NANTWICH suffered a second successive defeat at the hands of erratic Bowdon.

The Dabbers blew a chance to close in on the ECB Premier high-fliers after disappointment at Whitehouse Lane, last Saturday.

Veteran Jeff Maynard and Cheshire Under 19 captain Ollie Sadler starred with the bat as they posted a decent total of 222-6.

But the loss of injured paceman Barrington Browne proved too great as Bowdon punished the other bowlers to get home inside 39 overs.

It was a shame after it had looked so promising with Sadler delivering once again at the top of the order.

Despite also missing Aussie run machine Steve Paulsen, Nantwich made a fine start as the opener cracked 51 thanks to back-up from partner Chris Simpson (34)

Maynard steered them through a dicey wobble, firing an unbeaten 80 with Paul Hampshire also finding form in his 30 not out to set a respectable total.

Or so they thought.

Rob Doyle boosted hopes by removing Brooks cheaply for 12 but Ball (30) went on to lead the chase with Ian Cross.

The Dabbers attack toiled as Cross smashed his way to a fine 80 with solid back up from Yates (29).

Claridge (32no) and Sydall (28no) continued the good work for a five-wicket victory that lifts them up to third place in the table.

Still sixth, Nantwich will want to return to winning ways at home to Alderley Edge, this Saturday.