HASHIR Dafedar scored a second successive half century but Hale Barns' first XI were unable to defend 137 in a rain-affected Cheshire Cricket League Division One game, going down by three wickets to Disley.

In a close encounter, the hosts successfully chased the target with three balls remaining despite Dave Saddington claiming four wickets.

After a delayed start which caused the loss of seven overs, Hale endured a tough early spell as Toby Carson (2-45) took two early wickets to restrict the visitors to 20-2.

Dafedar joined opener Joe Fretwell-Walsh at the crease and the pair showed resilience to recover the innings, putting on 71 for the third wicket.

Fretwell-Walsh became Martin Blackbourn’s first victim for a patient 37, but Dafedar continued to look comfortable as he reached his half century at faster than a run a ball.

But the turning point came when he was run out by Carson for 54 off 47 deliveries with the score on 113-4.

The innings collapsed as Barns lost their final six wickets for nine runs as Simon Hare (2-15) claimed two dismissals, while Blackbourn (5-28) removed four more, including Ben Hicks for 18.

Further delays due to the wet weather meant Disley had just 30 overs to chase down 138 to win and they got off to a shocking start as they were reduced to 1-2.

Hicks and Christian Dodson shared a wicket apiece as the away team sensed an opportunity to snatch victory.

But those hopes were diminished when opening batsman Madusha Wettasinghe and Andrew Clarke weathered the storm and went on the offensive.

Wettasinghe accumulated 38 runs at a brisk pace until Fretwell-Walsh (1-38) broke the 64-run partnership.

And Disley were in desperate trouble when Dave Saddington (4-15) rattled through the middle order as the home side slipped from 65-3 to 90-7.

But Clarke held his nerve and calmly guided his team towards the target, coming out on top as he ended unbeaten on 93 from 86 balls, having hit nine boundaries and five maximums.