GROVES stretched out their lead in the Cheshire Cricket Alliance Division One with a comprehensive away victory over Frodsham.

With just five games to play, they hold a 31-point advantage over nearest title challengers Langley.

The weekend’s win, a four-wicket victory over Frodsham gained them 20 points, while Langley could manage only a draw, failing to bowl out their opponents Rylands.

Having won the toss and deciding to bowl, they did not make any early inroads until both Frodsham openers were dismissed within an over of each other, with Mike Garvey and Jonathan Ball getting the vital breakthroughs.

The next pair then put on another 30 until Steven Aldcroft trapped Matt Williamson leg-before, his first of three wickets on the day.

After a smart run-out by Keith Garratt, Frodsham collapsed, as Garvey, brought back into the attack, took three quick wickets.

From a steady 73-3, they found themselves floundering on 79-8 and only a quick 11 from last man Martin Dodd saw them reach 106 all out.

Chasing a less than impressive total, Groves had plenty of time to make 107, but openers Mark Evans and Byron Ward were dismissed early, with number four Dale Cook dismissed for a duck.

Aided by decent knocks from Tony King and Garvey, Darren Green steadied the ship with a measured innings of 44, getting the Groves within striking distance, with Ball knocking the winning runs.

Groves will play Stalybridge St. Paul’s away next weekend.