GRAPPENHALL consolidated second place in the Cheshire County Premier Division with an enthralling win at Marple.

Josh McClelland claimed a five-wicket haul, bowling superbly to limit Marple to 195 for 7 in their reduced 50-over innings.

James McCoy was dismissed first ball for Grappenhall and the side looked like they would struggle with Adam Roylance, 17, and Liam Parkinson, 19, only managing below-par scores for the top order.

Youngsters Albert Pennington, 29, and Ben Bodha, 28, worked hard to turn the game back in Grappenhall’s favour, before McClelland excelled again – this time with the bat to score 53.

With the game finely poised, Sam Baxter and Sam Guest saw Grappenhall over the line at 198 for 9 with seven overs remaining.

Grappenhall are now just 10 points off the pace in second, and have won more matches (seven) than any of their rivals.

They play at home twice this weekend, against Oxton in the league on Saturday before entertaining Sale in the quarter finals of the Twenty20 competition on Sunday.

Grappenhall thirds are left battling relegation in the Cheshire County Cricket League third XI Premier Division after a defeat to Middlewich at Broad Lane on Sunday.

Matt Brown, 47, and lower order batsman Paul Tyerman, 52, clocked up the majority of runs as the side finished on 158 for 8.

Ben Bravington, 2 for 15, bowled well but Middlewich eased home.