GRAPPENHALL head into their final fixture of the Cheshire County Premier League season knowing they will be playing Division One cricket next season.

They lost by one wicket at Neston on Saturday.

Put in to bat on a slowish, seamy wicket, they were soon one down before a mini revival between Jimmy McCoy, 19, and Iain Wright, 31, both playing in their positive styles, who when they were both out left the score at 59 for 3.

This soon became 67 for 5 with the loss of two more wickets in quick succession. Saqib Mahmood joined Will Sharp, 28, and the pair took the score along to 110 with Will making an attractive 28.

Gaz Burns joined Saqib, and batting sensibly the score moved up steadily to 153, when the latter was out for a well constructed 32. Burns was adjudged lbw soon after for 18 and the final wicket fell at 163 in the 46th over.

With the track still offering some help, quick wickets were vital to Grappenhall`s chances of pulling off the win, and still leaving Neston in the relegation zone.

Under such conditions, Sam Guest revelled and took the first three wickets to fall, two more leaving Neston tottering at 47 for 6.

There was then a significant counter attack from Neston`s middle order. It was not until the score reached 120 that Mahmood broke this dangerous partnership.

Skipper Adam Roylance juggled the bowling, he himself taking one wicket and Barnes also, the score now at 158 for 9 before Neston hit the winning runsh.

Guest finished up with fine figures of 20-8-41-4.

Next week is the final match of the season away to Chester.

Grappenhall seconds beat champions elect Tattenhall by seven wickets. 

Batting first the home side posted 182 for 3 in their 50 overs on a good track. 

Grappers chased down the target with three balls to spare with Ollie Turpin, 57, and Jamie Bye, 82, sharing an opening stand of more than 100. Grappers had three wickets to spare.

The thirds finished their season with a 92-run win at Urmston.

Grappers posted 301 for 4 with David Seed making 77.

Urmston were skittled for 208 in response with six overs to spare.