SEAMER Pete Talbot claimed career-best figures for Toft on Saturday, but their title hopes still suffered a setback following a 77-run reverse at lowly Neston.

The hosts were on target for a big total after reaching 174-3, before the medium-pacer’s arrival prompted the remaining wickets to fall for just 19 runs.

He returned 7-54 from a 19-over spell, leaving his side needing 194 to win.

However a batting line-up depleted by absences struggled after tea, when openers Jake Hancock and David Blackburn were dismissed for ducks.

Rob Jones (50) and captain Toby Drummond (34) added 84 runs for the third wicket, but they were then dismissed in consecutive overs.

Neston spinner Simon Mugava (4-50) took control, and the men from Booth’s Park succumbed for 116.

Toft, now 25 points adrift of champions Hyde, allowed Nantwich to take over second spot in the Premier Division table following their thrashing of Grappenhall.

Meanwhile Neston seconds got the better of their Toft counterparts in the return match too.

Harri Dickinson (22) and captain Nigel Muirhead (23) made a steady start at the top of the order, but the accuracy of Ali Crick (5-48) helped reduce the home team to 121 all out.

Joe Stanley claimed two wickets after tea, but the visitors eased to their target in the 27th over without further loss.

Toft’s thirds concluded their Sunday Premier Division campaign by drawing at Grappenhall, who posted 193-9 after winning the toss.

Jams Hodgson (3-31) and Jim Bishop (2-21) were supported by 13-year-old leg-spinner George Muirhead, who claimed two wickets in as many balls.

Toft reached 164-7, with Doug Angus (39) and Joe Regan (31) their leading scorers.