Battling draw

6:59pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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APPLETON secured a battling draw at Sandbach in Cheshire Cricket Alliance Diviion One on Saturday.

Butt hit 147 runs as Sandbach set a target of 221 despite three wickets each from Duane Jones and Ed Pugh.

Appleton started their reply confidently, with Tom Lomas and Rick Clarke putting on 73 for the opening wicket, but the loss of three quick wickets halted their momentum.

Victory then drifted out of reach because of an inexperienced middle order but Pete Worrall batted solidly as Appleton finished on 183 for 9.

Appleton's third team collapsed to an embarrassing 97-run defeat at Wilmslow Wayfarers.

Stu Bate took his second five-wicket haul of the season as Wilmslow were dismissed for 165 but Appleton were then bowled out for 68.

The fourth team suffered a 71-run home defeat to Styal's seconds, even though Steve Hughes came out of retirement to take four wickets and help bowl out the visitors for 148.

Captain Aamir Rashid then hit 27 but Appleton were skittled out for just 77.