Poynton lost out to their local rivals by the narrowest of margins in what was a tale of lower order runs in both innings.

Poynton’s batters struggled, firstly against Tom Facer, who dismissed all of the top three, then against Mark Green’s left-arm spin.

Green recorded remarkable figures of 6-28 in 21 overs, and at one stage took four wickets for no runs in 13 balls to leave Poynton reeling at 109-9.

Poynton were then hugely indebted to the last-wicket pair of Jimmy Williams – the innings top scorer with an unbeaten 30 – and Pete Heath, as the two added a further 39 runs as they closed on 148-9.

Poynton captain Jimmy Williams saw his bowling changes pay dividends throughout most of the innings.

The skipper himself, Danny Williams, Rick Clark and Damian Stringer all took wickets shortly after being introduced to the attack, or shortly after being brought back to bowl.

Poynton’s bowlers had reduced Stockport to 93-8, with all the top-order gone, but Mike Eley was not about to give up.

Scoring freely from the start, Eley added 27 for the ninth wicket with Green, and then another 29 for the final wicket in partnership with James Dunley.

Eley struck the winning runs to end victorious with 35 not out from 33 deliveries, in a match where the number nine batsman had top scored in both innings.