ARTHUR Hasford held his nerve to edge a close final on the colours when the Knutsford and District Amateur League’s Sid Jones Legends competition reached a conclusion on Sunday.

The Mere member ended the challenge of clubmate Philip Simpson, taking only his second singles title in more than 50 years as a player.

Tatton’s Rob Clarke and Mobberley’s Jeff Gorton, who was runner-up to Herbert Hope in last season’s inaugural edition of a tournament created to honour the league’s long-time president, also reached the semi-finals at Brook Street after emerging from an initial group stage.

n Results Semi finals (handicap in brackets): Arthur Hasford (Mere) (20) 71-51 Jeff Gorton (Mobberley) (10); Philip Simpson (Mere) (30) 66-56 Rob Clarke (Tatton) (15).

Final: Hasford (20) 52-42 Simpson (30).

Mobberley C’s promotion to the top flight was confirmed despite suffering a 6-1 hammering at the hands of Wilmslow Cons B.

The victors are favourites to go up too after establishing an eight-point advantage over neighbours Wilmslow RBL after they lost on aggregate to Mere B.

Mere A beat Mere C, while Mobberley D went down narrowly against Brook Street B.

In Division One, champions Mobberley A recorded a 26th successive victory when they eased past already-relegated Morley.

Tony Crompton amassed 102 points for the top dogs in his frame.

Shaw Heath kept alive their hopes of finishing as runners-up after a 5-2 victory against Brook Street, while Alderley Union lost on aggregate to Tatton who close to within five points of a position of safety.

Mobberley B proved too strong for visitors Wilmslow Cons A.

Results Week 26:

Division One: Mobberley B 5-2 Wilmslow Cons A; Morley 2-5 Mobberley A; Shaw Heath 5-2 Brook St A; Tatton 4-3 Alderley Union.

Division Two: Mere C 2-5 Mere A; Mobberley D 3-4 Brook St B; Wilmslow Cons B 6-1 Mobberley C; Wilmslow RBL 3-4 Mere B.