RYLANDS fended off higher division opposition for the second week in a row to reach the Cheshire Building Society Cricket Alliance League Cup Final.

The Gorsey Lane boys' home semi-final victory against Division One side Hartford on Sunday has handed them a place against Grange or Disley in the final on August 13 at Kingsley Cricket Club.

Rylands, who had dismissed Division One leaders Wistaston Village in the quarter finals, put in a superb bowling display to restrict Hartford to 151 all out.

Sean Malone, 3 for 14, and Richard Buck, 3 for 31, were the pick of the bowlers, while a superb captain's innings of 63 not out from Mike Dale, supported by Eddie Platt in a third-wicket stand of 92, paved the way for Rylands to ease home by six wickets with five overs to spare.

A day earlier, Rylands had failed to win in Division Three for the first time this season as a staunch rearguard performance from Rostherne clinched a draw.

Rylands, whose lead at the top of the table was stretched to 74 points, posted a challenging 219 all out with Richard Buck and Eddie Platt scoring half centuries.

Rostherne reached 100 for the loss of only one wicket before an excellent spell from Jamie Leicester, 5 for 48, halted them in their tracks and they were left to hang on at 189 for 8.

Rylands' second team had to settle for a draw in a top of the table clash at Glazebury.

The hosts posted an imposing 230 for 6 and Rylands slumped to 120 for 6 before an unbroken 73-run partnership between Albert McMaster, 50 not out, and Andy Harrison earned a draw.