Honours Even at Parkgate!

An excellent game of cricket, with a tense finish, saw Marple and Neston draw at the scenic Parkgate ground on Saturday. 

Yet another wet Friday evening and Saturday morning in this season of 2014 saw a delay to the start of play at Neston. The game was reduced to 50 overs per side, and Mark Bennett asked his opposite number, David Hurst, to bat on winning the toss. Matt Whittaker was on the mark as usual, and he managed to beat the bat on a number of occasions, the ball often carrying to keeper Makin at waist height or above. Paul Wood, once again, provided useful support, although on this occasion, despite testing the Neston openers Smith and Williams, the wickets eluded him. Williams (12) was lbw to Whittaker at 17, and then Smith (13) was well caught by Jake Warner at mid off when he mistimed a drive. Whittaker was proving to be a handful for the home side, but skipper Hurst and his partner, the hard hitting Will Evans, began a fine partnership for the third wicket, first with excellent running between the wickets, and then, when they had settled, with attractive strokeplay. Evans was not afraid to take the aerial route, with lofted driven boundaries. Hurst was happier to rotate the strike, and then put away the loose deliveries when they arrived. He swept Greasley, who replaced Wood for fours to the leg side boundary. Marple were doing well in the field without being at their clinical best. Whittaker was rested after a fine, long opening spell of 2 for 27 from 12 overs. It was tough for first change Chris Barlow to bowl at two set batsmen, and Evans was harsh on the young seamer, Barlow being removed from the attack after only three overs that cost him 23 runs. 

Andy Greasley was not quite at his best, but he battled away valiantly today. His persistence was rewarded when the dangerous Evans (35) was safely caught by Jimmy Ormond at slip at 91 for 3. At this point, Hurst attempted to take the game away from Marple, whist the experienced Richard Wilkinson played himself in. The pair added 38 quick runs, Hurst smiting two sixes, before Greasley bowled the home captain for a fine 52 at 129 for 4. Greasley picked up a couple of further wickets before Ash Davies joined Wilkinson. Once again, the running between the wickets was excellent, and although Jimmy Ormond made the odd delivery behave alarmingly, consistency eluded him on this occasion. Wilkinson (46 not out) struck at the right moments to take Neston to, what seemed to players and spectators, an above par score of 197 for 6 after the 50 overs. He memorably hit Ormond for two successive sixes over the pavilion. Davies (23 not out) was excellent in support. For Marple, Greasley stuck to his guns and finished with 4 for 67 from 17 overs.  

Neston have a more than useful seam attack, and former Cheshire opening bowler, the tall Chris Finegan was keen to get the ball in his hands, believing that there was assistance for him on this pitch. He soon had Crisall (2) caught behind by keeper Williams with Marple just 5 for 1. Mark Makin and Jake Warner both looked secure though, and the pacy Davis was put away for boundaries by both players. Wilkinson replaced Davis, and was promptly driven gloriously through extra cover by Makin (18) for four. The batsman attempted to repeat the shot a few deliveries later, but missed and lost his leg stump, much to the delight of the bowler. Andrew Hall, in next, likes batting at Neston, and he played the two shots of day. The first was a classical extra cover drive off Wilkinson from the first ball he received. This shot drew gasps of admiration from the visiting supporters, and a look of disbelief from the bowler, a former Cheshire colleague of Hall. Hall then played responsibly alongside the emerging Warner, who was immaculate in defence and timed the ball sweetly when playing an attacking stroke. It was something of a surprise when Warner (18) edged the accurate Finegan to the keeper at 54 for 3. Mark Bennett (8) did not really settle on this occasion, and he too edged Finegan, this time to slip where Sykes took the catch. Marple were now tottering at 68 for 4. Paul Wood was a commanding presence at number six though. He was solid in defence, and he and Hall began to rebuild the Marple response. The cricket was of a high standard, with Hurst rotating his bowlers once Finegan was rested after a high class spell of 3 for 21 from 13 overs. Both Wilkinson and slow left armer Stimson had to be watched carefully, the pitch offering assistance to both bowlers. Hall was in top class touch, and Wood too began to look increasingly impressive. The fifty stand came up after sensible application, and when Hall sensed the time to accelerate, he played the second of his shots of the day, and effortless six over long off from Stimson, the ball sailing into the road. Hurst had, by now, gone totally onto the defensive with five men on the boundary edge for all bowlers. This was slightly surprising, as well though his side fielded, he took away the chance to pick up wickets, instead, waiting for a batsmen error. It looked as though he would be happy with a draw. With just twenty needed, Hall mistimed a sweep from Stimson, and was brilliantly caught at deep square leg by Sykes. His fine innings of 69 showed that he still has few equals in the league. Ormond then helped Wood add 13 more before he was bowled by Stimson. Eight were needed from Wilkinson’s final over with Wood on strike. No run was possible from the first ball, but the second, a wide delivery was superbly stopped by Williams. However, non striker Whittaker charged down the pitch in an attempt to steal a single. Wood looked up, aghast at his partner’s actions, then vainly tried to make his ground at the bowler’s end. He had no chance, and was run out for 51, an innings full of character and excellent strokeplay. Although Whittaker and Pearson managed six runs from the final four deliveries, Marple finished on 196 for 7, and a nailbiting draw. 

