ZIA Ur Rehman followed up his half-century against Cheadle last week by smashing an unbeaten century for Betley as Blythe narrowly failed to hold out for a losing draw.
Blythe skipper Peter Finch fell in the 55th over to end a plucky 33-run 10th wicket partnership alongside Greg Prime and give Betley an 111-run victory.
Blythe enjoyed the perfect start when Betley opener Richard Bebbington was bowled first ball by Aqab Ahmed. The visitors hit back with a 67-run partnership for the second wicket before Ahmed struck again to dislodge Tom Blackwood (18).
That dismissal brought Rehman to the crease and his 127 came from just 114 balls – featuring 18 fours as well as two sixes. Darren Snape also racked up the runs before being caught by Hammond off Finch for 79.
When Snape fell Betley were 134-3.
Though only limited runs were added by the five other Betley batsmen who enjoyed time at the crease, Rehman dominated strike and finished on an unbeaten 127 as Betley set a daunting target of 285. Ahmed finished with figures of 5-71 with Finch taking 2-74.
An opening stand 41 gave Blythe a promising start.
But after Simon Owen fell for 35 Mick Grimley (6) followed soon after to leave the hosts on 48-2.
Ahmed added 19 runs at a sprightly rate before being stumped by Rehman.
Hammond hit seven fours in his 31 but his dismissal sparked a flurry of wickets as Blythe crashed from 119-4 to 141-9.
Betley looked assured of completing the win before Finch and Prime began to eat up the overs.
But with an unlikely draw beginning to loom large Rehman struck with just his second ball of the day to break Blythe's resistance.
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