Groundsman Andy Horsfield played through the pain barrier but was able to force a smile after playing a key role to help Timperley seconds go back to the top of the table.

The club's groundsman hasn't been at his happiest so far in this rain hit season with him battling against the odds to make the pitches playable all summer.

But on Saturday, in only his second match of the campaign, the spin bowler picked up four wickets for just 23 runs off eleven overs as the all-conquering second team restricted Marple to 165.

Afterwards Andy said: "I'm over the moon even though my back is killing me as I've been so busy on the pitches and not had that much time to play."

Timperley toiled to surpass the visitors total with Tom Matthews the star of the show hitting an unbeaten 70 to ensure the win by three wickets.

Nathan Brown, the first team's accomplished spinner also picked up four wickets against Alderley Edge who scored 236.

Timperley managed to come away with a draw and 10 points in the rain affected game.
Pacemen Callum Yates and Jonathan Fowler set the tone well but it was Brown who was the top performing bowler for the visitors.

In response, Timperley’s chase was never really allowed to get underway as the game continually lost overs because of rain. This eventually left Timperley 24 overs to reach the magic number of 142 for the winning draw. Despite their gallant efforts Timperley firsts had to settle for a losing draw.

Two of the club's fast improving teenagers Dylon Parekh and Jamie Spencer were in excellent form for the Timperley fifth team who put Sale thirds to the sword on Sunday.

Parekh, who used to play for Sale, was just eight runs short of his first senior club century as Timperley posted the team's biggest total of the year 238.

The visitors struggled to get anywhere near that target especially with fast bowler Spencer, celebrating recently being signed for Huddersfield Town, recording his career best figures of 6 wickets for 32 runs as Sale were all out for 144.