Owen Lynch
GRAPPENHALL face a tough challenge when the local cricket season opens on Saturday with a visit to last year’s Cheshire County League champions, Alderley Edge.
It’s a big match for Grappers on their return to the top tier of Cheshire cricket – but they are looking forward to it with relish.
New players and major improvements to playing and training facilities have given the Broad Lane club a real buzz.
The outfield at Broad Lane, newly relayed ahead of last season, is now fully bedded in and the ground is looking a real picture, surely one of the most picturesque places around to play and watch cricket.
Alderley Edge must be favourites for the title again but, as Grappers’ secretary Paul Tyerman says, “Now is as good a time as any to play them and Grappers will be looking to get their season off to a positive start with a real statement of intent that they can more than hold their own”.
Grappenhall have been bolstered this year by the return of former Grappers’ youth team player Luke McCoy, from Sale, brother of Grappers’ opening bat James.
A really talented cricketer, Luke has the right ingredients to be a quality premier league batsman.
Middle order batsman Adam Green has made the cross town switch from neighbours Warrington as he looks to test himself again at the top level after having previously played in the Premier League for rivals Toft.
But the most exciting acquisition of the close season is promising 19- year-old Australian all-rounder Owen Lynch.
Owen plays his cricket in the 1st Grade in Brisbane for Valley District Cricket Club. With his side finishing the season in
fourth place in the whole of Queensland cricket, Owen had an excellent season with 250 runs in five innings after moving up to 1st Grade after Christmas. Also a decent off spin bowler, he had an excellent season down in Essex last summer
Grappers 2nd will host Davenham as they look to go one better than last season’s third place finish and get back into the 2nd XI Premier Division.
Sunday sees the 3rd XI open their season in T20 cup action against Ashley at Broad Lane.
Warrington, who just avoided relegation last year, entertain Macclesfield, who were relegated from the premier division last summer.
In the Cheshire League, Lymm Oughtrington Park travel to Runcorn, Appleton entertain Aston and Glazebury host Winsford. Stretton travel to Langley.
