Table-topping seconds too strong for visitors

SECOND XI VS GRAPPENHALL

- JON CURWEN

MACCLESFIELD seconds were away at Grappenhall and bowled first after skipper Adam Longshaw won the toss.

Grappenhall got off to a reasonable start in terms of scoring rate in the early overs although opening bat Pomfret was taking risks with almost every shot in contrast to teammate McKeena who was watchful in defence. Pomfret’s luck ran out with the score on 21 as chipped up a catch off bowler Jack Kelly that was taken well by a diving Tom Radley.

Grappenhall rebuilt as Radage entered at number 3, looking composed. Radage played some confident shots and looked untroubled until he cut a ball from Ben Framer that was smartly taken low down at gully by Jacob Tidswell. With Radage out for 21, Grappenhall were 46-2.

At the end of Farmer's spell, left-armer Austin Ventre was introduced into the attack on his Saturday debut for Macc.

He struck immediately, swinging a full-length ball back into the stumps to trap McKenna plumb in front.

Things got even better for Ventre and Macc as he bowled Rowlands and then Roberts to drop Grappenhall in deep trouble at 55-5.