RYLANDS defeated Norbury by 56 runs in Cheshire Cricket Alliance Division Two at Gorsey Lane.

Mike Dale, 60 not out, and Ian Mason, 54 not out, put on an unbeaten 116 runs for the third wicket, allowing Rylands to declare at 181 for 2 after 30 overs of a 66-over game.

Rylands bowled Norbury out in the 29th over for 125, with Sean Malone leading the way with 6 for 46 and assisted by the evergreen Kevin Addision's 4 for 25.

A batting collapse left Rylands' seconds battling hard for a draw at Hartford's seconds.

Hartford were all out for 145 thanks in the main to Bondy Bateson, 4 for 37, and Steve Howarth, 3 for 46.

Rylands were well placed at 103 for 2 thanks to a partnership of 71 between skipper Geoff Shaw, 35, and Les Connelly, 47, but after the collapse last pair Andy Harrison and Mike Green had to see out the overs in a tense finish.