THE cricket season finally started in the Warrington area – a week late and in a somewhat truncated form.
But it started with a bang for Grappenhall with a 45-run victory at Widnes in the Cheshire County League premier division.
The top-tier county league is being played in a new format this summer and Grappers certainly adapted to the new game in fine style.
Under the new format, the first four and the last six games will be played as win/lose cricket. The middle 12 games will be played in the traditional win/lose/draw format of previous seasons.
Grappers batted first at Widnes and posted a formidable 243 all out inside 47 overs. Returning overseas played, Kiwi Tom MacRury top scored with a powerful 81 off only 52 balls.
Arthur Pennington contributed a solid 66 to help Grappenhall to a very competitive total.
It was a tough ask for Widnes but they went for the runs, reaching 198.
Arav Shetty continued where he finished off last season with 4-39 from 10 overs to steer Grappers to victory.
Grappenhall 2nd XI won their first game in a much more low scoring affair. Macclesfield were rolled over for just 96 off 36 overs at Broad Lane. Ross Arrowsmith took 4-16 and Stan Pennington 3-26.
Grappers made hard work of the response, winning with seven wickets down to secure maximum points. Steve Rooney top scored with a patient 44.
On Sunday, the 3rd XI hosted Bredbury St Marks in their first T20 cup group stage. In a one sided match, Grappers won comfortably by nine wickets. Bredbury were restricted to just 74-7 with Zach Tully, Tom Ellis and Zak Judge picking up two wickets apiece. Grappers made short work of the target, knocking if off for the loss of just one wicket with six overs to spare. Dave Coyne top scored with 40.
Next weekend, Grappers 1st XI play their first home game of the season against Toft while the 2nd XI travel to Cheadle Hulme, both games with a 12pm start.
On Sunday the 3rd XI start their league campaign at home to Sale at 2pm and on Bank Holiday Monday, the 3rd XI host Marple in the second of their T20 group games at 2pm.
Many matches were cancelled due to waterlogged pitches in the Cheshire Cricket League.
But Appleton travelled to Aston and won by 66 runs.
Opener Richard Buck top-scored with 35 as Appleton hit 125-8.
The hosts were bowled out for 59 in the 23rd over, Moshin Rafique taking 5-18 and Mansoor Safi 3-16.
Appleton 4th hosted Westminster Park but went down by 129.
The visitors batted first and hit a challenging 270, despite Roger Cawthorne’s 4-30.
Appleton were restricted to 141-9, Neil Thompson top scoring with 43.
