GRAPPENHALL`S recent downturn in form continued as they were comprehensively beaten by near neighbours and relegation threatened Bowdon on Saturday at Broad Lane.

In-form Josh McClelland made a half century to secure the hosts six points in the Cheshire County Cricket League Premier Division, but Bowdon took advantage of spare overs to ease past Grappers’ total.

Opener Jimmy McCoy, 48, showed a full repertoire of classy boundaries before an inside edge saw him bowled – Luke McCoy then joining Adam Roylance.

Roylance, 16, suffered an unfortunate dismissal as McCoy drove a catch to the bowler, only for it to be dropped onto the stumps with Roylance stranded.

McCoy, 2, and Mike Sambell, 2, fell to make it 78 for 4 as Richard Green, 20, and McClelland, 57, looked to steady Grappers.

But Green was caught behind and quickly followed by Liam Parkinson, 1, leaving the hosts on 121 for 7.

McClelland rallied beyond his half century, briefly joined by Gaz Burns, 23, until a partnership with Luke Williams, 8, was undone by a risky second run.

Grappenhall’s tail held on for 190 and six vital batting points before the final wicket fell in the 43rd over.

The introduction of Burns, 1 for 21, saw the visitors’ first wicket fall, Simon Marshall, 51, caught by keeper Parkinson.

Trent McCormick, Bowdon’s overseas player, batted solidly with ex-Lancashire player Mark Chilton, taking the score to 147 before Luke Williams bowled the latter, Parkinson again taking the catch.

Bowdon reached their target with 13 overs to spare and left Grappers looking to return to winning ways at Marple on Saturday.