Heavy Alsager defeat is decisive as Knypersley’s fate is sealed...

KNYPERSLEY seconds were relegated from NSSCL Division Four after being beaten at home by Alsager 2nd XI.

- Chris Travers

‘The hosts’ hopes of taking their survival fight into the penultimate weekend were all-but ended after they saw rivals Alsager pile up 2758 from their 40 over on Saturday.

Paul Pickford kicked off batting matters with 59, which contained nine fours - and his teammates followed his lead.

Wagas Hussain (46), Kev Leigh (41), Lewis Pickford (27) and Billy Strong (26) were also in fine fettle.

Toby Fallows scooped 3-50 for Knype, with Jack Baker striking twice.

Knypersley’s run chase was then dominated by Hussain, who produced a devastating spell to put the seal on the home side’s demotion.

He snared 7-24 - and there were two scalps for Joshua Khan - as Knype folded to 81 all out.

Toby Hollingsworth (23no), Steph Butler (20) and Rob Whilding ( 17) offered resistance, but they were well beaten.

Alsager are in third place, eight points adrift of second-placed Ashcombe Park 2nd XI, who won at home against Burslem.