid start to their reply, the middle order collapsed under the weight of some serious Nantwich pressure.

Oliver Griffiths led the way as he took 5-26 to dismiss Bowdon for 125 and give Nantwich the points they desperately needed.

They now head into a crucial final game of the season at fellow strugglers Macclesfield on Saturday knowing a win will secure their Premier Division status and send their hosts down.