This was a terrific match, and the closest of the season. Neston’s superb ground fielding ultimately gained them the draw after the high class partnership of 109 for the fifth wicket by Hall and Wood threatened victory for Marple.

 Marple may not be able to win the league this season, but they can have a say in it. Next week they entertain champions, second placed Chester Boughton Hall at Bowden Lane, and then in the final match, travel the short distance to league leaders Hyde. Both games start at 12.00 noon.
 

A vintage knock of 71 not out from the evergreen Gary Cash took Marple seconds to victory over Neston seconds on Saturday in a game reduced to forty over per side. Cash was at his savage best as he helped his team overhaul a total of 138 for victory in only 27 overs. Skipper Andy Wild, with 25 not out added useful support. Earlier, George Clarke with 5 for 34, and Greg Marsland 3 for 39 had been excellent in bowling out the visitors relatively cheaply. 

A demob happy Marple fourth team were soundly beaten by nine wickets by Hale Barns thirds on Sunday at Bowden Lane. This solitary defeat should not take too much gloss over the fourth team’s season though. Rick Major could not inspire his team today despite making a terrific 57 out of 139 all out. Only Andy Gichero, with 24, was able to give any support. The visitors cruised to victory with plenty of overs to spare. After the game, Major was presented with the champion’s shield to great applause.  Once again, many congratulations on the title and promotion! 

James Hirst’s third eleven ended their season with a ten wicket thrashing at Sunday premier league champions Cheadle. The side were bowled out for 134, David Brook top scoring with 44. Cheadle’s openers knocked off the runs in quick time to leave Marple sweating for a couple more weeks before knowing their fate for next season.

Seventh Heaven for Marple!

Marple 120 for 3 (38.1 overs) 25 points beat Oxton 116 all out (43.4 overs) 1 point by seven wickets.

Win number seven of the 2014 season was the most welcome of all, as it pretty much ensured premier league cricket for Marple in 2015.

Mark Bennett won a crucial toss, and his opening attack of Matt Whittaker and Paul Wood did him proud. Wood, opening up in place of the injured Wylie, was in particularly determined mood. He soon had the important wickets of Cashin and Worcestershire man Choudhry. With Whittaker his usual accurate self, struggling Oxton could make no headway. However, from the depths of 24 for 6, Gayon Fernando (45) and James O'Neill (26) added 70 precious runs for the seventh wicket. Marple's batting in the second half of this season has been of the Jekyll and Hyde variety, so the visitors would have been glad to post a score of 116 all out, despite leaving eleven and a bit overs unused. For Marple, Wood was excellent with 3 for 18 from ten overs. He was well supported by Whittaker with 2 for 23 from 13, and Andy Greasley, back amongst the wickets, with 2 for 11 from 11 miserly overs. Jake Warner also boosted his confidence with two run outs, whilst stand in keeper James Morgan had two good catches behind the stumps.

The home batting performance was in reverse to the previous week at Bramhall. Openers, Morgan and Crisall fell early, with the reliable Fernando on the mark as usual. Alex Money did a useful job in support, and the pressure was on Marple. Skipper Bennett wisely kept himself and Wood in reserve today, knowing that his batting line up was inexperienced with Andrew Hall and Mark Makin absent.

