GRANGE'S up and down season continued on Saturday when they became the first team this year to lose to bottom side Audlem in Cheshire Cricket Alliance Division Two.

Grange had beaten Audlem twice in June in league and cup clashes but Saturday was a different story as player availability problems meant the Latchford club could field only three of the side that won the previous league game.

Audlem invited Grange to bat and the hosts responded with 193 for 7 in 48 overs to get themselves the maximum 10 batting points.

Second-team captain Alan Ayling made the step up to the higher level to top-score with 52, while Neil Stinson, 46, and Dave Robertson, 28, also adapted well.

Audlem gave a batting performance that belied their lowly league position, with only Dave Johnson and Adam Peters getting among the wickets in the Audlem total of 194 for 2.

Grange's second XI stayed in contention for a top-three finish in Division B East when they took the maximum 25 points from their visit to Audlem due to the home side being unable to raise a team.

Grange's first team travel to Glazebury on Saturday, while the seconds are at home to Heaton Mersey Village, with both games starting at 1.30pm.