ED Barnes made the fine batting display count as Grappenahll Cricket Club first XI overhauled Cheadle in a top-of-the-table clash at Broad Lane.

After Grappers achieved an above par 227-8 in their 50 overs, Barnes destroyed the Cheadle top order by taking three quick wickets after the first rain delay of the season.

With Arran McCabe also getting shut of in-form Australian Liam Fitzpatrick, and Albert Pennington's spell immediately being rewarded with two wickets, both the left-handers were gone and Grappers were in a strong position in the Cheshire County League Division One affair.

Cheadle started to go for the draw but their resistance was broken by an outstanding catch from Lewis Porter.

Barnes returned to clean up the innings alongside Pennington, with both men picking up four wickets in what proved to be a 110-run victory that closes the gap on frontrunners Cheadle to 10 points ahead of Saturday's trip to Congleton.

Earlier, Adam Roylance (40) and skipper Pete Barnes (33) got Grappers off to an excellent start with a 65-run opening partnership in quick time.

The deck was offering plenty for seam and spin though, and four quick wickets got Cheadle back into the game.

Grant Hodnett (66) and Ben Bodha (32) rebuilt the innings with an 80-run stand before Kieran Lawton blitzed the final overs with an 18-ball 37.

Grappenhall's seconds lost to Romiley by seven wickets.

With a number of players unavailable Grappers fielded a weakened side and posted only 145, with Arthur Pennington top scoring with 46.

Romiley were never really in trouble as they coasted home for the loss of only three wickets with 10 overs to spare.