GRAPPENHALL remain deep in relegation trouble after a crushing home defeat to Chester Boughton Hall.

They had restricted the Cheshire County League’s reigning champions to a modest total of 180 all out at Broad Lane, with Sam Guest starring with the ball as he took 4-22.

In response, however, Grappers’ batting collapsed as they were unable to apply any pressure before being bowled out for 80, resulting in a 100-run defeat.

The seconds were also defeated by their Chester Boughton Hall counterparts away from home as their hosts cantered to a 92-run win.

Chester posted an imposing 236-5 and Grappers never really got close, eventually succumbing for 144 despite a well-worked 50 from James Rooney.

The thirds were involved in a frenetic game against Stockport, with Ross Arrowsmith hitting an excellent 50 as they posted 214-5.

Stockport’s chase started brilliantly, but the introduction of Matt Brady and Neil Titchard changed the game in Grappers’ favour.

They picked up three wickets each to ensure Stockport were clinging on for a draw by the close, eight wickets down and 30 runs short of their target.

Meanwhile, Appleton extended their unbeaten streak to three games despite a frustrating draw at Chester County Officers.

Andy Thomas and Amir Aslam took three wickets each to restrict the hosts to 142-9, but tight bowling from Chester in reply meant Appleton lost wickets trying to keep up with the run rate.

They eventually finished 16 runs short of their target, resulting in a share of the spoils.

The seconds fell to a six-wicket defeat to Chester Boughton Hall’s thirds despite posting 226-7 batting first, with Ian Mason top-scoring with 67 while Josh Coghlan, 41, provided valuable support.

Appleton’s thirds were beaten comfortably at Urmston as Danny Oliver’s unbeaten 42 went unsupported as the visitors were dismissed for just 135, a total the hosts chased down for the loss of just three wickets.

The fourths let slip an opportunity for victory when they allowed Frodsham’s seconds to finish on 160-9 despite having them 83-7.

The batsmen could only muster 113 all out in response at Grange Sports and Social Club.

Appleton Tigers made it through to the semi-finals of their Knockout Cup competition with a convincing win over Stockport Georgians.

Three wickets from Nat Long and two from Annie Rashid restricted Stockport to 53-8 from their 20 overs before Holly McCurrie took command with the bat.

She reached the retirement score of 26, leaving Rashid and Chris McLean to see the Tigers home.