GRAPPENHALL can consider themselves unfortunate not to have come away from their trip to high-flying Toft with a victory.

The visiting bowlers had the hosts on the rack, but Toft held on to secure a share of the spoils.

Grappers chose to bat first after winning the toss, but got off to a shaky start and were reduced to 16-3 early on.

Pete Barnes (52) and Owen Lynch (41) combined to steady the ship and Adam Roylance's side were in a healthy position by the time both departed.

Gaz Burns hit 49 to continue the good work, backed up by Ben Bodha's 28, as Grappers closed their innings on 206-8 from 55 overs.

Warrington-born Lancashire batsman Rob Jones scored with relative freedom in Toft's reply, but the game turned when he was caught excellently by Lynch on the boundary off Roylance's bowling for 41.

Toft's middle order collapsed as Grappers sensed the chance of victory, but the home side's tailenders held firm and closed on 193-8.

Roylance (3-59) was the pick of the Grappers attack, with Lynch and Matt Titchard taking two wickets each as they picked up a vital 12 points.

The seconds also drew after Steve Rooney's knock of 59 helped them to 233-8 declared against Oxton, with Will Sharp (48), Dave Tully (39) and Ian Wright (36) all chipping in.

Oxton made a game of it with the bat and ended just short of victory on 223-7, with Ben Cagna taking three wickets for Grappers.

The thirds were beaten heavily at home by Alderley Edge after being skittled for just 104 batting first.

The visitors cruised to a seven-wicket victory as Grappers failed to make too much impact with the ball.

On Saturday, the firsts faced a crucial relegation battle with fellow strugglers Hyde at Broad Lane.

The seconds visit Brooklands at the same time, while the thirds travel to Cheadle on Sunday.