GRAPPENHALL first XI were defeated in their opening game of the new cricket season.

They posted an impressive 233-4 at Urmston with a much-changed side that included Australian quick bowler Nick Woods but the total proved not to be enough.

Urmston lost several early wickets and Grappers had the hosts at 55-4 but their middle order dug in and saw the home side over the line with eight balls remaining, for the loss of seven wickets.

Adam Roylance was the pick of the bowlers with 4-52, while on the scoring front Grant Hodnett racked up 112 and Albert Pennington contributed a valuable 45.

It was not the start the firsts wanted but plenty of positives to take out of it ahead of their first home game of 2022 against Marple on Saturday in Cheshire County Cricket League Division One.

The seconds got off to the perfect start with a five-wicket win at home to Marple.

The visitors only posted 163-7, largely thanks to the excellent bowling of Matt Titchard with 4-22 off his 15 overs.

Grappers knocked off the total with 10 overs to spare for the loss of five wickets, with Josh Hayes finishing on 63 not out.

They travel to Stockport Georgians on Saturday.

The thirds got off to a winning start in their T20 Cup campaign against Ashley, with a dominant performance.

Grappers posted 179-4 off their 20 overs and dismissed the hosts for only 110.

Ben Clissold top scored with 74 off only 42 balls, ably supported by several promising junior players.

An interesting note from the weekend is that all Grappers' home games were live streamed on the club's YouTube channel.

The first XI game this Saturday will also be live streamed.