GRAPPENHALL came up short in a remarkable game against Sale, losing by seven wickets at Broad Lane on Saturday.

Having lost the toss, Grappers were put into bat but racked up an imposing 269-4 from their 50 overs.

Overseas player Ryan Ninan was the dominant force in the hosts’ batting line-up as he hit a marvellous 116 not out, while Pete Barnes chipped in with a well-made 62 in support.

The bowlers had a massive score to defend and they made an excellent start, with Sam Guest and Gaz Burns taking a wicket each to reduce Sale to 22-2.

However, they did not bank on a stunning partnership between Brooke Guest, who finished unbeaten on 133, and Tyrone Lawrence, who was eventually dismissed by Ninan for 120, taking Sale home with two overs to spare.

The seconds suffered a similar fate against the same opponents, losing by 16 runs in a much tighter game.

Sale won the toss and batted first, reaching 219-8 from their 50 overs with Arthur Pennington leading the bowling for Grappenhall as he took 4-47.

Opener Paul Radage led the reply with 56, but they were eventually bowled out for 203.

The thirds made it three wins from four games so far this season as they beat Toft by seven wickets, with Ben Bravington taking four wickets to reduce their opponents to 142-8 from their 50 overs.

Grappers knocked the runs off with minimum fuss, with Olly Turton scoring 60 as they chased down the total with 15 overs to spare.

The first team will look to get back to winning ways at Didsbury on Saturday as the seconds host Bowdon, while the thirds travel to Marple on Sunday.