NANTWICH’S hopes of winning the Cheshire County League Premier Division title are still alive after they beat Neston on Saturday.

Ray Doyle’s side won by six wickets at Whitehouse Lane to stay second, but they must win their final two games and hope leaders Chester Boughton Hall slip up if they are to claim the trophy.

The hosts were asked to field first after losing the toss, but their bowling attack worked well as a unit to share the wickets around.

Opening bowlers Jimmy Warrington (3-63) and Oliver Freckingham (3-70) led the way, while Shaneil Patel and Oliver Griffiths claimed two scalps each as Neston were dismissed for 224.

The Dabbers’ reply got off to a shocking start as openers Henry Dobson and Steve Rimmer fell cheaply to leave them perilously placed on 19-2.

However, Ryan Brown and Luke Robinson put on 145 for the third wicket before the latter fell for 77.

Brown was eventually dismissed for 94, but Nantwich were comfortable by that point and reached their target with eight overs to spare.

Doyle’s side visit relegation-threatened Grappenhall on Saturday.