First Eleven Washed Out, but Seconds Win in Extreme Conditions!

Marple 87 for no wicket (19 overs), seven points match abandoned against Macclesfield, seven points.

Persistent rain brought Marple’s home game with newly promoted Macclesfield to a premature conclusion after just nineteen overs had been bowled. This was a big disappointment to Marple, as they had got off to a terrific start. Openers, Andrew Hall (34 not out) and Mark Makin (53 not out) were both in top class touch on what appeared to be a very good surface. When the visitor’s opening bowlers Ian Tait and Jack Ward bowled a full length, there was good carry through to the wicket keeper, but anything off line was ruthlessly put the boundary, particularly by Makin, who relishes batting at Bowden Lane. Makin had the lion’s share of the strike, but Hall was also quickly into position, being harsh on anything short. Change bowlers, Raja and Birchall only got through a couple of overs apiece, but struggled to stem the run rate.

Play cricket link for scorecard

All information regarding Marple Junior and Senior sides including fixtures and results can be found on the Play Cricket website.    

Marple travel to champions Hyde next Saturday with a 12.30pm start. Sunday the 10^th of May sees a Marple eleven take on the ECB National Disabilities Eleven with a 12.00 noon start.

Marple’s second eleven played through the wintry weather at Macclesfield to produce an excellent game in challenging conditions.

The home team recovered from a sticky start with Jim Melrose (64) leading the way. The middle and lower order all chipped in as a competitive score of 209 all out was reached in the 49^th over. All the Marple bowlers did a good job, Andy Baron 4 for 50, Jack Grundy 2 for 48 and Andy Hayes 2 for 34, being the stand out performers, supported by skipper George Clarke with 1 for 50. Keeper Wild had five victims behind the stumps.

When Marple began the chase, consistent opener Will Darby fell for only a single. Newcomer Haroon Ahmed got the side away to a fast start though with a rapid 37 from only 30 deliveries. There was good support from Ryan Lindsay (27), Gary Cash (32) and Andy Wild (30). With 5 wickets down, Marple still needed almost 60 runs, but Tim Radford (42 not out) and Andy Bell (30 not out) shared the decisive stand of the game. Victory by five wickets came up with with just one delivery remaining. For Macclesfield, off spinner, Liam Markie had 3 for 57.

Both sides deserve credit for braving the dismal weather.

The third eleven’s first league match of 2015 against Stockport on Sunday was washed out due to heavy rain.

Rain also brought an early end to the fourth team’s first match of the season at Stockport Georgians. Marple had been in good shape on 131 for 1 after 28 overs.