Early Carnage Leaves Marple With Too Much To Do

Chester Boughton Hall 298 for 9 (55 overs) 15 points drew with Marple 247 for 9 (55overs) 9 points

Marple were involved in another run fest, this time at Chester Boughton Hall. The home captain, Lee Dixon won the toss, and being mindful of the fact that his side had a key T20 game at Ormskirk the next day opted to bat first. The talented Chester team have faltered in the league of late, but in cup competitions have proved almost unbeatable, and will attempt to defend their status as National Club T20 champions at the Swalec stadium, Cardiff, in front of the Sky TV cameras in a few weeks.

Despite losing Warren Goodwin, lbw to Wylie, in the fifth over, the home side, in the shape of Dunbavand and Moore, wreaked havoc on the Marple bowlers. Suffice to say, that at drinks, twenty-seven overs of the innings completed, the score stood at 182 for 1. Moore was, at times, almost unbowlable to. Boundaries rained to all parts from his bat. However, as is often the case, drinks brings wickets, and first Moore (92) was deceived by Eliot Young and then Lee Dixon (4) soon holed out to Mark Makin at cow corner, once again off Young. Dunbavand (59) continued to play fluently, but although most of the Chester lower order contributed well, Marple fought back well, to restrict Chester to 298 for 9 after the full 55 overs. Greasley showed all his guile to finish with 3 for 66 from 19 overs, and Wylie's second spell of 3 for 31 enabled him to claim a hard working 4 for 81 at the tea interval. Eliot Young continued his knack of picking up vital wickets to take 2 for 65. Chester's strength in their batting depth was highlighted by the fact that Harry Killoran coming in at eight, had scored a century for Derbyshire seconds the previous week!

Marple openers, Andrew Hall and Jim Morgan, were once again in positive vein. Dixon's gamble of trying to take the pace off the ball with the leg spin of Jack Williams to partner the speed of Ash Davis backfired, as Andrew Hall in particular smote the ball to all parts, the highlight being an effortless straight six off Williams that smashed into the sight screen. Davis too was harshly treated, with Morgan also in on the act, the ball scorching to the boundary from his blade. Although reliable seamers, Kegg and Goodwin brought a semblance of normality to proceedings, the hundred opening stand was posted at the rate of six runs an over. Hall is in sensational form at present, and the good sized crowd was left in awe at some of the shot making on view, with Morgan not far behind. Dixon then reintroduced Williams, and Hall (55) chipped him to long off where Kegg safely pouched the catch. Harbinson joined Morgan and settled quickly and positively. A full toss from Williams was hoisted into neighbouring gardens, but Morgan (52) then chopped a ball onto his stumps from Killoran. Skipper Bennett, battled hard to get himself in, but fluency eluded him on this occasion. Harbinson (53) reached an attractive half century, but was undone by sheer pace, losing his off stump, when Davis returned to the fray. Maybe Dixon had urged his talisman to let them fly, as with keeper Marsland stood twenty or more yards back, Davis certainly bent his back. At 190 for four, Marple needed a miracle with two new batsmen at the crease. It was not forthcoming. George Pearson, and later Andy Greasley, batted with resolve to deny Chester the win, and Marple ended on a hugely respectable 247 for 9, having competed well for three quarters of the game. For Chester, Williams came back well, and ended with 6 for 80 from 19 overs of intelligent leg spin.

Marple remain in a perilous position in the league, and entertain Cheadle in the first of three remaining home games, next Saturday with a 12.30 pm start.

The second team game between the two clubs also ended with Marple's last wicket pair of Matthew Shelton and Andy Hayes denying table topping Chester victory. The visitors got off to a flying start, with 70 on the board after only 12 overs. However, Marple's two bankers, skipper Clarke, and Hayes put the brakes on. 190 represented a gettable total for the home team. Hopes were almost extinguished at 20 for four, but Gary Cash reminded everyone of his true pedigree with a remarkable century. He played his best knock of the summer, with shots through the covers and also some violent blows over the top. When he departed, the victory charge ran out of steam, and avoidance of defeat became the only option.

Daniel ("DD") Davies was the hero for Marple thirds, with 5 for 20 as they're defeated Toft thirds by two runs last Sunday. No batsman dominated as Marple were all out for 127. Toft and no answer to Davies as they fell just two runs short on 125 all out. Greg Marsland, with 2 for 18 bowled well in support of Davies.

To complete an excellent Sunday for the Marple club, the fourths defeated Ashley thirds by six wickets at Ashley. Chasing a challenging 183 for 3, Ed Saxelby 2 for 28, Marple got home by six wickets, David Brook and Chris Barlow 43 apiece, and Saxelby a responsible 15 not out to see the victory through

Neston Win Thriller By Three Runs!

Neston 286 for 6 (55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 283 all out (6 points) by three runs

It will be of no consolation to the Marple players that they took part in one of the best ever games to be played at Bowden Lane. When Neston’s veteran opening bowler, Chris Finegan bowled the final delivery of the game, all four results were possible. The former Cheshire opening bowler no longer has the pace of old, but he kept his nerve and delivered a full and accurate last ball to Marple’s equally venerated Andy Greasley. With four runs required for victory, Marple’s legendary off spinner went for glory.  Home hearts were broken as he missed and saw his stumps shattered. Cue wild and ecstatic celebrations from the Neston fieldsmen.  Victory edges them away from the bottom rungs of the Cheshire County Premier League, but leaves Marple in peril, and favourites for the drop.

