LIFE back in the Cheshire County Cricket League Premier Division got off to a rocky start for Grappenhall as they were soundly beaten at Alderley Edge.

A game against last year’s league champions was always going to be a tough test for Adam Roylance’s side, and so it proved as they slipped to an eight-wicket defeat.

After losing the toss, Grappers were asked to bat first and quickly found themselves reduced to 28-3, with Roylance, James McCoy and overseas player Owen Lynch departing cheaply.

Pete Barnes helped steady the ship by top-scoring with 42, with Albert Pennington, 32, and Gaz Burns, 26, contributing valuable runs as Grappenhall were dismissed for 177.

Lynch ran out Alan Day for 47 before his off-spin had Calum Rowe caught for 85, but the hosts cruised home with plenty to spare.

The seconds fared much better as they powered to a seven-wicket win over Davenham’s seconds at Broad Lane.

After losing the toss, Grappers were asked to field but their bowling attack shared out the wickets to bowl the visitors out for 143.

Debutant Ross Arrowsmith returned 3-33 and Ben Cagna took 3-34, while Arthur Pennington and Matt Titchard were also in the wickets.

With the bat, Jamie Bye’s unbeaten knock of 85 anchored a comfortable chase, with Josh Hayes also weighing in with 55.

The thirds got their T20 campaign off to a fine start with a 113-run victory over Ashley.

Richard Holden top scored with 59 as Grappers posted a mammoth 195-3 from their 20 overs before Stanley Pennington took three wickets to restrict Ashley to 82-8 in reply.

The firsts host Chester Boughton Hall on Saturday, while the seconds travel to Urmston and the thirds visit neighbours Warrington on Sunday.