RICK MOORE may have to deliver a little pep-talk to his players before they face arch rivals Neston at Filkins Lane on Saturday.

The Chester League Premier Division front-runners were second best at Nantwich a week ago where they suffered a 63-run defeat at the hands of last season’s champions.

Moore described the defeat as a ‘wake-up call’ but his mood would have been lifted a little by the news that second-placed Alderley Edge also underperformed at relegation-threatened Marple where they went down by 12 runs.

Third-placed Neston head to Chester boosted by a big win over Grappenhall, who they bowled out for 110.

They are now five points behind Edge and 35 adrift of Chester, meaning the stakes are high for both sides.

“Losing to Nantwich was a wake-up call last weekend,” said Moore, who has endured another tough week on the Minor Counties circuit with Cheshire as champions Berkshire extended their winning three -day run to 30 games with a 148- run victory.

“Chasing 179 was always going to be tough on that Nantwich pitch but we always fancied it. We just lost our way a bit and we have to hold our hands up to a fine spell of bowling from Jimmy Warrington.

“Neston next up and we’ve had some big games with them in the last couple of seasons. It’s always a tough one but it’s our chance to get ourselves back on track.

“The games are coming thick and fast and we’re back in Cheshire Cup action at home to Elworth in the third round on Sunday. It’s great to have a home draw and with good weather we’ll hopefully have a decent crowd.”

Harry Killoran and Charlie Fleet both took three wickets apiece for Hall at Nantwich while Neston’s Will Evans added 61 runs to his season’s tally of 740 and is now 51 ahead of Moore in the highest scorers’ list.

While first play third at Chester, it’s second versus fourth at Alderley Edge where Timperley are the visitors.

The battle at the bottom sees Marple make the trip to Grappenhall while Nantwich will aim to make it two wins on the bounce at Oulton Park.

Toft host Cheadle and Widnes have home advantage against visiting Hyde.

All four Chester teams in Division Two suffered defeats last Saturday but that will change tomorrow - only because they’re involved in derby dates.

Barrow head to Alvanley on the back of a poor performance against Stockport Georgians while Christleton host a Tattenhall team, who are still struggling in the bottom two.

Christleton were bowled out for just 109 against Congleton last week - and opening batsman Mubashir Hassan hit 61 of those.

Second-placed Westminster Park, who host Cheshire League Division Four leaders Styal this weekend, were one wicket winners after bowling out Glazebury for just 94 in a low-scoring game.

Chan Singh landed 6-26 for Saughall last week but they suffered another defeat to Trafford Metrovics.

They’ll aim to stop the rot at home to Glazebury while in Division Three, fourth-placed Chester County Officers will look for another victory at Frodsham in their late promotion push.