PROMOTION-chasing Groves got back to winning ways on Saturday at Appleton.
Despite a late call-up for under 15s skipper Jack Finlay, the team was focused on arrival, knowing they needed a victory to get their faltering season back on track in Division One of the Cheshire Alliance.
Garvey took to the field, damp after an evening of heavy rain, and Damien Walters relished the conditions, taking 4-40.
A slump in the bowling allowed Appleton to put some runs on the board but the fielding performance of debutant Finlay stood out.
Garvey brought himself into the bowling attack and immediately had results, taking 4-36. as Appleton were bowled out for 162.
The Groves batting line-up, brittle of late, opened solidly, Mark Evans riding his luck early on as he rediscovered his form (40).
Darren Green (39) joined Patrick Hickey and started to build some runs.
After Green was dismissed lbw Hickey held the innings together, posting 42 as Groves won by six wickets with 163-4.
“It was an excellent and well timed knock from young Paddy,” said Garvey.
“I think on the whole we deserved the victory. We controlled 90% of the game and with the youngsters in the team, now is the time for them to step up.
“A word of praise to young Jack, called up at the last minute.
“He was probably the best out fielder on the day.
“The way we constructed the batting innings however, particularly after our recent performances, was superb.
“Mark held it together at the top, Paddy took it home and Daz did what he does well. All in all very good performance and not a minute to soon.”
