CHESHIRE could not follow a victory in their first T20 clash against Staffordshire last weekend with another and have work to do if they want to qualify from their group.

Pace-setting Cumberland disposed of Northumberland and, having completed a double over Rick Moore’s men a fortnight earlier, are now favourites to reach the next stage.

The visitors to Nantwich were restricted to 171-8 first time around on Sunday, when Lloyd Aspin took 3-25 on his debut.

Will Evans knuckled down with a fine unbeaten 70, off 44 balls, and solid contributions from former Oulton Park skipper Moore (35) and Ed Fluck (36) saw the hosts to their target with a couple of overs to spare.

SCORECARD > Cheshire 172-3 Staffordshire 171-8

In the second game Pete Wilshaw, who scored a half-century earlier in the day, again went off like a train as he and fellow opener Matt Morris both made 52.

David Wainwright took 3-30.

Chasing 186 proved to be tougher for Cheshire during a replay that ebbed and flowed.

Toft’s Rob Sehmi struck an excellent 61, but a couple of run-outs saw the charge strangled until Jamie Crawley (37) and Aspin (20) boosted hopes.

However the outstanding Brinder Phagura dashed their hopes, returning figures of 3-24 as well as having a hand in both run-outs, as the home team were bowled out 12 runs short.

SCORECARD: Cheshire 174 Staffordshire 186-7

Results

Unicorns T20

Sunday, May 19

Group One: Cheshire 172-3 Staffordshire 171-8, Cheshire 174 Staffordshire 186-7 (at Nantwich); Northumberland 175-4 Cumberland 179-0, Northumberland 97 Cumberland 98-3 (at Jesmond).