WARRINGTON’S hopes of avoiding relegation from Cheshire County League Division One took another blow after defeat at Upton.

After winning the toss, Warrington skipper Richard Heaney invited the hosts to bat, but they overcame most of the threat offered by the visiting bowlers.

James Rudd took 2-52, with Chia Gadepalli and Johan Els taking a wicket each as Upton reached 195-4.

In reply, several Warrington batsmen got themselves in but only Ashley Scholes (37) went on to make a score of any significance.

The hosts kept the pressure on and eventually dismissed Warrington for 136 to win by 59 runs.

The seconds were also beaten as their batting collapsed to 72 all out against Cheadle at Walton Lea.

Cheadle closed on 193-8 batting first, with Arron Soni (3-43) leading the way for the Warrington attack.

Only Soni (19), Simon Swain and Dave Lee (both 11) reached double figures in response for the hosts as they fell to a 121-run loss.

The thirds were also beaten heavily by Barnton’s seconds as they too were dismissed for a paltry score.

Bruce Jardene, Theo McCarthy and Jon Burgess had all taken three wickets to bowl the hosts out for 161, but Warrington were blown away for just 71 in reply.

The fifths restored some pride in their draw with Runcorn’s thirds on Sunday, thanks in no small part to Arron Soni’s knock of 110 as they closed on 232-8.

Soni and Harry Charvill then took two wickets each with the ball, but Runcorn held on to score 180-9.

The firsts host Oxton on Saturday, while the seconds and fourths are on the road at Oxton and Pott Shrigley respectively.

The thirds have a double header as they host Oxton on Saturday before travelling to Northwich on Sunday.