THE Groves ended their long wait for a maiden league win of the season – against the top side in the division.

Saturday’s home success over Stretton saw Martin Flanagan’s men open their account in Division Three of the Meller Braggins League.

This summer’s unseasonably wet weather has hindered Groves’ attempts to kick their campaign into life but, after two successive washouts, Saturday’s match was played to a finish.

Flanagan won the toss and put Stretton in to bat a decent, if soft, wicket. Damian Walters (3-9) and Tom Garratt (3-28) opened up the bowling and were unplayable at times as the visitors fell to 42-6.

A brief recovery from Stretton was checked by the introduction of Nick Brimble (4-9) as the away side finished all out for 93 in the 37th over.

The Groves’ reply could not have got off to a worse start as Nathan Evans (0), Martin Flanagan (6) and Dale Cook all perished and the home side were wobbling on 16-3. But Mike Garvey (45no) and Mike Caulfield (40no) came together and added an unbeaten 81 off 21 overs to see their side home to 97-3.

Garvey’s innings contained eight fours and a six, with Caulfield hitting four fours and two sixes.

Flanagan said: “Credit to the two Mikes. They took responsibility for the chase and measured it really well.”

The Groves are away to Pott Shrigley this Saturday.

Ellesmere Port Old Boys’ unbeaten start to the season in the Chester Midweek League has come to an end.

At Gwersyllt Park Colts, the Old Boys were all out for 96 (Mike Caulfield 63).

The hosts responded with 97-3 (Andy Carrington 1-12).

Ellesmere Port host Appleton in Cheshire Alliance Division Two on Saturday. Their home match against Trinity last weekend was cancelled due to the wet weather.