GRAPPENHALL Cricket Club's purple patch continued at the weekend with a nerve-racking win at Brooklands.

The victory, Grappenhall's third win on the spin, boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation in Murray Smith Cheshire County League Division One.

But with only three games left to play, Grappenhall's cause has not been helped by having two points deducted for slow play.

And with main relegation rivals Warrington recording a six-wicket win against Congleton on Saturday, a lot of work still needs to be done if Grappenhall are to avoid the dreaded drop.

They remain in the relegation zone and although they are closing in on the teams above them in the table, Grappenhall will be desperate to continue their impressive winning streak on Saturday.

They will do battle Heaton Mersey at home while Warrington will play host to Brooklands.

Grappenhall needed to be in run-chasing mode again at the weekend as they asked Brooklands to bat first.

The home side scored 192 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Neil Titchard was the pick of Grappenhall's bowlers, taking five wickets.

In reply, Grappenhall were well behind the required run rate after their first 18 overs.

But Will Sharp, 39 runs, and Ian Jackson, 69, came to their rescue with a stunning 80 partnership.

That put Grappenhall back on track and Rob Slater's quick-fire 27 saw the visitors home with seven balls to spare.

Grappenhall Seconds gave themselves a relegation lifeline on Saturday by beating Alderley Edge.

A spirited bowling and fielding performance restricted Alderley to 146.

All of Grappenhall's bowlers chipped in with wickets while wicket keeper Mark Castell took four catches.

An excellent opening stand of 70 between Dave Nicholson, 38 and Ian Barnes, 48, then laid the foundation for Grappenhall's victory.

Joe Worley, 29 and veteran Mark Castell, 24 not out, also excelled with the bat as Grappenhall, who play away to Chester Broughton Hall at the weekend, triumphed with four wickets in hand.

Grappenhall Thirds were also victorious in a memorable weekend for the Broad Lane club. They recorded an emphatic 73-run success at the expense of Winnington Park.

Batting first, Grappenhall reached 205-4 with Ian Barnes chalking up another big score of 83.

Winnington Park lost wickets at regular intervals in reply. Eight of them fell to spin trio Paul Tyerman, Alan Brady and Patrick Roberts.