GRAPPENHALL'S Premier League visit to lowly Nantwich on Saturday resulted in a heavy defeat due in the main to one stand-out performance.

Nantwich were reduced to 112 for 5 and looked as though they would not get many more runs before Liam Livingstone, 135, took the finishing total to 214 all out.

The century maker was eventually halted thanks to Ian Barnes, who claimed a five-wicket haul.

Grappenhall's reply was patchy, with only three batsmen reaching double figures - Adam Roylance with 16, Albert Pennington, 14, and Josh McClelland, 12.

Skittled for 73 in the 32nd over, it was Grappenhall's lowest total of the season and they took just four points from the match.

To avoid relegation, Grappenhall seconds must win at Urmston on Saturday and hope that champions Toft restrict Alderley Edge to 11 points or less.

Grappers, reeling from the Cheshire County League's decision to dock them 17 points for cancelling the recent fixture against champions elect Toft, took 25 crucial points from Saturday's home win against Nantwich.

Veteran Holder took 4 for 34, with Critchley and Jamie Bye knocking over five between them as Nantwich were bowled out for 187.

Openers Paul Radage, 115 not out, and Bye, 67 not out, steered their team home superbly after defying a tricky opening spell against two spin bowlers.

The relegation dog fight continues at the bottom of the third XI Premier Division table as Grappenhall, who were one place outside the relegation places, held on for a draw against Bramhall, who remain bottom.

Bramhall were soon in trouble at 35 for 2, with Stan Pennington picking up both wickets, but the visitors dug in and grafted.

Sean Phillips picked up three vital wickets to stem the flow before Bramhall finished on 183 for 9.

In reply, Grappenhall never got going with wickets falling steadily, and at 60 for 6 attention turned to holding on for the draw.

Paul Tyerman and Ben Bravington batted resolutely for almost 30 overs, Grappenhall closing on 130 for 8.