AN excellent batting effort allowed Grappenhall Cricket Club’s first team to continue their return to form on Saturday.

In a rain-affected clash with Marple, they chased down a tricky target of 177 for victory with just two wickets lost.

Earlier, Adam Roylance was the pick of the bowlers with 3-17 from his seven overs.

Meanwhile, the seconds were forced to settle for a draw with Heaton Mersey as they stuttered in pursuit of 172 for victory.

Ben Clissold’s quickfire 44 got them close but they ultimately closed nine wickets down and nine runs shy of their target.

That came days after they reached finals day of the T20 competition by beating Premier Division side Neston.

Steve Rooney’s 76 and 73 from Ben Bodha allowed them to reach an impressive 173-1 batting first before the bowlers dismissed Neston for 123.