GROVES posted an imposing target but still fell to defeat on Saturday, meaning their search for a first win of the season continues.

The Ellesmere Port side made 193-7 against visitors Chester County Officers, but their local rivals responded with a confident batting display and made it to 194-5.

The result leaves Groves, promoted from the Cheshire Alliance last season, without a win from their first four matches in Division Three of the Meller Braggins League.

Skipper Mike Garvey said: “It’s not often you lose too many games posting 193.

“There are areas we can still improve on and hopefully the first win is just around the corner.”

Cold and blustery conditions greeted the two teams at the start, but the wicket looked a good one so home skipper Garvey opted to bat first after winning the toss.

In tandem with Dominic Green (40), Garvey (34) got Groves off to a solid start.

The openers put on 43 but Graham Dodd (2-17) claimed two wickets as CCO fought back.

Martin Flanagan (22) and Green added 65 for the third wicket, a stand ended when Steve Johnson (3-52) bowled Green.

Groves were 126-3 with 10 overs remaining and they managed to finish on 193-7, thanks mainly to some good scoring lower down the order from Mike Caulfield (38no), Dale Cook (14) and Damian Walters (14no).

When CCO began their reply, Ian Rule (15) and James Bloxall (42) set about the chase.

Damian Walters (0-39) struggled for his early line but Mike Piercy managed the initial breakthrough, getting one to nip back and bowl Rule with the score on 17.

Two balls later, Piercy struck again but this brought Mike Rowlands to the crease – and he went on to make a match-winning 96.

He shared a stand worth 117 with Boxhall, who was eventually trapped LBW by Mike Caulfield (1-11).

The return of Garvey (2-30) resulted in Rowlands departure and Groves were still in the match.

But Steve Johnson (20no) used all his experience in working the ball round.

He teamed up with Mike Jones (16 no) to steer CCO to a five-wicket victory.

Garvey added: “I don’t think we bowled particularly badly. We came up against a good batsman on a good pitch.”

The Groves are at home again this Saturday, entertaining Alderley Park at Chester Road (1.30pm).