RAIN had a big impact on the local cricket programme with some matches abandoned and others shortened.
In the Vivio Cheshire County League, Grappenhall’s premier division match at fellow strugglers Hyde was abandoned without a ball being bowled – robbing Grappers of an opportunity to assert themselves after two tough weeks,
Grappenhall 2nds’ winning run came to an when they were beaten by five wickets by Brooklands.
Grappers reached 180-9, Jack Critchley, James Jenkinson and Arthur Pennington all contributing 30s. Brooklands cantered to 181-5, with Scott Woodland picking up three wickets.
Grappenhall 3rd were well beaten after being bowled out for 132 at Marple, who coasted home for the loss of only two wickets.
There was better luck for Grappers in the Cheshire Cup on Sunday, however. Visitors Oulton Park were all out for 130, Gaz Burns taking four wickets. After an early scare, Grappenhall coasted home for the loss of two wickets, Aussie Owen Lynch maintaining his excellent start to the season with 78 not out.
Warrington’s division one game at Urmston was cut short by the weather – perhaps fortunately for Warrington and things were not looking good for them. The home side had hit 159-7, Ryan Swart 4-38, Brad McIntosh 2-48 but Warrington had lost six wickets for 79 when the game ended as a draw. Mike Rudd top scored with 18 and Brad Roden hit 17.
Warrington 2nd enjoyed a good win over Urmston at Walton Lea, however.
Urmston were held to 193-8. Simon Hewitt 5-29, Raj Soni 2-49 and Warrington replied with a confident 194-6. Simon Swain hit 40, Tim Rothwell 30 and James Sharrock 33.
In the Cheshire League, Lymm Oughtrington Park went down by 19 runs against Port Sunlight, who batted first and reached 159-8. Lymm were bowled out for 140.
Appleton were held to a draw after dominating their game with Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge. Appleton hit 182-6 and the visitors were hanging on at 99-8 at the close.
Stretton suffered at eight wicket defeat against Maritime after being dismissed for 74. The home side strolled to 78-2.
The Stretton 2nd team put up a better show against visiting Kingsley, reaching 158-5, S Ehmed 74 not out Graeme Langford 31 not out. But they still went down as Kingsley replied with 159-1, Jamie Moore hammering an unbeaten 77 and Tom Hughes 55 not out.
Struggling Glazebury were tumbled out for a humiliating 31 at Hurst Lane enabling visitors Holmes Chapel to stroll to a 10-wicket victory.
Glazebury 2nd were dismissed for 101 by Warrington 4th, skipper Wayne Hargreaves top scoring with 32 and Neville Bean hitting 30. The home side replied with 103-2, Alan Hitchmough 27 and Alan Goodfellow 21.
*This Thursday sees a “derby” clash in the Cheshire County League T20 competition when local rivals Warrington and Grappenhall meet at Walton Lea.
