Grappers' relentless march goes on

GRAPPENHALL’S seemingly relentless march towards the Chapel Press Cheshire County League division one title continued with a seven wicket victory over Bollington at Broad Lane.
It was a fine, all-round performance, but the blistering pace of Aussie all-rounder Jason Smith was probably the decisive factor in reducing the visitors – who had won the toss and elected to bat – to 144 all out.
Sam Guest took a wicket in the first over, but Bollington recovered to a degree to reach 39-1.
Then Smith was introduced into the attack – with immediate devastating effect.
He took wickets with his first, fourth and sixth deliveries – all clean bowled.
Now at 39 for four, Bollington attempted to rebuild, but with Steve Titchard bowling economically ina 13-over spell of 1-19, runs were hard to come by.
Smith took another three wickets, finishing with 6-35 in nine overs and Guest came back with a further two wickets to finish with 3-29 from 11 overs.
Richard Green and Adam Roylance made a bright start for Grappers. Green departed with the score on 27 but Luke McCoy came in and the run-rate went up.
He hit 53 in a partnership of 68 before falling to a catch in the deep.
Roylance was now getting into his strike finishing with 62 not out – his first half century for the 1st XI.
Grappers took just 25 overs to complete their victory and bag another 25 points and consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Grappenhall 2nd travelled to table topping Toft looking to pick up a much needed win.
Batting first,they posted a below par 166 all out in 46 overs on what looked like a 200 plus wicket. Mike Sambells top scored with a well made 61 and was supported by Richard Holden with 31.
Toft were 80 for two and things looked ominous, but Matt Titchard had other ideas.
He grafted in the heat for 18 overs of off-spin, claiming a match-winning 6-34 to dismiss the home side for 130 in the 49th over.
He was well supported by Andy Hards, who took two wickets and Jack Critchley and Albert Pennington, who took one each.
GRAPPENHALL 3rds fell just short of victory of 3rd XI champions Didsbury, who batted first and hit 246-4 in 45 overs.
It was a mammoth total to chase but Grappers started off at a rapid pace, opener Ian Hall hitting 13 from the first over.
He completed his fourth half century in four games before being stumped.
At 80-for two, Grappers were behind the run rate but Rob Slater, supported by Neil Muttock began to accelerate.
Rob racked up boundary after boundary as he looked to push grappers on towards their unlikely victory target. Neil meanwhile was stroking the ball round at the other end with ease. When Muttock as dismissed for 32, the onus was now on Rob to try and win the game.
Rob took on the mantle and used his years of experience as he smashed his way to an excellent century. He was eventually run out for 123 with just three balls remaining.
Grappers needed five runs from the last ball. But it was not to be and the game ended in a draw.
Warrington, meanwhile, went down by four wickets against Poynton.
Batting first, Warrington posted 189-9, Malcolm Agar, 37, Chris Kirby 34 and Tom Poole, 39, contributing the bulk of the runs. Poynton reached their target with four wickets to spare despite excellent bowling from Kyle Adams, 4-71.
Warrington 2nd enjoyed a six wicket win over Widnes, who declared on 169-9, Nick Houghton taking 2-28. Ian Sleigh hit 52, Charles McElroy 45 not out and Malcolm Gwatkin 35 not out as Warrington replied with 170-4.
Warrington 3rd were held to a draw by Neston after hitting a mammoth 265-8. Neston replied with 127-9.
Warrington 4 hit a respectable 180-9, Sam Houghton 57, Derek Bate 31 but it was not enough to stop Urmston who hit 181-9, despite Raj Soni taking 4-48 and Houghton 3-31.
Warrington 5th secured a three wicket win at Tranmere Victoria in a see-saw game that saw the home side lose four wickets for one run and struggle to 56-7 before some late hitting boosted them to 185. Mansoor Naseem took 5-39 and David Lee 3-52.
Warrington’s reply owed much to Naseem’s fine 64 and 45 from Brian Boys.
In the Meller Braggins Cheshire League, Glazebury went down by 41 runs at Barrow after the home side had hit 192-6. Jon Gibbons took 2-54 and Andrew Calvert 2-33. Glazebury replied with 151, Dave Acton top scoring with 40, Rhys Marsh hitting 29 and Jon Gibbons 23 not out.
Lymm Oughtrington Park coasted to an eight wicket win over Barnton at Oughtrington Lane after the visitors were bowled out for 78. Lymm replied with 81-2.
Stretton were bowled out for 89 by Pott Shrigley, who progressed to victory with 89-4.
The Cheshire Alliance “derby” game between Rylands and Appleton at Lyons Lane resulted in a 95-run victory for the visitors.
Rylands hit 203, Joe Harvey 52, Alan Brady 58 not out and P. Osment 43. Danny Oliver took 2-44, Will Ralston 2-29 and Chris Tomlinson 2-31.
Appleton were dismissed for 108, despite Lee Stoll’s fighting 40. Adam Peters, 3-15 and Sam Mulholland, 4-33, were the pick of the Rylands bowlers.