RICHARD Green was hoping for better in his first game as captain as Grappenhall drew at newly promoted Sale in the the second division of the Cheshire County Cricket League.

The former Lancashire star, who hit 78 runs before falling leg before wicket, will be hoping his first win as skipper will come on Saturday when the Broad Lane club host Bollington in the first home game of 2005.

Grappenhall will be hoping to have exciting North of England Schools player Luke McCoy in their ranks.

Bollington lost by six wickets at home to Timperley at the weekend and, with Northamptonshire all rounder Jeff Cook in their squad, will be just as keen to kick-start their campaign.

Grappenhall, who have Mike Holden and Richard Hudd back on board to bolster their attack, found progress slow on Saturday and a couple of missed half chances enabled Sale to have the better of the early exchanges.

The introduction of Hudd after 12 overs started to make things happen and he ended up with a five-wicket haul before Sale were all out for 201.

Grappenhall's innings got off to the worst possible start with the early losses of Nicholson and Barnes.

However, Green, now joined by Jackson, looked in excellent touch as the pair added a 90 stand.

Disaster struck when Jackson fell to a ball that crept along the ground and the same fate happened to Green only a few overs later.

As Grappenhall pushed for victory wickets tumbled and Sharp, while quickly running out of partners, had no option but to play out for a draw.

A teenager led the bowling attack as Grappenhall's second XI started the new season with a comprehensive victory over newly promoted Sale on Saturday.

Sale were restricted to 152 for 7 off 50 overs, with 15-year-old Matt Bradshaw taking 3 for 16 off 10 overs.

All the bowlers were backed up by a superb fielding display in which Mark Tyerman bagged three catches.

Tyerman's well-struck 39 and Andy Sisson's 63 not out helped Grappenhall to win with 11 overs to spare.