GRAPPENHALL’S third XI fell short in their run chase as they lost to Christleton.

Good early bowling from Jack Critchley and Ashley Higham restricted the runs, with Christleton on 27 after 11 overs.

Grappers began to chip away the wickets but the pitch always looked likely to produce runs and the hot conditions made bowling and fielding difficult.

A good all-round effort kept the home side to 185 for 6 in their 45 overs.

Grappers got off to a flying start, with Les Connoley and Mark Tyerman dispatching the bowlers to all parts, reaching 53 inside six overs.

The score was soon 55 for 3 when the two openers went in the same over.

Having lost further wickets, the task looked difficult but Grappers were always up with the run rate.

A patient innings of 40 from Jack Critchley was well supported by Si Fryer, 28.

But it was not to be and, with wickets still falling, Grappers fell 30 runs short.