Grappers have still to break their duck

THREE weeks into the season and Grappenhall have still to break their duck in the Vivio Cheshire County League.
They were well beaten at newly promoted Oulton Park after another disappointing show from the batsmen.
Batting first they slumped to 41-5 but recovered to a respectable 187-9 thanks to a fine innings from young opener Arthur Pennington, 56 and all-rounder Gaz Burns who hammered 47.
The home side lost a couple of early wickets and were struggling a little at 41-2 but then the middle order took control and took them to victory with five overs to spare.
On Saturday, Grappers host Alderley Edge desperately needing a win.
By contrast, Grappenhall 2nd continued their excellent start to the season to make it three wins from three games with a 61-run victory over Oulton Park.
Batting first they posted 184-7, with most batsmen chipping in. Then the visitors were rolled over for 123 with plenty of time to spare and Ross Arrowsmith, Ben Cagna, Will Metcalfe and Matt Titchard picking up two wickets apiece.
Grappenhall 3rd started their season with a comprehensive victory at Hyde.
Batting first they posted a mammoth 273-5, with Richard Holden falling just short of his century as he was caught for an excellent 96. New boy Steve Dixon scored an impressive 66 and Josh Hayes and David Seed both chipped in to take Grappers to their imposing total.
Hyde never set out to chase down the target and despite the loss of three early wickets they dug in making it a very flat afternoon.
But Neil Titchard picked up three quick wickets to enable Grappers to win by 170 runs.
Warrington were bowled out for a modest 112 at Christleton, with wicket keeper Sam Houghton top scoring with 41 batting at number seven.
But Ashley Scholes turned in a fine performance with the ball, taking 7-24 as the home were dismissed for 92.
There was a nail-biting finish to Warrington 2nd game with Urmston at Walton Lea.
Urmston batted first and reached 197-9, Simon Hewitt taking 2-33, Mike Owens 2-29 and A Shoaiib 2-12.
Shoaiib was also in form with the bat, hitting 73 and Warrington snatched a tie – also finishing on 197-7. Isaac Webster and James Lewis hit 24 each.
Appleton recorded a 76-run win over Aston as they finally got their season started at Lyons Lan after being rained off the two previous weeks. Tom Lomas hit 47 and Lee Stoll 40 as the home side ran up 184-8 off their 45 overs. Vice-captain Martin Cooper then took 3-15 as Aston were dismissed for 108.
Opener Bob McDonald continued his fine run of form striking 115 as Appleton 2nd declared on 225-4 against Oxton. Unfortunately, the bowlers couldn’t break the home side’s batting as the game was drawn.
Appleton 3rd suffered a 4 wicket defeat at Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge. Paul White’s 44 helped them to 97 all out but despite some wobbles, the hosts knocked off the runs for the loss of six wickets.
Appleton 4th lost their derby game with Warrington at the Grange Sports and Social Club. Finishing their 45 overs on 121-9, they could only take one wicket as the away side cruised to victory.
Lymm Oughtrington Park won by 30 runs at Barnton after posting 137. Matthew Carr hit 50 and Matthew Bradshaw 35.
The home side were bowled out for 107, Steve Knowles taking 3-31, Sean Galbraith 2-11 and Andy Hossack 2-11.
Lymm Oughtrington Park 2nd won by six wickets at home to Irby, restricting the visitors to 113-5 and then coasting to victory as Graham Waumsley hitting 69 not out.
Stretton suffered a heavy defeat at Oakmere, there the home side hammered 220-7 and then dismissed Stretton for 113, Mohammed Yousuf batted well for 40 and A Zubain took 4-47.
Stretton 2nd were held to a draw at home to Oxton after batting first and totalling 184-9, Amrit Saini 64 not out and Prasant Namda 38. The visitors were never in the hunt but finished on 150-9, S Shivra taking 5-35.
Glazebury’s good start to the season came off the rails when they were bowled out for 54 by Audum – with opener Jack Warhurst hitting 27 of them. Audlem lost two wickets reaching the modest target.
Glazebury 2nd also lost after being bowled out for 75 by Kingsley, David Costllo top scoring with 16.
Sam Stanier took 5-13 as Kingsley also struggled for runs, but they finished victorious on 76-7.