Jake Warner and Andy Mummery both grasped the situation though, which was the most pleasing aspect for Marple. The early jitters of 14 for 2 were gradually replaced with relief as 31 runs were added, the ball gradually losing its hardness. Mummery fell lbw to Fernando at 45 for 3, but unfortunately for lowly Oxton, this only brought a determined Mark Bennett to the crease. The Marple skipper, buoyed by the fielding performance and Warner's resolve, gradually took command. The two former Loughborough men shared in the most important stand of the season for Marple. Adding an unbroken 75 for the third wicket, they took Marple to victory, with a possible 28 overs remaining. Warner, in his best knock for the club ended 50 not out, and Bennett 47 not out.

This was an excellent win for Marple against a revitalised Oxton. The defeat however, leaves the visitors in serious relegation trouble. Next week, Marple visit the other Wirral club Neston, in what is always an eagerly awaited fixture. Marple are up to fifth in the premier league.

Marple seconds were defeated by five wickets at Macclesfield on Saturday. Although Mark Nicholson, skipper Andy Wild and Joe Yates all reached the thirties, a score of 140 was never enough. George Clarke, with three wickets toiled hard for Marple, but the home side gained a comfortable victory. In Wild's defence, his side has been decimated with cry offs in recent weeks, and there has been no chance of any continuity whatsoever. The twos are in the bottom half of the table, but there are no worries regarding relegation.

Marple thirds put up the club's highest total of the season at Bowden Lane on Sunday with a massive 254 for 8, Will Darby 98 not out, and Andy Massey 86. However, Toft romped home by nine wickets in a batting exhibition from their young players. 255 for 1 was superb reply by the visitors, showing the club's faith in budding talent to be yielding success.

Rick Major deserves every accolade for leading his fourth team to the Cheshire Sunday East Division Two title and promotion. Inevitably, the fourths have had a large turnover of players, but Major has given players a game and created a mixture of competitiveness and enjoyment of the game for its own sake. Players, young and not so young, have all contributed to a first class season. Bravo everyone involved!

Bramhall Spin Twins Too Hot To Handle!

Bramhall 154 all out (55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 92 all out (32.2 overs) 4 points by 62 runs.

Marple suffered a dispiriting collapse against Bramhall off spinners, Simon Wilkinson and Vishai Tripathi on Saturday. This, after they had put up a fine performance in the field to dismiss the home side for 154. 

A strong and cool breeze from the northwest greeted the players at Bramhall’s picturesque ground, and it felt as though autumn had come early. Nick Cantello won the toss and elected to bat first in testing conditions. Home groundsman, Richard Cragg had done well to prepare a good track after wet conditions earlier in the week and the outfield was also in top class condition. Although Matt Begbie took a couple of early boundaries from Andy Wylie, it was Marple’s excellent opening attack that soon got on top. Wylie is always at the stumps, and today the top three Bramhall batsmen were all palpably lbw to this excellent seam bowler. First it was star man Begbie (9), and then Tripathi (0) first ball. The battling Hughes (13) went at 45 for 3

When Jamieson (3) was yorked by Whittaker at 48 for 4, Marple scented blood. However, Lancashire Academy and county second eleven player Daniel Lamb was carefully playing himself in. First with skipper Cantello (15), he steadied the ship. Then he received useful support from lower order batsmen Kershaw, Reynolds and Wilkinson. Lamb is a talented player, and two shots in particular showed his pedigree. One was a superbly timed on drive from Barlow, and the other an effortless six, stroked over long on as he shimmied down the pitch to Greasley. He also played a couple of cheeky reverse sweeps, but trying a third off Jimmy Ormond, he was brilliantly stumped by keeper Makin. His fine innings of 62 was far and away the highest of the day. Bramhall were probably fairly happy with 154 at tea in demanding batting conditions. For Marple, Wylie had 3 for 36, Ormond 3 for 25, in a useful late spell, and Whittaker 2 for 31. Mark Makin also had three victims behind the stumps, his taking of the ball immaculate throughout. 

