A HALF-CENTURY from Mark Evans and an astonishing bowling display from Mike Garvey powered the Groves to another victory on Saturday.
Visitors Rylands were swept aside as the Groves climbed back to the top of Cheshire Alliance Division One with a fourth win in five matches.
Opener Evans blasted 64no in the first innings but the real star of the show was skipper Garvey, who took an incredible FOUR wickets in consecutive balls.
Rylands were on 61-3, chasing Groves’ 131-9, when Garvey began the 25th over.
A dot ball was followed by a quartet of wickets to leave the visitors reeling at 66-7 – putting Groves on the brink of victory.
Garvey, who finished with match figures of 6-2 from 5.2 overs, said: “I have taken a hat-trick before but never four on the bounce. It was an amazing feeling, but more importantly it presented us with another victory.”
After winning the toss, Rylands had opted to bowl first. But while Dom Green was removed for just two, fellow opener Evans stood firm and provided the foundation for Groves’ score of 131-9.
It was a good job Evans was in sparkling form as those around him struggled, only Dale Cook (11) and Patrick Hickey (10) reaching double figures.
In reply, Rylands were even more uncertain with the bat than the Groves.
Damien Walters (1-13) struck early to leave them 0-1, but then second-wicket pair Ian Mason (34) and Eddie Platt (14) made runs to take the score to 43 before Platt was bowled by Mike Caulfield (3-23).
When Knowles went to leave Rylands 61-3, it left the path clear for Garvey to weave his magic.
Seven Rylands players recorded ducks as they ended up all out for 73.
This Saturday Groves are away to third-placed Woodford in a top of the table showdown.
