Grappenhall edged out by Nantwich in controversial one-wicket loss

The visitors did manage to bag a valuable 12 points to aid their title push, however, and had Luke McCoy’s 75 and Josh McClelland’s unbeaten 68 to thank for their 259 for 8.

Opener James McCoy was caught for five as Adam Roylance steadily progressed to make 32 before being bowled LBW.

Skipper Richard Green made four as he edged to the keeper, before Mike Sambells, 37, joined McCoy at the crease to put on a partnership of 70.

In-form McClelland, who racked up six maximums, McCoy a further 76, Gaz Burns 17 and a couple from the late order made it 259.

Burns caused the early damage – on his way to a five-wicket haul – as Nantwich teetered on 94 for 3.

Jack Critchley, 3 for 33, and Burns made it 211 for 9 before the tail started to wag.

With a couple of overs remaining the home side’s final batsman left his ground after being bowled by McClelland having not heard the call for no ball.

With the batsman out of his crease, Liam Parkinson took one of the stumps with ball in hand and the umpires decided he was out.

A tense atmosphere ensued, resulting in skipper Green offering to defuse the situation by recalling the batsman – Nantwich went on to win with two balls to spare.