Earlier, Neston skipper Brad Donelan possibly surprised the home side by electing to bat first. However, there was little in the pitch for the quicker bowlers, and the outfield, trimmed short by groundsman Mike Hibbert, was as quick as greased lightning. Openers for Neston, Stokes and returning former skipper David Hurst were both in ruthless mood. It was not a day for the new ball, as anything remotely off line just disappeared to the fence.  Marple’s three seamers were all put to the sword, and a rapid century stand was posted.  Stokes looked in particularly good touch, and he was the dominant partner, finding the boundary with ease, as sixteen fours and one six came with strokes all round the wicket. The Marple spinners, Greasley and Young, then gradually exerted a modicum of control. Stokes (85) was the first to go, brilliantly held one handed by a diving Bennett at point. Then Greasley deceived Mugava (0) in flight and Neston suddenly were 146 for 2.

Although Marple stuck grittily to their task, the rapidity of the opening partnership meant that there were plenty of overs remaining in the innings. Hurst now took full charge, being supported well by the Neston middle order, all of whom chipped in with useful support.  Greasley, in particular has to be commended on his effort, but Young was not flattered by his final figures, and bowled much better than they would suggest. Hurst went on to a superb 122 with seventeen fours and one six, before being bowled late on by the returning Wylie. Greasley toiled through 24 overs to finish with 4 for 88, and Hall also took a spectacular one handed catch to account for Donelan. Surely 286 for 6 was way above par on a pitch that seemed to offer something to the spinners, and had Donelan batted on too long?

Opening up for Marple, Andrew Hall and Jim Morgan had no choice but to be positive. Both players found the boundary early on, and Morgan hooked Stewart imperiously for his third four at 28, seemingly losing the new ball. Unfortunately for Morgan, the first delivery with the spare ball seemed to stick in the pitch and leave the batsman. Morgan (14) edged to keeper Hurst, yet again an unlucky batsman. With the original ball found, Hall took toll of Stewart with four exquisite boundaries in one over that saw the promising youngster removed from the attack. Sam Harbinson did not settle today, and he was caught at short leg by Stokes from the off spin of Mugava at 57 for 2. Mark Bennett joined Hall, and as has often been the case in the past, when these two get in together, they produce batting of top quality. A stand of 115 for the third wicket was raised, and was the equal of the Stokes, Hurst partnership earlier. They also had the scoreboard pressure to deal with. Donelan went on the defensive, and the initial spells of Finegan and slow left armer Stimson failed to put a brake on proceedings. More in hope than expectation, Hackett was brought into the attack, and he did a good job for his captain, demanding respect. Hall, once again batted sublimely. A third century of the season was posted by the former Cheshire captain. He is in vintage form at present, and fourteen glorious boundaries flowed from his bat. Bennett too, increasingly found his rhythm and Marple appeared to be well on course for a remarkable victory. Even when Hall was caught at backward point for 102 by Finegan off Hackett, there was still optimism as Mark Makin played beautifully in support of Bennett.

There was no panic as the runs came at a good pace. At 240 for 3 the sizable home support was optimistic. Finegan was once again in the action though as he took another simple catch when Bennett (88) chipped Stimpson to mid wicket.  This was a wonderful knock from the Marple captain, with some fine strokes and excellent judgment. 

The overs were running out, but Paul Wood took a straight four and then a huge lofted six over long off from Stimson.  Seventeen were needed from three overs. Finegan was reintroduced though, and his two overs were decisive. Both Paul and Chris Wood were smartly stumped by Hurst and Lindsay was bowled. Crucially, Makin was off strike for the final over. When Greasley scampered a single three balls remained and four were required. Donelan posted all his fielders on the boundary edge, and although Makin (54) managed to get something on the fourth delivery, he didn’t middle it. Stokes safely pouched the catch at long on. When Greasley was bowled from the final delivery, Finegan had the remarkable figures of 5 for 2 from his final two overs.

Things are not looking good for Marple with five games remaining. Three are at home, and next Saturday sees a visit to Chester Boughton Hall, who whilst still dominant in cup competitions, have faltered in the league in recent weeks.  Both Neston and Cheadle have defeated the National Club T20 champions in successive weeks, so Marple must travel in hope and attempt to enjoy the game at Filkins Lane.

In the second eleven fixture between the two clubs over on the Wirral, Neston had a winning draw. After a sticky start, Neston posted a challenging 240 for 8, three wickets for Andy Hayes. Keeper Andy Wild had four victims. Marple never threatened this total and closed on 172 for 9 with Jack Marshall a terrific 97 holding the innings together.

The thirds stormed to victory over Urmston thirds on Sunday. Jamie Massey with a superb 100 not out led the way as Marple declared at 246 for 1. Lewis Braddock (35) and Matt Leech (85 not out) were destructive in support. Daniel (“DD”) Davies was the most successful bowler taking three wickets, with Jack Grundy a vital 2 for 37.

The fourths had a winning draw at home to Romiley thirds on Sunday.