SKIPPER Mike Caulfield admitted Groves were outplayed in every department on Saturday as they lost at Over Peover.

The Ellesmere Port outfit are still searching for their first victory of the TACS Partnership Cheshire League Division Three campaign.

Table-toppers Over Peover made 220-3 before bowling Groves out for 82.

Caulfield said: “We were outplayed in all departments by a very good Peover outfit. The bowling could have been better but against two batsman who got themselves in and then took full advantage, it was hard going. Was always going to be difficult chasing a large target.”

Grey skies and rain greeted Groves’ players on their arrival and, after a delay which meant the loss of eight overs from the game, Caulfield’s wretched run of luck at the toss continued as Peover won it and elected to bat first.

Martin Flanagan (1-67) claimed an early wicket but an afternoon of toil in the field followed.

Peover’s second-wicket pair put on a stand of 131 before Caulfield (2-24) intervened. The hosts ended up declaring after 37 overs, leaving Groves with a big total to chase.

Mike Garvey (47) and Nick Brimble (3) set about the mammoth task and were going well at 38- 0, until Brimble was stumped. The wheels then came off for the away team, who dipped to 62-6 before losing their final four wickets for just 20 runs.

Groves host Stockport Trinity on Saturday.

In the Cheshire Alliance, Ellesmere Port drew at Wilmslow Wayfarers in Division One.

The visitors opted to bat first and made 183-8, thanks to fine contributions by opener James Gatrell (78) and Gareth Boys (54). In reply, the Wayfarers made it to 163-5 (Paul Betteridge 2-21).

The Port host Wilmslow on Saturday.

In Division Three, Capenhurst lost at home to Hartford, who made 112-3 in reply to the hosts’ 108-8.