BROOKLANDS first XI continued their disappointing run of batting scores and lost for a third consecutive game at home to Upton.

Batting first, they managed 132-9 from 50 overs, with Nick Little run out in the first over and fellow opener Dan Duke caught behind in the second.

The attempted recovery was led by AJ Hart (31) and continued by number nine Caleb Jones (33 not out); Cheshire bowler Matthew Ingram (5-34) was the main beneficiary as he wiped out the middle order.

Upton showed why they are second in the league and knocked the runs off for four wickets in 35.2 overs with Chris Stowell-Smith (75no) leading the way. Raj Singh (2-25) was again the pick of the bowlers for the hosts.

The first XI remain fourth in Cheshire County League Division Two but are 52 points behind Upton and with seven games to go, overhauling both them and Alvanley (23 points ahead in third) looks difficult.

The second XI drew but did not accrue many points in the reverse fixture at Upton.

Upton's top order made hay against a youthful bowling attack – only one of the six bowlers was over 18.

The bowlers' efforts were exemplary but they were let down by a poor fielding display.

Taking advantage were Matt Owen (78no), Julian James (68) and Ian Linwood (69).

Upton scored 254-3 in 45 overs leaving Brooklands 55 overs for an unlikely win.

Brooklands made an effort to go for it and started decently against a very strong bowling outfit, but two ducks and a top score of 29no from Rahul Geetala did not help the cause as Brooklands subsided to 137-8.

The third XI had an exciting winning draw against Cheadle Hulme as 194 played 184.

The fourth XI had no game as their opponents conceded.

This weekend, the first XI travel to Barrow, the second XI host Sale and the fourth XI play Urmston. The third XI have no game.