GIANT

GRAPPENHALL enjoyed a four-wicket win away to Urmston in a Cheshire County League fixture.

Grappenhall's pace attack exploited a bad batting track. Matt Fitchett and Richard Hudd combined to reduce Urmston to 30-5, with Fitchett picking up three wickets and Hudd two.

Urmston were rocked by a superb second spell from Fitchett, who finished with seven wickets for only 43 runs from 25.5 overs of high class bowling. Urmston were bowled out for 132.

Grappenhall lost an early wicket before Tony McCoy and Will Sharp put on a valuable 40 runs for the second wicket.

Ian Jackson came to the crease and made batting look easy. Jackson smashed a quality half century which included an enormous six that cleared a nearby sports hall, ensuring victory for Grappenhall.

Grappenhall Seconds restricted Didsbury to 151-9 thanks to tight bowling. Andrew Hards picked up two early wickets, but it was Ashley Rayner who did most damage, picking up four wickets for 37 runs.

A batting collapse had Grappenhall in deep trouble. Hards scored an unbeaten 32 to help save the match, as Grappenhall reached 110-8 at the close.

Grappenhall's Thirds had a nail-biting finish with Congleton.

Grappenhall's bowlers did the business, dismissing Congleton for 100. Paul Tyreman took 5-43 and Andrew Hawley and Dave Coyne took two wickets each.

Grappenhall looked favourites at 70-4, with Andrew Wright and Steve McNicholas in fine form but their wickets prompted a collapse which tied the scores, with Grappenhall nine wickets down.

In an exciting finish Andrew Hawley was run out and the game was tied.

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