IT was a case of what might have been for both the first and second teams at Grappenhall Cricket Club.

Both sides put on dominant batting displays but then found removing their dogged opponents tricky, resulting in having to settle for draws.

No such problems for the thirds, though, who march on in their T20 competition.

On the road at Congleton, the firsts posted an impressive 284-5 from 50 overs batting first.

Adam Roylance starred with a powerful century as he scored 111 from just 75 balls, with Albert Pennington adding an unbeaten 44.

Sam Guest took four wickets with the ball for Grappers, but the hosts managed to hang on for a draw as they finished on 202-9.

The seconds' match with Upton was strikingly similar, with Ben Bodha's elegant unbeaten century the highlight of a team total of 236-4 while Graeme Rowlands weighed in with 74.

In response, Upton finished on 173-7 as Grappers picked up 14 points. Ben Clissold was pick of the bowlers with three wickets.

On Sunday, the thirds secured their place in the T20 quarter finals later this season by winning their final group game against Bowdon.

Steve Dickson top scored with 45 from 33 deliveries as Grappers posted a solid 133-6 batting first, but the Bowdon reply got off to a flyer as they scored 43 from the first three overs.

The Grappers bowlers hit back to slow the scoring rate, however, and Bowdon were eventually bowled out for 96.

This weekend sees the firsts and seconds take on their counterparts from Sale on Saturday, with the firsts at home and the seconds on the road, while the thirds travel to Alderley Edge on Sunday.