First defeat for promotion hopefuls

GRAPPENHALL’S drive for promotion to the premier division of the Chapel Press Cheshire County League faltered when they suffered their first defeat in a match reduced to 84 overs by the weather.
Winning the toss at Oulton Park, skipper Liam Parkinson asked the home side to bat first.
Runs came slowly and the first wicket did not fall until 74, but Oulton Park eventually reached 192-3. Adam Roylance took 2-32.
A couple of dropped catches didn’t help the Grappenhall cause, but on a small ground the target was achievable.
But Grappers never got into their stride, with wickets falling regularly. Mike Sambells, on his return to 1st team duty, top scored with 41. The last wicket fell in the penultimate over, as Grappenhall were bowled out for a disappointing 127.
Nearest rivals Bowdon were rained off so Grappers remains top of the league, but with the lead reduced to 16 points at the half-way point in the season.
Grappenhall 2nd went down heavily against Chester Boughton Hall at Broad Lane.
The visitors declared on 167-8, despite some good bowling from Andrew Hards, 3-49 and Jack Critchley, 3-46.
Only three batsmen reached double figures as Grappenhall crashed out for 97, Richard Holden top scoring with 25 and Mike Holden 24.
Grappenhall 3rd needed a victory to propel them back to the top of their division but had to settled for a draw against visitors Toft.
Skipper Tom Roberts lost the toss and Grappers were asked to bat first.
Openers Tyerman and Ian Hall set off at a rapid pace until Hall was out for a swift 48 with the score on 84 after only 15 overs.
Neil Muttock came in and continued where Hall had left off.
The score passed 200 and a declaration was on the cards. Tyreman on 99 set off for a suicidal single to reach his first 100 of the season and, fortunately for him the fielder’s aim was as poor as his judgement and he reached his landmark.
Muttock reached his 50 and Grappers declared on 244-1 inside 38 overs.
Toft lost three quick wickets but eventually began to score at will. In the end Toft finished on 204-7.
Grappenhall bowed out of the Cheshire Cup after travelling to Chester Boughton Hall and seeing the home side hit a massive 307-6
It was a daunting target but Grappers went for it, with several batsmen contributing useful scores. Jimmy McCoy hit 40, Richard Green 33 and Adam Roylance 63 but the innings closed on 203.
Warrington chalked up an eight wicket victory at Tattenhall after inserting the home side and restricting them to 133-9. Simon Hewitt took 4-52 and Ashley Scholes 3-17. Warrington cantered to to 134-2, Malcolm Agar hitting 29, Richard Heaney 39, James Hughes 37 not out and Paul Farrar 20 not out.
At Walton Lea, Warrington 2nd defeated Bowdon by seven wickets after the visitors had declared on 158-5. Nick Houghton took 2-29.
Warrington coasted to 160-3, Andy Kirby hitting 43, Daniel Rudd 50 and James Rudd 26 not out.
Warrington 5th drew with Oxton after opener Jordan Mitchell hit a massive 159 not out as the side reached 239-4. Oxton were 171-9 at the close, Tom Corroboy taking 6-25.
In the Meller Braggins Cheshire League, Glazebury went down by three wickets against title chasing Chelford at Hurst Lane.
Jack Warhurst hit a fine, unbeaten 59 and Dave Acton 27 as Glazebury reached 123-6.
But Chelford’s 126-7 earned them victory. Jon Gibbons, with 3-48, was the pick of the Glazebury bowlers, with Hakeem Dahou taking 2-18 and skipper Andrew Calvert 2-23.
Glazebury 2nd won by 10 wickets after dismissing Chelford for a meagre 72. Chris Ayre took 4-32 and Gerard Southworth 4-5.
Sean Caine hit 23 not out and Matthew Shailer 43 not out as Glazebury replied with 73-0.
Stretton suffered a humiliating seven wicket defeat at home after being bowled out for 79. Visitors Over People replied with 80-3.
In the Cheshire Alliance, Appleton were all out for 151 at Ellesmere Port after good knocks from Lee Stoll, 46, Tom Lomas, 34 and Dave Hurst, 29 not out.
Ed Pugh bowled well for 4-42 but the home side reached their target with two wickets to spare.
Rylands’ game was abandoned to the weather after home side Old Parkonians had hit 221, Ross Arrowsmith taking 5-55.
Rylands were 40-1 when the rain closed in.
In the 2nd XI game at Rylands, Old Parkonians hit 124-4 and Rylands were dismissed for 66.