IT had to happen at some point.

Grappenhall fell to their first defeat since their return to the Vivio Cheshire County League’s top flight at the weekend.

But it will be the manner of their eight-wicket defeat against champions Nantwich that will have hurt the players most.

After some strong batting performances, handing them the most bonus points in the Premier Division so far, they were all out for a below-par 181 at Broad Lane on Saturday.

Grappers, choosing first bat on a firm and quick track, lost wickets regularly and were soon 31 for 3, although in-form Adam Roylance was looking solid when joined by Mike Sambell.

The pair reached 91 when Sambell was out for 32, and the in-form Josh McClelland came in.

The partnership progressed steadily until at 141 Roylance was the fifth to fall, having made 63.

Thereafter there was a flurry of lower order wickets, while McClelland stood firm being not out for a patient 35 when the last wicket fell.

The Nantwich openers started steadily, putting on 64 for the first wicket when Steve Southward broke the partnership but proved costly in his three overs.

Possibly with one eye on the weather Nantwich then cut loose, and a partnership of 99 took them to the brink of victory when McClelland, Grappenhall’s most economic bowler broke through.

However, the visitors wasted no time in reaching their target in only the 38th over.

Of note, by design or otherwise, there seemed to be excessive use of the short ball by Grappenhall, which was severely dealt with.

A couple of chances that went down in the field were costly too.