BURY lost out by two wickets in a thrilling battle with Stretford on Saturday.

Batting first, Bury were indebted to some solid partnerships at the top of the order in their final total of 149.

Professional Nick Kennedy fell one run short of his half-century and he was ably supported by Keen (21) and Mirza (26).

However, the inability of someone to make a really big score once settled at the crease meant Bury were always up against it.

In reply, Mirza and Leach blasted out the top three before Daryl Barlow played a match-winning innings of 64 that saw his side home.

However, it didn't go all Stretford's way with Bury nipping out eight batsmen thanks to some superb seam bowling from Mirza, Leach, Metcalfe and Raza.

Meanwhile, the heat is on for BROX after an agonising loss to league leaders Wythenshawe.

As often seems to be the case against the Manchester club, Brox had their chances before ultimately going down narrowly by three wickets.

The Summerseat men won the toss and chose to bat on what proved to be a grafter's wicket.

Simon Armsbey made his usual solid contribution at the top of the order but the stability in the innings came courtesy of a middle order stand of 52 between Trevor Morton and Josh Pellowe.

Either side of their efforts, wickets fell too regularly for Brox's liking as they fell from 133-6 to 140 all out.

It was essential that Brox hit their stride from the outset in the field and the heroic Tommy Read did them proud.

A three-wicket blast, backed up by the one from Pellowe, had the home side on the ropes.

From there, things never got any better.

Both key bowlers had to retire from the attack; leaving the supporting cast to pick up the mantle.

They toiled manfully and when Brown removed the durable Miller, Brox's hopes were lifted again.

Two victims for Oliver Hawley, looking more like his old self with the ball, had the game very much in the balance with the hosts on 107-7.

Despite their best efforts, no further wickets fell as Wythenshawe crept home largely thanks to Leisak's unbeaten half-century.