When Morgan and Makin despatched some wayward early bowling from West and Lamb, there was no hint of the calamity to come. Morgan drove gloriously through the covers, and both players pulled some short deliveries fiercely to the boundary. Forty runs came up in rapid time, and the home supporters began to wear some anxious looks. However, as soon as Wilkinson was introduced, the whole tone of the game changed. He dropped right onto a taxing length, never quite there for the batsmen to drive. Makin (19) was caught at slip and then similar to last week, his partner Morgan (21) fell soon afterwards, again caught at slip off Lamb. Marple were 46 for two, but with two in form men at the crease in Hall and Bennett. However, a third brilliant one handed slip catch by Cantello saw the back of the Marple skipper. Wood and Hall then looked secure as Tripathi replaced Lamb. Hall (15) seemed determined not to let the former Northants man settle. Unfortunately, he mistimed an extravagant drive, and was caught at extra cover by Jamieson at 71 for 4. The recalled James Crisall then ran himself out. He was keen to try and keep the score ticking, but he picked the wrong man to take on as Lamb picked up and then brilliantly hit the stumps at the bowler’s end with a direct hit. Ormond then became the second former county player to be dismissed first ball when he was lbw to Tripathi. Marple’s last hope, Wood (10) was then bowled by Tripathi at 78 for 7. A couple of lusty blows from Greasley and Wylie did not hold up Bramhall for long. All ten wickets had fallen for only 52, as a dismal collapse to only 92 all out was completed in the 33^rd over. Tripathi, putting his first ball dismissal behind him, had 5 for 24 from only 9 overs, and Wilkinson, hardly bowling a single loose delivery, 3 for 17 from 13.2. 

This was a depressing defeat for Marple at the hands of old rivals Bramhall.  They will hope to bounce back at home next week to Oxton, start 12.30pm. 

Marple seconds lost by 8 wickets at home to Didsbury to complete a miserable Saturday for the club. Only Andy Bell, with 40, was able to get going in a disappointing total of 122. The visitors cruised home for the loss of only two wickets. 

The third team’s game with Nantwich was called off without a ball being bowled on Sunday after heavy rain.

Fourth team game also called of due to the weather. 

Stubborn Panda Frustrates Dominant Marple!

Marple 236 for 9 (55 overs) 14 points drew with Urmston 187 for 8 (55 overs) 7 points

A rearguard defensive innings from Urmston’s Sumit Panda kept a resurgent Marple side at bay at Moorside Road Urmston last Saturday.

On winning the toss, Marple skipper Mark Bennett elected to bat first on a glorious early August afternoon. The Urmston ground looked in superb condition, with the outfield resembling a bowling green, and the wicket firm, but having a greenish colour to it. Mark Makin’s opening partner today was James Morgan, and he was able to watch a fair number of deliveries from Urmston skipper, and Cheshire opening bowler, Adam Sydall, pass harmlessly by the off stump. Makin then eagerly tucked into some erratic bowling from Sydall’s partner Sumit Panda, effortlessly driving him twice through the covers.

Makin was the dominant batsman in a good opening stand for the visitors, and Sydall stood in mid pitch looking in disbelief, as the Marple keeper took him for two boundaries in an over with quality strokes. Morgan was never fluent, surviving a couple of appeals from Panda, but he hung in there to support Makin as the fifty was raised in good time. Sydall was bowling in an essentially defensive manner, with a field of seven on the off and just two on the leg. He made little attempt to attack the stumps, being content to wait for a mistake from the batsmen. Panda had been inconsistent, and after five overs that cost him 29 runs, he was replaced by the young leg spinner Matt Parkinson. Parkinson is in confident mood at present, and he has enjoyed recent success with Staffordshire and Lancashire’s second eleven. He was also celebrating his call up to the England under 17 squad, a terrific achievement. Parkinson settled well, but his first wicket was a fortunate one, as Makin pulled a long hop to mid wicket where Downes took a good catch. A fluent 40 runs this for the back to form Makin. There was no luck attached to Parkinson’s second wicket though, as the battling Morgan (16) edged a beautifully pitched leg spinner to slip one run later. Marple were 58 for 2, and with two new batsmen at the crease.

