KNUTSFORD, returning to action after successive cancellations, lost to a direct rival for promotion in the Cheshire Alliance on Saturday.

Invited to bat by hosts Trafford MV after losing the toss, they were dismissed for 79.

Only David Butler (20) and Adeel Bhatti (16) at the bottom of the order reached double figures after Andy Harrison (4-12) and Steve Haughton (3-21) had made inroads early on.

Trafford were grateful to Yogesh Ingale (45no) for the bulk of their runs during a winning reply, the opener striking five fours and six maximums.

MD Joynal Abedin took 2-19 for the visitors, who occupy fourth place in Division Two.

Knutsford’s seconds endured a third Saturday in a row without a ball being bowled when their scheduled encounter with Holmes Chapel at Mereheath Lane was called off.