GRAPPENHALL won the local bragging rights on the opening day of the new Cheshire County Cricket League season with a three-wicket win over Warrington at Broad Lane.

On a newly-relaid outfield, Grappers captain Adam Roylance won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first, a decision that looked a correct one as Arran McCabe removed opener Malcolm Agar early on.

However, Mike Rudd (46) and Adam Green (41) rebuilt to give Warrington’s innings the kick-start it needed as Grappenhall were frustrated by chances missed in the field.

The introduction of Gaz Burns into the attack seemed to swing the momentum back in the hosts’ favour as he removed Green and visiting captain Richard Heaney in quick succession.

Burns finished with 2-39 from his ten overs and overseas player Ryan Ninan chipped in with three wickets as Grappers looked to restrict their visitors, but a quick-fire unbeaten 60 by Liam Heaphy meant Warrington finished on a competitive 191-8.

The hosts started their reply poorly as Ian Wright, James McCoy and Peter Barnes all departed early to leave them sitting precariously on 44-3.

Ninan managed to steady the ship with a well-made 55, ably supported by 22 from Roylance, but the scoring rate was slipping and Grappers needed 35 for victory from the last four overs when Ninan was dismissed.

Burns and Alex Matthews upped the ante to leave the score on 180-7 going into the last over, but Matthews creamed three successive fours to finish on 30 not out and win the game for Grappenhall.

Grappers travel to Cheadle Hulme on Saturday, while Warrington will look to recover at home to Sale.

Warrington’s seconds fared much better in their own local clash, beating their Grappenhall counterparts by seven wickets in their season opener.

Jamie Bye was the pick of the batters as Grappenhall were put in, scoring 88 and being well supported by Will Sharp with 41 as Grappers posted 192-6 from their 50 overs, with Arron Soni (3-51) and Brad Roden (2-50) doing most of the damage with the ball for Warrington.

In their reply, Warrington dominated the Grappenhall bowling attack and comfortably reached their target with an over to spare.

An unbeaten 75 from James Sharrock as well as 59 from captain Simon Swain meant Warrington secured a comfortable win.

They travel to Sale this weekend, while Grappenhall host Cheadle Hulme.

Grappenhall’s thirds’ T20 clash with Knutsford was cancelled due to the opposition withdrawing from the competition. They travel to neighbours Warrington on Sunday.