BROOKLANDS suffered defeat at home to Stockport, a loss that hinders their prospects of promotion to the Cheshire League Division One.

It had all looked rosy when Stockport were bowled out for 117 in 47.2 overs with the spinners impressing despite wet conditions. Mark Law continued his excellent season, taking 3-23 while Raj Singh finished with 3-21. Good fielding brought Brooklands two run outs as well, with AJ Hart taking 2-28 to bag both openers for low scores. James Barber was the top batsman for the visitors with an important 42.

Dave Madden's valiant 40 aside, Brooklands' batting efforts were no match for Stockport's four bowlers who all chipped in with wickets, Mark Green (4-19) taking the most.

Brooklands succumbed to 91 all out, meaning they couldn't capitalise on Upton's draw to move into the promotion spots. They sit third, 11 points behind Upton who they host in a big match a week on Saturday. Before that comes a trip to second-bottom Mobberley.

The second XI played the complete game in demolishing Stockport in the reverse fixture.

Batting first, youngster Dave Cunliffe led the way with a very mature 80 opening the batting with important support from Mark Bloomfield (46 not out), Paul Garnett (39) and Sam Higgins (32).

After putting on 216-5 Brookland then spun out Stockport for 98 with captain Alan Millington (3-10) and Alex Robinson (3-15) doing the damage. Brooklands edge up the table to seventh and play bottom side Bramhall at the weekend.

The thirds' match fell foul of the weather but Brooklands' fourth XI continued their table-topping form on Sunday at home to Woodley, bowling them out for 118 with wickets shared throughout the team. James Robinson then made 47 as the Bears got across the line by six wickets.

They travel to Ashley on Sunday.