Sting in the Oulton Tail Sees Honours Even

Oulton Park 159 for 8 (35 overs) 14 points drew with Marple 156 for 7 (35 overs) 8 points

The runs garnered by the Oulton Park lower order made for a challenging target as Marple had to settle for a draw at the scenic mid Cheshire ground at Little Budworth.

Heavy rain during the morning and into the afternoon meant that a reduced game of just 35 overs per side was possible between the sides. The pitch had been covered throughout the week and had seen little sunshine. Although flat and firm there was a green tinge to be seen, and it soon became apparent that the batsman was never “in” on this particular surface.

Paul Wood invited the home side to take first knock on winning the toss, and whilst East and Leech got the ball away to the boundary in the opening overs, neither batsman had the air of permanency about them. Indeed, with both Morahan and Wylie unable to bowl, Wood was a happy man when Park slumped to 52 for 3 with the main men, Leech, East and skipper Roberts all back in the hutch. Wood himself, Ed Saxelby and Jack Grundy had bowled some testing overs, and batting looked to be an occupation fraught with danger.

However, a combination of some skill and local knowledge from the lower order meant that a challenging target was eventually set. Mills, Kashif, Williamson and Parkinson all made vital contributions as a total of 159 for 8 in 35 overs was reached. Williamson and Parkinson significantly blasted more than 30 runs from the final three overs. Marple stuck to their guns throughout the innings with Jack Grundy picking up 3 for 18 and Wood 3 for 59. Saxelby was once more impressive, and his figures of 1 for 38 did not flatter him. The fielding in general was of a high order with Makin (2), Crisall and Max Fitzgerald all pouching excellent catches.

For the first time this season, the Marple top order was put under pressure at the start of the innings. Crisall, after another promising start, was caught at point after mistiming a cut shot. Andrew Hall was then tied down by some good bowling that did not allow him any width. He tried to pounce when Williamson overpitched but mistimed his drive to cover where he was well held by East. Makin (28) had looked in imperious form however, with a series of glorious drives and pulls, but at 48 for 3 a brilliant catch behind by Roberts off Williamson saw him on his way. With the pacy Lancashire Academy left arm quickie Ben Gibbon also into a testing spell, Marple’s target of 160 looked a long way off. Marple captain Paul Wood was tested more than at any other time this season, but such is his confidence that he was able to bide his time and become accustomed to the conditions. He was the one batsman on either side who was able to fully dominate proceedings. Jim Morgan, at number five for Marple, looked to be in great touch, but his own impetuosity got the better of him. He violently struck off spinner Kashif for four through mid wicket, but in attempting something similar the next ball misread the length and was bowled for 11 at 70 for 4. The asking rate had now climbed to just over six runs per over, but Andy Massey supported Wood well. The fifth wicket stand added 51 runs in excellent time with Wood now fully in command. A huge six off Kashif and an on drive for four from the returning Parkinson were just two of the many memorable strokes he produced in a fifth consecutive half century of 2017. Although Massey (10) was brilliantly caught by East at deep mid wicket, Wood added a further 18 with Morahan before he was caught by Roberts off Oulton Park’s Mr Dependable, East. The overs were running out, and although Marple ended on 156 for 7, a win was never on once Wood (62) departed. Both Max Fitzgerald and Ed Saxelby batted with skill and confidence to ensure that Marple were not defeated at the end of an entertaining game. Kashif, although suffering at the hands of Wood, took 3 for 44 to be Park’s most successful bowler.

So, successive draws for Marple, but they are playing some good cricket in a competitive league. Next Saturday, they are back on home soil with a fixture against Davenham, 1.00pm start. 

Heavy rain at Marple meant that the second team game with Neston was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Marple thirds made it two wins from three in the Sunday Third Eleven Premier League as they cruised to an 8 wicket win against Grappenhall at Bowden Lane on Sunday. On an excellent playing surface, the visitors were dismissed for 131 with Conor Bergin, Mike Smith and skipper Marsland impressive with the ball. A solid reply saw Marple coast home. Matt Barrow (61 not out) was in top form and he was well supported by Matt Leech (27) and Jonny Arrowsmith as there were no alarms.