GRAPPENHALL’s thirds kept slim hopes of a league title alive with a three-wicket win at Bramhall on Sunday.

Bowling first, Grappenhall pinned the hosts back to 106 off 45 overs when chairman Dave Nicholson took an impressive 2 for 4 off 7 and Stan Pennington weighed in with two wickets in his fourth over.

Grappers were pegged back to 13-3 early on, before Tom Roberts made 24 and Rob Slater’s unbeaten 32 put on a partnership of 51 with Nicholson, 21, to see the visitors home in the 42nd over.

Grappenhall face Marple at Broad Lane next week knowing only a win will do as they chase league-leaders Hyde.