Andrew Hall then continued his good form, and skipper Bennett carefully played himself in. Runs began to flow again from both batsmen, and a good travelling Marple support began to enjoy the best partnership of the afternoon. The pair added 97 excellent runs in quick time, with Hall being dominant against Parkinson, hoisting a huge six, and cleverly picking out the gaps in the field. Bennett also cut twice to the cover boundary, and a huge Marple total beckoned. However, both batsmen would have been disappointed at being dismissed after reaching fine half centuries. First, Hall (51) was well caught by Jackson at long off, trying to hit Parkinson for a further six, at 155 for 3, then Bennett (54) misread the length from Sydall’s replacement, Jibran Khan, and was bowled at 172 for 4. Paul Wood, mixing defence with aggression then played a fine knock of 41, although his partners at the other end did not always give him the best support. Wickets fell steadily, and Marple probably felt that they were about par with 236 for 9 at tea on a normally high scoring ground. For Urmston, off spinner Khan was the pick with 5 for 58 from 16 overs, always needing to be watched with care. Parkinson kept going valiantly, ending with 4 for 88 from 21 overs.

On the resumption, Callum Turner looked to be in good touch as he took early boundaries off both Whittaker and Wylie. However, both bowlers soon found a testing line and length, showing that there was movement to be had on this pitch if the old fashioned virtues of attacking the stumps were followed. Wylie struck first, producing a beauty to have the fluent Turner caught behind by Makin for 29 at 34 for 1.  Turrell did not last long, being comprehensively bowled by the same bowler at 42 for 2. Whittaker got in on the act when Makin took another catch to remove the struggling Downes at 52 for 3. Panda then joined Lewis Jackson, and they looked to rebuild the innings. Jackson (25) seemed to be finding his feet when a sensational slip catch from Jimmy Ormond did for him. Jackson aimed a full blooded drive off Whittaker, and the ball flew quickly, inches from the ground. Ormond brilliantly caught the ball right handed as the goodish crowd were looking at the boundary edge. Urmston were now 67 for 4 and in some trouble. Maybe this dismissal coloured Panda’s thinking during the remainder of the innings, for after hitting Greasley for a couple of early fours, he barely played a shot in anger for the next hour and a half. Dickinson (20) played a few bold strokes, but the awaited onslaught never came. 

Bennett shuffled his bowling attack, and all the visiting bowlers did a good job, with Wylie ending with 3 for 58, and Whittaker 2 for 58 from 18 overs of pace and aggression. It was only in the final few overs that Panda (71 not out) unleashed a flurry of boundaries as Marple set ultra attacking fields in an attempt to prise out the last couple of wickets.

This was a strange innings from Panda. One cannot question his undoubted class, but with the Urmston lower order all looking to be useful batters, his early decision to shut up shop was difficult to fathom.

It was, however, a welcome return to form for Marple. Although none of the batsmen went on to a really big score, the top five looked in good order, and the Marple seamers outbowled those from Urmston. Next week they have another away fixture at Bramhall, 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds thrashed Urmston seconds by nine wickets at Bowden Lane. The visitors were routed for only 82, with Greg Marsland having five wickets, and Matthew Shelton three. Although opener George Pearson fell early in the reply, James Crisall and Jake Warner made light of the target with 30 odd apiece. Marple reached 86 for 1 in only the 16^th over. This result further consolidated Andy Wild’s team in the top half of the second eleven premier league.

Torrential rain caused the abandonment of both the third and fourth team’s fixture on Sunday.

Double Frustration For Marple as Rain Intervenes!

Marple v Nantwich match abandoned, both sides 7 points each.

Marple suffered a double dose of anguish after they had agreed to an early abandonment of their home fixture with lowly Nantwich at the scheduled start time of 12.30pm last Saturday.

Firstly, after less than two hours, warm sunshine had rendered the ground fit for play. This was at odds with the weather forecast, which had told of persistent afternoon rain. Secondly, Marple will have been frustrated that an abject Grappenhall side was being soundly thrashed by Hyde at Werneth Low, less than four miles up the road. This means that any hope, however faint, of challenging the top teams for the league this season has almost certainly gone. The next four games are against sides below them, and mid table respectability will now be the aim. Next Saturday they visit unpredictable Urmston, with a 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds began their game late due to heavy rain in the return fixture at Nantwich. After Marple had battled to 53 for 4 from 19 overs, a torrential downpour put an end to proceedings.

