Grappers' in-depth performance

A GOOD, in-depth performance earned Grappenhall a useful 26-run victory over former Premiership side Widnes in the Chapel Press Cheshire County League.
Batting first, Grappers were soon in trouble, with three wickets down for 27 and five down for 65.
Opener Richard Green hung around a while for 28 and skipper Steve Titchard hit a useful 29. But it was an unbroken stand of 66 between Alan Brady, 33 not out and Andy Tetlow, 32 not out that took the side to a respectable 194-8.
Widnes looked on course for victory but a fine performance from left arm seamer Luke McCoy, 5-38 and 2-48 from Dean Riches turned the tables.
Grappenhall 2nd also won by 26 runs against Sale.
Grappenhall made first use of the wicket and closed on 148, Mike Sambell, 37 and Brad Angel, 30, making the main contributions. Sale were bowled out for 122, Sam Guest taking 4-35, James Egerton 4-29 and Neil Titchard, 2-17.
Grappenhall 3rd bowed out of the cup competition after being dimissed by Mobberley for 97, of which Jack Critchley made 43. Mobberley coasted home for the loss of five wickets, despite Ash Higham’s 3-23.
Warrington handed out a hammering to Bredbury St Marks.
Batting first they reached 220-7, James Hughes 69, skipper Liam Heaphy 54, Tom Jones 27, Brendan Morris 26 not out and Chris Kirby, 20.
Warrington 3rd earned a hard-fought draw against Upton, who batted first and reached an impressive 253-6. Warrington replied with 202-6, Brian Gilbert hitting 77.
In the Meller Braggins Cheshire League, Lymm Oughtrington Park inflicted a crushing defeat on Kingsley.
Lymm batted first and reached 186-8 and Kingsley could only respond with a meagre 66 all out.
In the Cheshire Alliance, Appleton’s bowlers toiled away to restrict Wilmslow Wayfarers to 216-8. Brian Woods took 3-23, Tom Lomas 2-40 and skipper Peter Worrall 2-30.
Appleton lost a quick wicket but then Tom Lomas hammered an unbeaten 120, partnered by Richard Clarke, 83 not out to take the side to 218-1.
The local derby between Appleton 2nd and Glazebury 2nd also went Appleton’s way – but only after they managed to prise out the last Glazebury batsman with only five balls remaining.
Appleton hit 187-5, Samuel Swift 59 and Tom Shard 36. Mark Rowan, 2-43, was Glazebury’s most effective bowler.
Glazebury replied with 134, opener Gary Dunlop hitting a patient 73.
The ultimate “derby” game was Appleton 3rd against Appleton 4th – and for the first time in three attempts, the 3rd XI managed to win.
The 4th team hit 177, Aamir Rashid 37 and Roger Cawthorne taking 4-44. Mike Arnold and Marcus Pepper both hit fifties as the 3rd XI won by four wickets.
Glazebury dominated their game against Mossley but could not force victory.
Batting first they hit 182, Phil McCue top scoring with 52 and Rhys Marsh 34. Mossley were 130-8 at the close, with Sam Stanier, 3-25 and Kyle Keeble, 3-25, taking the bowling honours.
Rylands were beaten by three wickets by Chelford.
Sean Malone top scored with 39 not out as they were held to 127-9. Chelford scored 132-7, with skipper Richard Buck the pick of the Rylands bowlers.
Rylands had better luck in a cup game the following day when they dimissed Offerton for 78, five bowlers taking two wickets each, and then hit off the runs without loss, Andy Harrison, 24 not out and Richard Buck 37 not out.