DESPITE another defeat on Saturday, Grappenhall were able to move off the bottom of the Cheshire County League Premier Division table.

They were asked to bat first by visitors Marple at Broad Lane, and skipper Adam Roylance took up the mantle from the start by hitting 58.

He was well supported by wicketkeeper Dan Osborne (43) and Albert Pennington (34) as Grappers posted 212-9.

Despite Pennington and Josh Hayes taking two wickets each, Marple knocked off the runs to record a four wicket win but the eight points Grappenhall picked up saw them move off the foot of the league.

The seconds fell to a heavy defeat at their Marple counterparts, who posted a formidable 261-4 from their 50 overs.

Grappers never got close in their response and were skittled for just 110 to seal a 151-run loss.

The thirds suffered a similar fate at Oxton despite four wickets each from David Seed and Ben Bravington helping to dismiss the hosts for a modest 155.

However, Grappers could not chase down their total and could only reach 132.

Appleton closed in on the Cheshire League Division Three promotion places after a 74-run win over Cholmondley at Lyons Lane.

A partnership of 125 between Lee Stoll (69) and Graeme Rowlands (71) rescued the hosts from 33-3 and led them to declare on 234-7.

Appleton’s bowlers then combined to dismiss the visitors for 162 to wrap up victory.

The seconds were beaten away at Cholmondley despite opener Chris Morrison’s half-century as they were bowled out for 141 batting first.

Cholmondley were 70-5 at one point but they eventually got home with three wickets to spare.

The thirds came out on top in a thrilling run chase against Lindow’s thirds, who had posted 241-5 in their innings.

John Nesbitt (74) and Mike Arnold (42) set Appleton up before Luke Mannion blasted an unbeaten 6 from 57 balls to get them over the line with two wickets to spare.

Appleton Tigers moved clear at the top of the Cheshire Women’s Cricket League Division One after a resounding 10-wicket win over Ashton-on-Mersey.

After restricting Ashton to just 80 from their 40 overs, Emma Barlow and Jess Lewis made light work of the target, coasting home in just 15 overs.

Warrington had Cheshire League Division One leaders Lindow hanging on to claim a draw at Walton Lea on Saturday.

After being put into bat, the hosts set about racking up a huge score, with South African Jon Fletcher to the fore.

His superb knock of 101 was backed up by an unbeaten 69 from Malcolm Agar as Warrington closed on 238-6.

Rob Batey led the way with the ball as he ripped through the Lindow batting to claim 5-42.

Brad McIntosh also chipped in with two wickets, but the visitors clung on for a draw after finishing on 190-8.