Another Fifty Point Sunday as Fourths Close in on Title!

The wet Saturday behind them, Marple’s Sunday teams both put in excellent performances to cheer the club after the previous day’s annoyance.

At home to Bramhall, Luke Greasley was the star with a fantastic 117 in Marple third eleven’s commanding total of 234 for 9. Luke was at his imperious best, bringing up his century with a superb straight six, dispatched out of the ground. This, after Bramhall’s useful opening attack had reduced Marple to 47 for 4. In Bramhall’s reply of 158 all out, all the home bowlers showed up well, particularly skipper Hirst with three wickets, and promising legger Paul Roberts and Callum Jones with two apiece.

There would appear to be no stopping Rick Major’s fourth team picking up the Sunday East Division Two title this season, after they hammered their nearest rivals Bredbury by 96 runs on Sunday. Marple 179, and Bredbury 83 all out. Major’s mix of youth and experience has proved to be unbeatable this season, with Daniel (DD)Davies man of the match, his 29 not out, at number ten, being followed up with 3 for 24 opening the bowling. Two youngsters also caught the eye, with Lewis Braddock top scoring with 37, and the increasingly impressive Tom Travis returning remarkable figures of 4 for 5 in the Bredbury innings. 

Alderley Too Good For Marple!

Alderley Edge 261 for 9 (55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 100 all out (29.4 overs) 4 points by 161 runs

On a glorious July Saturday, Marple were humbled at Moss Lane Alderley Edge by the huge margin of 161 runs. This, after skipper Mark Bennett had asked the home side to bat first. 

The Marple attack managed to keep a lid on proceedings for the first part of the afternoon, with Paul Wood doing a good job by picking up a couple of early wickets, including Cheshire man Calum Rowe. Former Lancashire opener Mark Currie held the innings together with Adam Worrall though, and they added 81 for the third wicket. Marple then looked to be gaining the ascendancy as wickets fell at regular intervals to leave the home side on 151 for 7. There was a maiden first team wicket for Chris Barlow on his debut when he bowled Worrall for 46, and Greasley did likewise, cleaning up Currie for 45. However, the decisive stand of the match between the in form Foreman (64) and Matt Whittaker’s Melbourne colleague Simon O’Brien (59 not out), added 97 for the eighth wicket.  This took the game away from Marple, and a score of 261 for 9 was way above par after a promising start for the visitors. 

After tea, Marple never remotely threatened to challenge this demanding total. James Morgan, with 40, played a lone hand as Marple were bundled out for only 100 in less than thirty overs. For the dominant home side, O’Brien followed up his half century with three top order wickets, and Charlie Reid polished off the tail with a remarkable 4 for 9. 

A heavy defeat this for Marple, and they will need to improve over the coming weeks, starting with a home game against Nantwich next Saturday, 12.30pm start. They remain fifth in the premier league. 

Marple seconds had the better of a drawn game in an excellent game of cricket against Alderley seconds at Bowden Lane on Saturday. A top class batting effort saw Marple reach 219 for 6 after 50 overs, Mark Nicholson 30, George Pearson 30, Andy Wild 53, Gary Cash 48 and Ryan Lindsay 33. Alderley’s last pair of David Johnson and Katie Hazeldine just held on for the draw at 201 for 9, with evergreen left arm spinner Andy Hayes taking 5 for 42. The seconds continue to consolidate their position in the second eleven premier division. 

It was a superb Sunday for Marple as the thirds and fourths both registered victories against their Hyde counterparts. A great team effort saw the threes knock off 237 for 7 to win by three wickets and five overs to spare at Werneth Low. In Hyde’s 236 for 5, James Hirst had 3 for 40, and then in the reply, Mark Nicholson top scored with 56, with David Brook also reaching 50 and Luke Greasley 39. 

In the fourth team’s straightforward eight wicket win, Daniel (DD) Davies had three wickets as Hyde were bowled out for 96. Mike Smith, Paul Roberts and Ben Smith also had two wickets each. In Marple’s 97 for 2, Matt Leech had 41 not out, and stand in skipper Andy Gichero 30 not out. The team remain comfortably top of the league.

