THE Groves ended a season-long eight-game losing streak with a draw against Chelford in the Meller Braggins League on Saturday.
The side was strengthened with the return of captain Mike Garvey as well as Martin Flanagan, Tony King, Mike Piercy and Vipal Jindal.
Groves batted first and lost opener Garvey with only four runs on the board. However, they recovered thanks to a partnership between Martin Flanagan (49) and Dominic Green (35).
Tony King (41) added 58 with Flanagan before he was trapped LBW. Groves ended their innings well, thanks to some good strokes and running. They finished on 202-7 (Damien Walters 24no).
In reply, visitors Chelford started well before Walters (1-40) took the first wicket with the score on 47.
Piercy (1-38) then took the key wicket of former Pakistan international Shahid Mahboob (48), who was caught by Garvey. Chelford continued to score at a good rate before Vipal Jindal (3-28) was brought into the attack to break a good partnership.
Play was disrupted when rain caused the players to leave the field. When it resumed, Chelford needed 80 off the remaining nine overs. The visitors were looking to secure maximum batting points but Garvey (2-56) and Vindal continued to take wickets, giving Groves a chance of victory with the score at 150-5.
With time running and the game heading for a draw, Groves added two additional bowling points, taking their total to 16. Chelford ended on 174-8.
Skipper Garvey said: “It’s great to finally get a positive result but the signs are good that we can kick on from this and get some more points on the board.
“It was obvious that we’ve built on the positivity of last week.”
This Saturday The Groves make the relatively short trip to Stretton (1.30pm start).
