GRAPPENHALL came out on top in a top-of-the-table clash with Cheadle in the RSK Cheshire County League.
The result still left Cheadle in first place, but second-placed Grappers narrowed the gap to 10 points
Adam Roylance (40) and the skipper Pete Barnes (33) got Grappers off to an excellent start with a 65-run opening partnership in quick time.
The deck was offering plenty for seam and spin, and four quick wickets got Cheadle back into the game.
Grant Hodnett (66) and Ben Bodha (32) rebuilt the innings with an 80-run stand before Lawton blitzed the final overs with an 18-ball 37 to get Grappers to 227.
Following the first rain delay of the season, the Grappers attack picked up where the batting left off with Ed Barnes destroying the top order with three quick wickets, well supported by Arran McCabe who took the crucial wicket of the in-form Aussie import. Albert Pennington was introduced into the attack and was immediately rewarded with two wickets.
Cheadle started to go for the draw but their resistance was broken by an outstanding catch from Porter. Barnes returned to clean up the innings alongside Pennington, with both men picking up four wickets and McCabe taking the other two
Grappenhall 2nd lost at Romiley by seven wickets. With a number of players unavailable Grappers fielded a weakened side and posted only 145, with Arthur Pennington top-scoring with 46. Romiley were never really in trouble as they coasted home for the loss of only three wickets with 10 overs to spare