Marple Back to Winning Ways at Bowdon!

Marple 136 for 6 (39.3 overs) 25 points beat Bowdon 134 for 8 (55 overs) 4 points by four wickets 

Marple completed a league double over Bowdon with an ultimately comfortable win at South Downs Road on Saturday.

Marple have four of the most accurate bowlers in the league this season, and although openers Whittaker and Wylie were wicketless in the game, they put the Bowdon batsmen, Ball and Tipton, under pressure. 54 runs were added for the first wicket, but Bowdon were behind the clock. Wylie bowled seven overs for only twelve runs, and Whittaker conceded just 23 from his nine. Veteran spin twins Greasley and Ormond then took control of the remainder of the home innings. Ball and Tipton both reached the twenties, but no other batsman was able to make much headway against Greasley in particular. The master craftsman got through 20 overs and finished with the remarkable figures of 5 for 21 with ten maidens. Jimmy Ormond was a little more expensive, but still returned 3 for 64 from 19 overs. The Bowdon lower order showed some resolve to ensure the side batted the full 55 overs for a battling 134 for 8. 

With Mark Makin absent, and Jonny Marshall having spent 55 overs doing a good job as stand in wicket keeper, Marple opened up with Whittaker and Warner. They both fell for seven apiece, but Andrew Hall is back to top form again. He produced, by a long way, the day’s best batting performance with 53 classy runs, being, once again, in total control. First with Mark Bennett (12), and then Paul Wood (21) he took the reply to 89 for four when he was adjudged lbw to the promising Tully. Marple suffered a few jitters along the way, but Andy Mummery (15 not out) and Marshall (6 not out) saw the side over the line in the fortieth over. For Bowdon Tully had 3 for 23 and skipper Edwards 2 for 56. 

A welcome victory this for Marple, and the first league win in four weeks. Next Saturday they entertain Toft who have been on a good run recently, 12.30 start. 

Marple seconds also returned to winning ways with a fine 38 run victory against Cheadle at Bowden Lane on Saturday. After James Crisall fell to the first ball of the game, the innings was rescued by a gutsy knock of 45 from stand in skipper Tim Radford. He received useful support from Joe Cash who made 21. Matthew Shelton and Greg Marsland both reached double figures to ensure that a competitive total of 170 for 9 was reached after the full 50 overs. Ives had 4 for 56 for Cheadle. When Cheadle replied, Chris Barlow bowled with pace and hostility to take two early wickets. With the spinners, Cash and Hayes, then exerting control, Cheadle never threatened the Marple score. Radford sensibly brought Barlow back to clean up the tail, and victory by the margin of 38 runs was achieved after 39 overs. Barlow had the excellent figures of 4 for 20 with Cash and Hayes collecting two wickets apiece. Samuels with 39 was top score for the visitors in their total of 132.

Rick Windsor returned to action with a match winning 52 for the thirds against a good Middlewich third eleven on Sunday at Bowden Lane on Sunday. Middlewich reached 170 with Callum Jones taking five wickets for Marple. The home side got away to a sticky start, but Windsor, first with support from David Brook (20) and then Tom Reeve (40 not out) saw the side home. He was out with twelve runs required, but Reeve boldly hit the winning runs to ensure a four wicket win. 

Rick Major’s table topping fourth team made it a 100 point weekend for Marple when they defeated Woodford thirds by 25 runs. Harry Greasley with 42 was the batting hero as he rescued the Marple innings when they had subsided to 82 for 8. Harry was then the leading wicket taker with three, as Woodford were bowled out for 117. Major and Chris Lees also had two wickets each.

Grappenhall Prevail in Tight Finish!

Grappenhall 198 for 9 (42.2 overs) 25 points beat Marple 195 for 7 (50 overs) 10 points by one wicket. 

A strange game of cricket at Bowden Lane on Saturday saw the visitors complete a league double over Marple with victory by the narrowest of margins. 

