Marple 260 for 7 (55
overs) 14 points winning draw against Grappenhall, 148 for 7 (55overs) 5 points
The 2015 season began in glorious weather, and Marple’s
first eleven completely dominated their Grappenhall rivals, but could not prise
out the lower order. Groundsman, Mike Hibbert had prepared an excellent mid
April track, but, not unexpectedly, it had little help for bowlers of all
types.
Marple skipper, Mark Bennett was probably not too displeased
to be inserted on the first day of the new season. Dry weather in the run up to
game had left the ground looking in superb condition. The outfield was
lightning fast, and the pitch held few terrors for the batsmen. The Marple
batting line up all looked in fine form, although Andrew Hall was adjudged lbw
to the accurate left armer Sam Guest for only two in the first over. When Mark Makin is in this sort of form, the
spectators had better be at the ground in good time, because he makes batting
look ridiculously easy. Guest’s opening partner Matthews, was removed from the
attack after only three overs that cost him 23 runs. Makin was effortlessly
stroking boundaries all around the wicket, and Grappenhall’s new captain, Liam
Parkinson, chose to try and take the pace off the ball by introducing Roylance
with his slow left arm spin. The side’s quickest bowler on the day, Burns, was
held in reserve.
Makin was well supported by Jim Morgan, although Morgan was
at times a little frenetic against the part timer Roylance. The run rate
rattled along at more than five an over, with even Guest receiving some harsh
treatment. Makin scorched past a rapid half century, dealing mainly in
boundaries. He eased Guest over the ropes for the first six of the season, and
the pair added 99 runs in double quick time. Makin was disgusted with himself
for holing out at 69 off Roylance, who had served up a mixture of reasonable
line and length, but also several full tosses. Maybe the ease with which Makin
had despatched the bowling caused Marple to think that a total of around 250
was needed. Apart from Guest, the visiting attack seemed dispirited, and Eliot
Young, promoted to number four, settled well. He played a number of fine
drives, and pulled another Roylance full toss for a huge six. Although Morgan
and Young both fell for 30 and 31 respectively, at 141 for 4 there was still
ample time for Bennett and Paul Wood to play themselves in. This they did
without undue alarm. Initially Wood was the dominant partner, playing two
particularly sumptuous drives off first Guest, and then Burns who was belatedly
introduced. Wood (33) was eventually caught behind by Parkinson off the
returning Matthews at 206 for 5. Mark Bennett then came into his own, being
well supported by Marple debutant Jack Marshall. Bennett had looked in fine
touch from the start of his knock, and now proceeded to demolish the opposition
bowlers. Eight superb fours flowed from his bat, and it was quite a surprise
when he was well stumped by Parkinson for a classy 59. Marshall, who hoisted
Burns for a mighty six, was aided by Sam Harbinson, as they added 13 quick runs
at the end. 260 for 7 was a huge total for Grappenhall to chase, for although
the batsmen got full value for the shot due to the quick outfield, the pitch
was slow. If the bowling was accurate, then run scoring was tricky. For
Grappenhall, only Guest with 3 for 61 from 19 overs gave his captain any
control. Burns looked to have some pace, but only appeared in the attack after
37 overs.
After the tea interval, Marple’s new overseas opening
bowler, Sam Harbinson began from the pavilion end. Not surprisingly, there were
one or two nerves, and the Victorian under twenty player began with a wide and
then a no ball! However, he soon settled into a testing spell, showing a good
turn of speed from an economical action. All batsmen had to be wary, although
Roylance showed good judgment in leaving the ball around off stump. Sadly for
Marple, Andy Wylie was forced out of the attack after bowling only three overs.
This ever dependable seamer suffered a recurrence of last season’s back injury.
He had taken the first wicket when makeshift opener Barnes was caught behind
for a duck. Greasley’s off spin was introduced in only the eighth over, but the
veteran showed that he still a force to be reckoned with. There were no
looseners, and he was bang on the spot from ball one. This despite the fact
that there was little turn in the pitch. Harbinson claimed his first wicket for
the club, when Sharp was lbw to a full delivery. Soon afterwards his second
followed, when the dangerous McCoy was caught at mid on by Marshall. At 36 for
three, Grappenhall’s two best players, in Roylance and Green were now together.
However, apart form Roylance taking three boundaries from a Greasley over,
there was little enterprise from the visitors. 260 was out of sight, and
avoidance of defeat was the only option. Although Roylance and Green played
some attractive strokes, the asking rate was too high, and both players were
dismissed by Greasley. Roylance lbw for 31, and Green eventually stumped by
Makin for 52 after charging down the pitch in a moment of madness.
The game had
meandered for a long time, and on such a surface, Marple were unable to prise
out the lower order. Stubborn resistance from Jamie Bye and later Arthur
Pennington, left Marple frustrated, but still reasonably happy with 14 points
from the winning draw. Greasley was in miserly form with 3 for 45 from 24 tight
overs, and Sam Harbinson made a fine debut, returning 3 for 71 from 21 overs in
two spells. In between, Paul Wood had bowled a useful spell of 0 for 16 from 7
overs.
Marple will take heart from a fine early season performance,
when most of the side were able to contribute. Although sterner tests await,
there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Next week the side visit Bramhall,
with a 12.30 pm start.
Marple legend Andy Hayes was the hero as the seconds pulled
off a remarkable win at Didsbury on Saturday. Didsbury totalled 160 for 9 after
50 overs, with Hayes returning a superb 6 for 39 from 17 overs. Marple were in
deep trouble at 90 for 8, with only stand in skipper Will Darby with 36 showing
any resistance. However, Andy Baron supported Andy Massey, and a rearguard
action was begun. However, when Massey fell for a fine 43, 31 were still needed
by the last pair. It was Hayes’ day though. He made 17 not out in support of
Baron, 15 not out. To great delight a one wicket win was achieved with two
overs remaining. Earlier, Jack Grundy had also shown up well with the ball, and
in the field for Marple.
The thirds comfortably beat Prestbury thirds in the early
season T20 competition. Marple knocked up 135 for 7, with Jamie Massey top
scoring with 41. He was well supported by Jonny Emmerson, 35 and Luke
Greasley 38. With the ball, James Hirst,
in his final game for the club, was the star with four wickets, as Prestbury
were bundled out for only 93.
No comments:
Post a Comment