GRAPPENHALL failed to take advantage of slip-ups from relegation rivals as their batting collapsed against Oulton Park.

Their bowlers started well after winning the toss at Broad Lane as they took several early wickets.

Arran McCabe, Sam Guest and skipper Adam Roylance all claim two scalps each, but a middle-order riposte helped the visitors to 185-7 from their 50 overs.

In response, however, Grappers never got to grips with the Oulton Park attack as only Roylance (41) provided any resistance.

Only three other batsmen reached double figures and the hosts were skittled for 108 to seal a 77-run defeat.

The seconds comfortably beat their Oulton Park counterparts as Matt Titchard starred with the ball, finishing with 6-36 as the hosts were restricted to 191-9.

Grappers were always comfortable in their run chase, with Iain Wright hitting a swashbuckling 57 not out after Steve Rooney had earlier reached 50.

They hit their victory target with eight overs to spare as they wrapped up a five-wicket win.

The thirds also recorded a successful run chase, reaching their target of 197 in the final over of their game against Sale.

David Seed took three wickets with the ball before Ben Bravington and Richard Wiles put on a century stand for the first wicket.

Bravington was dismissed for 50 and Wiles reached 85 as Grappers eventually edged home after a late wobble.

Meanwhile, Appleton’s bid for promotion from Cheshire Cricket League Division Three received another boost as they won away at Aston.

They were struggling at 21-4 before Ali Shariff and Liam Mannion came together to put on a partnership of 131.

Shariff was eventually dismissed for 83, while Mannion reached 41 as Appleton closed on 189-6.

Amir Aslam and James Darbyshire then took three wickets each with the ball as Appleton dismissed their hosts for 153 in reply to seal a 36-run victory.

The seconds batted out their overs to draw with Oxton’s thirds after the visitors racked up an impressive 251-6 from their 45 overs at Lyons Lane.

They were under heavy pressure, but some stubborn resistance saw them finish on 143-8.

The thirds picked up a thumping, 123-run win over Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge at Grange Sports thanks to a superb batting display.

Danny Oliver blasted 85, while Toby White hit a brutal 63 not out from just 24 deliveries as Appleton reached 279-8.

Harry Sygrove then claimed four wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 156 in reply.

The fourths were thrashed in a ‘derby’ against Warrington’s thirds, who declared on 240-4 before blowing Appleton away for just 56.