Richard Green won an important toss for Grappenhall, and asked Marple to bat first in what were to prove the most testing batting conditions of the day. Overnight rain meant that the game was reduced to 50 overs per side.  Josh McClelland and left arm seamer Sam Guest were right on the spot immediately, extracting movement and bounce.  Batting was a tough business early on as the heavy rain of the preceding eighteen hours had made conditions bowler friendly. Mark Makin grafted hard to see off the new ball, but Jonny Marshall got one from McClelland that lifted nastily off a length. He was caught behind by Grappenhall’s Cumberland wicketkeeper Parkinson. Enter at number three, Andrew Hall. Hall has had limited opportunities this season, but today he looked in prime form. As the sun removed any remaining dampness from the pitch, Hall took total charge despite losing Makin (10) to McClelland and Bennett (0) lbw to Guest when the score reached 23. The Marple outfield was like a fine green carpet, and Hall found the boundary with increasing regularity, although Guest continued with his pinpoint accuracy. Hall memorably hit Guest for a straight six in one of the few scoring strokes conceded by him.  First change bowler Barnes, a six feet eight inch giant was taken apart by Hall with exquisite boundaries all round the wicket. Barnes’ final over went for 18 runs including an effortlessly hooked six. 

Paul Wood began his innings in support of Hall, blossoming as the afternoon went on, and the sun warmed the ground. After Hall, in a superb innings of 77 that included 11 fours and 3 sixes, chipped a full toss from McClelland to Bodha at mid on, Wood (72) came into his own. He had helped Hall add 103 for the fourth wicket, and now took charge, hitting 13 fours of his own.  After he was out caught on the long off boundary, Jake Warner and Matt Whittaker added 22 useful late runs. Marple ended on 195 for 7 at tea and a competitive total. 

The second half of the game was dominated by two Australians. For Marple it was Matt Whittaker, the left arm paceman who bowled with hostility throughout his 15 overs. He had the dangerous McCoy caught behind by Makin to the first ball he received, and then, in his second over, Parkinson was caught in the gully by Hall with the score at 23 for 2. With Wylie absent today, Bennett opted to use Greasley as Whittaker’s opening partner. Whittaker yorked Roylance (17} at 46 for 3, and then Greasley, who had to toil hard this afternoon, caught and bowled Pennington (29) at 88 for 4. Marple may have felt that they were favourites at this stage, but McClelland, the Australian who has been the scourge of Marple this season, had other ideas. With Bodha applying himself well, McClelland began to dominate the home bowlers. He hoisted Greasley for six, and then when Ormond went around the wicket, despatched him for sixteen runs in an over. Grappenhall were romping to victory. However, Whittaker returned for a second spell, and looked even quicker than with the new ball. Short, nasty deliveries accounted for Bodha (28) and McClelland a quickfire 53. Marple were right back in it. However, Barnes made amends for his bowling with a brave 27 batting at eight.  In attempting another audacious stroke he skied the ball only for Makin to take a superb catch, and give Whittaker his seventh wicket.  At 189 for 9 it was anybody’s game, but Baxter finally cut Greasley away for four to give the visitors their one wicket win. 

This was a disappointing defeat for Marple. They had three of the game’s four best players in Hall, Wood and Whittaker who had 7 for 70. McClelland though, was once again the star for Grappenhall taking 5 for 83, and he received useful support from a youthful middle order in his hard hit and decisive 53. 

Marple drop to sixth in the league, and visit Bowdon next Saturday, 12.30pm start. 

Marple seconds avoided feat at Grappenhall, but cannot have been happy with a below par display. Despite losing early wickets, the home side posted a commanding 233 for 8. Marple lost both openers with only 4 runs on the board, and although Gary Cash made a valiant 38, it was left to Andy Bell with 34 not out to see out a losing draw. 

On Sunday Marple thirds were routed at Urmston. Wayward early bowling was despatched, and only skipper Hirst with 3 for 13 from 12 excellent overs was able to rein things in. A horror show with the bat saw the team rolled over for only 56 in eighteen overs. This on a blameless pitch and with an outfield of pristine quality. 

It was left to three Marple veterans with a combined age in excess of over 160 years to oversee a victory for the fourths on a tricky weekend for the club! Cheshire over 60’s captain Chris Lees had four wickets in Ashton on Mersey’s 175 all out. In the reply, Mike Booth with 40, and skipper Rick Major 49 not out, were the batting heroes in a fine four wicket win.