GRAPPENHALL’S dream start to the Cheshire County Cricket League season continued with a seven wicket victory over near neighbours Toft at Broad Lane.
The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first which appeared to be a good decision as the opening pair put on 61.
But then Tom McRury, 2-21 and Aran Shetty, 3-27 started to make inroads and with Joe Ashmore, 2-38 and Tom Bramhall, 2-5, joining in, batting became more difficult and Toft were bowled out for 181 in 46.3 overs.
Grappers’ started hesitantly and at 61-2 the game looked evenly balanced. But then MacRury with a blistering 67 from 43 balls and Ashmore with an unbeaten 43 took control and the side steamed to victory on 182-3 in 28.4 overs.
Grappenhall’s 2nd XI game, like many ohers, was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
But the 3rd XI hosted Sale at Broad Lane on Sunday only to lose by 28 runs.
The visitors batted first and reached a decent 169 despite Fameesh Azeez taking 4-32 and good bowling all round.
Grappers got off to a poor start, losing both openers for one run each and never really recovered, despite a fine 78 from wicket keeper Zach Pomfret. They were all out in 40 overs for 141.
