WARRINGTON'S promotion hopes hang by a thread after a six-wicket defeat to Widnes on Saturday.

Four wickets for 24 runs, James Hughes (80 not out) and Richard Heany (32) redressed the balance with a partnership of 69.

Warrington closed on 190 for 7.

On a quick outfield, the hosts passed the Warrington total with the loss of only four wickets.

Ashley Scholes, 2 for 41, Chia Gadipalli, 1 for 19, and James Rudd, 1 for 12, attempted to stop the flow.

Warrington remain second.

WARRINGTON seconds won by five wickets against Bowdon on Saturday.

The home side's bowling was on top of the Bowdon batting as the opening attack of Ryan Swart, 3 for 29, and Aaron Soni, 3 for 15, made early inroads, followed by Phil Whelan, 1 for 9, and Sy Hewitt ,1 for 16, to have Bowdon all out for 104.

With a modest total to pass, a solid start from openers Simon Swain, 28, and Tim Rothwell, 15, laid the foundation for Rishav Manta, 19, and Tom Corroboy, 18 not out.

THE thirds lost by six wickets at Didsbury after being skittled for 71.

Defending such a low total Aravind, 2 for 8, and Arshan Dadrualla, 2 for 20, claimed a couple of wickets each as the home side strolled to a six-wicket victory.

Warrington fourths had to settle for a draw at Irby.

Their attack contained the Irby batting with Mike Fagan-Hall, 4 for 33, being the pick of the bowlers as Irby were held to 141 for 5.

Warrington were always behind the clock and only reached 83 for 4.