GRAPPENHALL were the big winners in the Cheshire County Cricket League on Saturday when they were the only club in the top six to win, hoisting themselves up to second place in the ECB Premier League table at the season’s half-way mark.

Rain hit the region again and many games were reduced in length, such as at Urmston where a maximum of only 70 overs’ play was possible.

Urmston scored 180-4 off 35 after being inserted, Lewis Jackson 61 not out. To which Grappenhall replied with an impressive 181-3 in rapid time, James McCoy 65, Liam Parkinson 44, plus a key unbeaten 29 from skipper Richard Green. Grappenhall have now won as many games (six) as the leaders.

Nantwich are moving smartly away from danger with an improved run of form, illustrated by a seven wickets home victory over Bowdon.

Only Oliver Newby, 60 came off in Bowdon’s below par tally of 142, Jimmy Warrington 5-41, Ollie Griffiths 4-44. Man of the moment Liam Livingstone stroked a lively unbeaten 89 as the Dabbers coasted home by seven wickets.

In Division One, Timperley closed up in third place with a 76-run victory over Brooklands Brooklands who remain rock bottom, still without a win, conceding 183-8 at home to Timperley, for whom Mike Ness scored 53. Brooklands were bowled out for 107, Matt Macquet and Nick Brown both 3-24.

Sale emerged 14-7 points in credit from a drawn game against Cheadle Hulme at Dane Road. Sale totalled 220-8, Mike Barrington-Smith 79, Rana Malook 4-86 and the Grove Park batsmen got as far as 190-7 in response, Adam Wilde 51.

In Division Two, Tattenhall beat Heaton Mersey by four wickets at The Flacca after dismissing their visitors for 139, Major Khan 37, Ollie Thompson 5-14. Sam Green led the way after tea with 66 out of 140-6.