THE Groves overcame adversity to continue their fine Meller Braggins League Division Three form on Saturday.
Martin Flanagan’s side beat the rain and the clock to record an excellent four-wicket home win over old adversaries Over Peover.
It looked like no play was going to be possible after a massive pre-match downpour left puddles on the square.
But a mammoth mop-up operation meant play eventually got under way at 3.05pm with the match reduced to 38 overs per side.
Mike Garvey, who got married on the day, was absent along with his best man Mark Evans, in addition to Nick Brimble and Vipul Jindal.
The under-strength Groves were therefore always going to be up against it and their fortunes showed no signs of improving after they won the toss and invited their high-flying visitors to bat.
Over Peover recovered well from losing an early wicket to Damian Walters (1-39) and a big total was seemingly in the offing as they raced to 85-1.
But after Mike Buckley (1-21) and Steven Aldcroft (4-33) stemmed the flow of runs, Nathan Evans (3-7) joined the party to ensure the Knutsford outfit lost their last six wickets for just 22 as they were bowled out for 138.
More rain in the changeover left The Groves with just 30 overs in which to score the 139 needed.
Mike Caulfield (48) and Byron Ward (29) gave the hosts the perfect start, sharing a partnership worth more than 50 runs after Flanagan (7) went early.
Over Peover fought back with a string of quick wickets and with eight overs to go they were in the ascendency. But Dale Cook (24) and Walters (19no) had other ideas.
They combined opportunist hitting with positive running between the wickets to take the reply to 140-6 with 10 balls to spare, Cook finishing things off in style with a six.
Captain Flanagan said: “There were a few nerves jangling toward the end and we just left Dale and Damian to play their own game and they were outstanding.
“It was a great win and we’re playing some good cricket.”
Groves visit leaders Chelford on Saturday.
Ellesmere Port’s clash at home to Wistaston Village on Saturday was rained off.
Port return to Cheshire Alliance Division One action away to Bowdon Vale this Saturday.
