NEW Zealander Ron Hart set Grappenhall's batting alight in a 25-point win at Brooklands in the Cheshire County Cricket League Second Division.

The usually steady Hart was in confident mood as he set about chasing Brooklands' 224 for 4 from 50 overs.

Hart cut the Brooklands opening attack apart, hitting three sixes in the first five overs.

The loss of Richard Green after only six overs put a dampener on things but Hart continued his explosive form, reaching 50 in only 51 balls.

Grappenhall lost their second wicket with the score on 67 although Hart then built a good partnership with Danny Sisson, helping Grappenhall to move the score on to 123.

Hart was eventually out for a brilliant 118 from only 129 balls - just short of the victory target - but Grappenhall were able to secure victory with four overs to spare.

Grappenhall, who lost their first round Twenty/20 Cup game away to Timperley on Wednesday, play Mobberley at Broad Lane on Saturday.

Grappenhall's second XI needed 18 runs from the last three overs with four wickets in hand against Christleton but could not reach the target and had to settle for a draw.

Christleton finished on 207 for 6 from 50 overs with Muttock, Hards and Titchard taking two wickets each.

Steve Hartley achieved 57 runs with the bat.

The third team's game at Winnington Park also ended in a draw.

Luke McCoy and Andy Tetlow put on a strong opening partnership of 73 and 16-year-old Matt Titchard reached his maiden 50 before Grappenhall declared on 222 for 6 after 41 overs.

Winnington found runs hard to come by thanks to tight bowling by Sam Guest and Greg Ross but Grappenhall found it difficult to take wickets partly due to the flat batting track.

Park finished on 130 for 4.