Warrington’s last ball thriller ends in a tie

A DETERMINED stand of 26 for the last wicket earned Warrington a tie in a nail-biting finish to their Vivio Cheshire County League game at Hale Barns.
The home side had batted first and reached 204, despite some good bowling from Jonathan Fletcher, 4-7 and Chai Gadepalli, 3-55.
Fletcher was also in form with the bat, hitting 77 but despite this, and a useful 30 from Liam Heaphy, things did not look hopeful at 178-9. But Rob Batey hit an unbeaten 26 and Gadepalli 5 to take the scores level before, with the tension growing, Gadepalli was bowled.
Warrington 2nd also had an exciting finish to their game losing by one wicket to Upton at Walton Lea.
Batting first they reach 181, with A Shoalib hitting 46 and Dave Selvan 42 not out.
Upton’s last pair were at the wicket when they reached their target. Rohan Luthra took 3-15, Simon Hewitt 3-60 and Shoalib 2-42.
In the Premier division, Grappenhall’s fight to avoid relegation continued with a comprehensive seven wicket victory over bottom club Didsbury.
The home side batted first and set a target of 190, with Sam Guest taking 3-47, Raki Rao 3-31 and skipper Adam Roylance also picking up two wickets.
Warrington lost their openers cheaply but then chased down the runs with Albert Pennington hitting 41, Ben Bodha 66 not out and Arthur Pennington 51 not out.
Unfortunately, Bramhall – the club immediately above Grappers in the league table – also won, which leaves them still in the relegation zone.
Grappenhall 2nd won a high scoring game at home after Didsbury posted a formidable 253-6. Ross Arrowsmith picked up three wickets and Matt Titchard, two.
Grappers chased down the big total with Tim Sykes scoring a patient half-century and Iain Wright hitting 79 from 65 balls.
In the UKFast Cheshire League, Lymm Oughtrington Park continued to struggle, losing by six wickets to Bredbury St Marks after being dismissed for 106 at Oughtrington Lane.
Stretton recorded an eight wicket win at Woodford, dismissing them for 109 with Ali Sher taking 4-13 and J Mir 3-15.
Stretton 2nd won by five wickets against Christleton who were held to 148-9. Prassant Nanda hit 47 and Nikhi Bahl 45.
Glazebury lost by 36 runs against Trafford Metrovics, who batted first and scored 236-9. Sam Stanier took 4-48 and Frank Pedigrew 3-38.
Glazebury were all out for 200, Jack Warhurst top scoring with 56, Russ Jones hitting 46 and Anthony Meulman 32.
Glazebury 2nd enjoyed a seven wicket victory over Europa Exiles, who were bowled out for 69, Jules Moore taking 5-15 and Wayne Hargreaves 3-1.
Ian Black hammered 37 as Glazebury replied with 70-3.
Warrington 3rd strolled to a 10-wicket win at Ashley after dismissing the home side for 120. Raj Rusia took 4-24 a A Carr 3-32.
Then Warrington openers Dave Lee, 37 not out and Simon Batey, 70 not out hit off the runs.
Warrington 4th lost by seven wickets to Rostherne after being restricted to 124-8,Tim Rothwell 44. The visitors coasted to 128-3.
Appleton lost ground on their promotion rivals after a seven wicket defeat away at Wirral.
Vice-captain Martin Cooper hit 58, but received no support as the visitors limped to 153-9 from their 45 overs. Wirral reached the target in 40 overs thanks to an unbeaten 82 from 98 balls from David Lewis.
Appleton 2nd held on for a nail-biting draw against Oxton 3rd at Lyons Lane. Set 209 to win, Appleton had slumped to 174-9 despite 91 from Liam Mannion. But a stubborn last wicket partnership between Mike Cumberland and Pete McShane saw the home side finish on 188-9.
Appleton 3rd suffered a heavy defeat away at Wilmslow Wayfarers’ 2nd. Faisal Ahmed hit 138 as the home side posted 269-7 from their 45 overs. Ten-man Appleton could only manage 108 all out in response.
Appleton 4th XI were also beaten at home against Winnington Park 2nd. Reduced to 93 all out, they could only take two wickets as Winnington Park romped home for an eight wicket win.