AFTER three successive defeats, Grappenhall got back to winning ways in the Chapel Press Cheshire County League – but not in the most convincing of ways.
Their three wicket victory over Cheadle Hulme at Broad Lane was seldom in doubt – but a number of questions remained over their batting strength.
Cheadle Hulme were asked to bat first and were restricted to 159-9, Gaz Burns taking 4-42 and Matt Tichard 3-24.
Grappenhall replied with 160-7, but lost some early, cheap wickets in the process, keeping nerves jangling in the dressing room.
But opener Luke McCoy hit a solid 47 and Aussie Jason Smith returned to form with a lively 54, supported by Andy Tetlow, 23 not out, to take Grappers to victory and cement their position at number two in division one.
Grappenhall 2nd enjoyed a more convincing win at Didsbury, where the home side asked them to bat first.
They picked up two quick wickets as a reward – but then Andy Wright hit a superb 101, with good support from Ian Hall, 44 and Jamie Bye, 39 to take Grappers to 253-7.
Albert Pennington took 3-35 and Mike Holden 3-33 as the home side were dismissed for 163.
Warrington 3rd held on for a draw at Oxton after the home side had hit 201-9, James Waldron taking 3-37. James Sharrock top scored with 29 out of Warrington reply of 142-7.
Warrington 5th just failed to snatch victory against Northwich, who batted ffirst and were restricted to 128-9, Wesley Charlton 3-42. Warrington’s last pair were at the wicket with the score on 127 when the game ended. Joel Chaderton hit 66 and Aaron Chaderton 22.
In the Meller Braggins Cheshire League, Glazebury’s postion at the foot of the division three table began to look more hopeless as they went down at Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge.
The home side declared on 204-5 and Glazebury capitulated on 145, despite a fine 68 from Jack Warhurst.
Glazebury 2nd were also beaten, despite bowling out Aston for 60, Chris Ayre 5-16. The Hurst Lane side were tumbled out for 57, with John Acton top scoring with 24.
In the Cheshire Alliance, Appleton cantered to a comfortable victory over Saughall after restricting them to 159-9, Danny Oliver taking 4-53. Davie Hurst hit 60 as Appleton replied with 161-5
Appleton 2nd went down at Haslington where the home side declared on 177-9, Aamir Rashid taking 5-76.. Appleton were dismissed for 165, Mike Arnold and Ali Sharif both hitting 49.
Women’s cricket
LAUREN O’Reilly, of Appleton, has been chosen to play in the Cheshire Women’s Cricket League XI to take on the MCC at Didsbury tomorrow (Wednesday)
Players from eight different club, from all three divisions, are included in the side – including six who will be experiencing the occasion for the first time.
On Bank Holiday Monday (August 27) Appleton Tigers will take on Chester Boughton Hall Deemons in the final of the CWCL Twenty20 competition at Barnton – the fifth final between the two sides.
Honours are currently equal, with two wins each.
Appleton, meanwhile, coasted to a seven wicket victory over Romiley and Dinting to give themselves a chance of retaining the league division one title.
Romiley were restricted to 109-6, Anni Rashid taking 2-9 and Natalie Lyons 2-15.
Appleton’s 110-3 included a fine 74 not out from Emma Barlow.
Appleton are currently second in the league with a game in hand. If they can beat Chester in that game they will need only eight points from the final day showdown with Oakmere
