Grappenhall are able to hang on for a draw at Nantwich

It was the final pair of wicketkeeper Dan Osborne and Arran McCabe who survived an onslaught from the hosts to secure a share of the spoils.

Before that, Grappers had performed well with the ball against a powerful Nantwich batting line-up after they had been asked to field first.

Opening bowlers Sam Guest and Gaz Burns bowled economically and took a wicket each, but it was the introduction of Albert Pennington that turned the game in their favour.

He took superb figures of 6-68, with skipper Adam Roylance and overseas player Owen Lynch claiming one scalp each to dismiss Nantwich for a below-par 203.

However, Grappers struggled with the bat and were quickly reduced to 28-4 in reply.

Lynch and Pennington came together and put them on course for victory with a partnership of 136 for the fifth wicket, but things started to unravel again when Lynch fell for 88.

Pennington, 56, was the eighth wicket to fall with Grappers still 16 short of victory. Nantwich smelt blood, but the tail hung on to claim a draw.

They turned their attentions to the Cheshire Cup on Sunday, but a five-wicket defeat to Chester Boughton Hall meant their campaign ended in the second round.

Batting first, Grappers posted a score of 155 all out, with Pennington again on form with the bat as he top-scored with 34.

Chester comfortably reached their target for the loss of five wickets, with Lynch, 2-25, leading the Grappers attack.

The thirds were comfortable, six-wicket victors at Alderley Edge on Sunday having dismissed their hosts for just 92 in the first innings.

David Seed picked up four wickets, with Stanley Pennington and Akshat Pranesh claiming three each.

In reply, William Fell top-scored with 27 while Alex Perry was unbeaten on 20 when the target was reached.

On Saturday, the firsts host Cheshire County League Premier Division title challengers Timperley while the seconds travel to Stockport.

The thirds welcome Nantwich to Broad Lane on Sunday.