GRAPPENHALL’S bowling will need to improve markedly if they are to have any impact on the Cheshire County Cricket League First Division this year.

The weaknesses were evident in Saturday’s five-wicket defeat to Heaton Mersey, Grappers’ second loss in two games this season.

But the 13 points achieved shows the performance was no disaster, though, confirming there is depth to their batting.

Grappers’ total of 217 for 9 on a wicket of good pace looked competitive, with the main contributions coming from Alan Brady, 51, Liam Parkinson, 43, and Richard Green, 36.

In reply, Mersey set off at a rapid rate, although G Burns made early inroads with three quick wickets.

At one stage, Mersey were 46 for 3 and the match looked to be heading Grappenhall’s way but visiting skipper Mark Bennett had other ideas.

Bennett went on to make a superb, chanceless 148 not out to ensure his side reached their target in the 46th over with five wickets down.

Grappers’ third team progressed in the Jack Gardner Cup after clinching a five-wicket win against Neston.

A Davis and C Lea-Swain got Neston off to a bright start, with 44 and 31 respectively, until second change bowler Ashley Higham came on and got a wicket in his first over.

Neston’s R Palmer continued to get runs before Ash Higham had him caught for 47.

The rest of the Neston batsmen only managed nominal scores, reaching a total of 173 for 7 off 45 overs.

Ashley Higham finished with a creditable 5 for 40.

Grappers’ opener Les Connolly batted superbly thoughout his innings, scoring the club’s first century of the season with 108 not out.

L Watson managed 16, S Fryer 13 and M Tichard 29 not out, as their side secured a win with three overs to spare.