GRAPPENHALL’S destiny is in their own hands after Gaz Burn's hat-trick wrapped up a crucial victory at struggling Bowdon.

Saturday’s 37-run win moves Grappers up to seventh in the Cheshire County League Premier Division with a 24-point cushion between them and the relegation places.

Heavy morning rain reduced the game to 36 overs per side but, having chosen to bat first on a difficult pitch, Grappers openers Jamie Bye (34) and James McCoy (22) got off to good starts.

Both fell in quick succession and that set the tone as only skipper Adam Roylance (27) and Luke McCoy (17) showed any form with the bat as the innings crumbled to 139 all out.

If they were to stand a chance of defending their total, Grappers needed quick wickets and that was exactly what they delivered.

The home side collapsed to 56-6, with Arran McCabe (4-24) doing most of the damage.

Despite losing overseas player Owen Lynch to a dislocated shoulder while fielding, Grappers wrapped up the innings in style.

The final three Bowdon batsmen then fell to Burns in successive deliveries as they were dismissed for 102 to secure a vital 25 points for the visitors.

Meanwhile, the seconds continued their promotion push with a convincing victory over their Bowdon counterparts at Broad Lane.

Grappers bowled first and Ross Arrowsmith (3-33) was the pick of the attack as they restricted Bowdon to 137-9.

Arthur Pennington then took over as the star of the show, hitting a magnificent 101 not out as the hosts cruised to a nine-wicket win.

The thirds were able to bat out a draw against title favourites Sale having faltered in response to the home side’s total of 185-6.

Having been reduced to 13-3 in response, Grappers’ prospects looked bleak but they dug in for a share of the spoils.

On Saturday, the firsts welcome Didsbury to Broad Lane while the seconds make the short trip to neighbours Widnes.