LOCAL pride and a place in the second round of the Cheshire County Cricket League Knockout Cup was at stake on Sunday as Grappenhall locked horns with Warrington.

Grappenhall went into the game on the back of a heavy defeat to Brooklands but there were no signs of a lack of confidence.

They played extremely well on their own patch and deserved their 61-run win.

Richard Green was quickly into gear, notching a half century in only 45 minutes.

Hartley and Sharp did not last long at the other end but when 14-year-old Luke McCoy joined Green at the crease Grappenhall's supporters were in for a treat.

The duo shared in a 171-run partnership. McCoy recorded his second half century in as many days and Green raced to a glorious 140 consisting of 17 fours and six sixes.

Green was eventually dismissed by Balmer's bowling and a quickfire 34 not out from Ian Barnes moved Grappenhall's total to 295.

Warrington made a bright start to their innings and successive partnerships of 79 and 90 for the first two wickets kept them in the hunt.

But a run rate of more than nine for the remaining 20 overs was too tall an order and Warrington were defeated despite a superb 118 not out from skipper Malcolm Agar.

Grappenhall, who travel to Birkenhead Park at the weekend, were nowhere near as impressive in their league game with Brooklands on Saturday.

They were restricted to 184 runs for the loss of nine wickets. McCoy, 52, Rob Slater, 48 and Ian Jackson, 21, batted well but Grappenhall's bowlers failed to put Brooklands under any pressure and a 10-wicket defeat was the result.

Grappenhall's second string, who play host to Birkenehead Park Seconds this weekend, lost to Brooklands by seven wickets.

Grappenhall's third team were equally disappointing at Alsager. They lost their league cup match by 90 runs after being skittled for 60.