A Good Game, But Neither Side Happy

Marple 147 all out (38 overs) 13 points winning draw against Sale 141 for 9 (38 overs) 8 points

Up to three inches of rain in the three previous days meant that the players were lucky to actually get a game of cricket at Sale’s Dane Road ground last Saturday. The game began at 2.25pm and was reduced to 38 overs per side.

In reduced overs matches it is always more difficult to bowl out the opposition, and Marple captain Paul Wood was probably disappointed to be asked to bat first on a freshly prepared pitch. Free scoring proved tricky, with Will Darby falling early to veteran seamer Mo Ali in the second over. James Crisall settled in to play a responsible knock, but Mark Bennett played the most fluent innings of the day. He made a classy 31 adding 51 runs with the determined Crisall.

The early threat of Sale’s Barrowman and Ali appeared to have been weathered when Bennett miscued to Wellings off first change bowler Adams. Paul Wood played himself in as Crisall expanded his strokeplay. They added a further 56 whilst not putting Marple out of sight. Wood fell for 26, but although Jim Morgan made a fluent 19, the Marple innings folded quickly after this. Crisall’s fine effort came to an end at 137 for 6 when he was caught and bowled by Macfarlane for 43. Maybe Mo Ali was reluctant to return for a second spell, but he rolled back the years as he took an astonishing 6 for 3 from his final eleven deliveries including the hat trick! The Marple lower order all fell quickly in the chase for quick runs, and Ali ended with remarkable figures of 7 for 27 from his ten overs. 147 all out represented a reasonable total, however, on a difficult track.

Sale are in a lowly position in division one, and the lack of confidence was evident during the chase of what was to prove a testing total. Opener Cannon took almost an hour and a half over his 21, and although Gyves and Spells attempted some aggression, they did not last long, both falling to Wylie. At 59 for and with only 17 overs remaining, the winning post looked a long way off. Lancashire second team wicket keeper batsman Brooke Guest represented his side’s best hope, but he too struggled to time the ball, only getting going once Barrowman entered the fray to throw the bat. Guest had been dropped first ball when Marple keeper Morgan uncharacteristically grassed a sharp chance off Wylie. Barrowman added 36 with Guest in quick time. When he fell or 21 at 102 for 5 less than eight overs were left, but Mo Ali, confidence high after his bowling, swung lustily, hoisting Morahan for the game’s only six. However, Ali (15) and Guest (37) were dismissed in quick succession and although the Sale lower order wielded the willow with gusto a home win was never on the cards. Marple needed two wickets from the final over, and when Jack Grundy comprehensively bowled Adams from the first ball, a win was a possibility. Despite a few scampered singles and leg byes from the final five deliveries, Marple frustratingly earned another winning draw, and Sale fell seven runs short at 141 for 9.

For Marple, Greasley was once more on target with 3 for 40. Mudassar Phanchbaya had 2 for 36 in a mixed spell, and Wylie 2 for 21. Wylie also injured his knee in following through, and only bowled 6.2 overs. Once again, Marple’s catching was first rate, with Mark Bennett taking two in spectacular fashion, a steepler, and the other a diving one handed gem at silly mid off to remove Cannon.

It will be of little consolation to Marple that both sides produced a decent game of cricket in difficult conditions. Another draw was not what the doctor ordered though. Results in the league have been unpredictable of late, and Marple now slip to sixth in the table. The next two weeks are likely to define the season, as they take on leaders Oulton Park at Bowden Lane next Saturday, 1.00pm start, and then visit Davenham, surprisingly in second spot, the week after.

Torrential rain meant that Marple second team’s game with Timperley due to be played at Bowden Lane on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The weather also had the upper hand as Marple thirds were eventually washed out at Bramhall on Sunday. Bramhall made a useful 203 for 5 in 39 overs, Connor Bergin 3 for 50 and Joel Greasley 1 for 6 from seven overs. Marple were 110 for 4 when the rain finally put paid to the game, Rob Bradley 25 and Matt Leech 37 not out.

Seale Unstoppable as Bollington Gain Revenge!

Marple 46 all out (20 overs) 4 points lost to Bollington (31.5 overs) 25 points by 88 runs

A spectacular return of 8 for 22 from just ten overs by Bollington’s former Barbados youth quick bowler Dario Seale demolished Marple at Bowden Lane last Saturday.

Paul Wood won a second successive toss for Marple against their nearby promotion rivals, and elected to field first in the knowledge that chasing a total on the newly laid square at Marple has become a tricky task. His bowlers were in generous mood early on, as Bollington skipper, the elegant Rick Hough was fed a surfeit of loose deliveries. The score rattled along to 48 for none in just 10 overs, with Hough playing some well timed strokes through the off side. Fortunately for Wood, the Bollington batting then fell apart. A series of injudicious strokes saw all ten wickets fall for the addition of just 86 more runs. At no stage did the Marple bowlers, Greasley excepted, exert control on the Bollington team. It was more a case of just waiting for the wickets to fall, the one aspect of Marple’s game that was up to scratch being the catching.  Seven good chances were pouched, Morahan taking three, and none were spilled. Having said this, there were some encouraging signs from Mudassar Phanchbaya, who started his first eleven career at Marple with a wicket maiden, and Jack Grundy, who mixed some loose stuff with some good deliveries. Grundy also produced an excellent throw from the deep to run out Cross. In Bollington’s under par score of 134 all out in just 31.5 overs,  Hough top scored with 35, but after that, extras was next with 22. Marple, unusually, were guilty of serving up plenty of wides and no balls. Morahan had 3 for 43, Greasley 2 for 14, Mudassar 2 for 35 and Grundy 2 for 16.

What followed after an early tea was nothing short of a nightmare for Marple. Paceman Dario Seale, given good support from Jack Ward, was simply irresistible as Marple were blown away, having no answers. Seale bowled with the old virtue of a good length, arrowing in from the off stump. He hit the stumps six times, as the Marple innings was done and dusted in just 20 overs. He did not try and bowl any short stuff in this game, realising that the surface had no extravagant bounce. Indeed, the pitch could not really be blamed for the loss of so many wickets in the game in such a short space of time. It was an object lesson in quick straight bowling. Paul Wood top scored with 22, and then Mark Bennett had 10. After this, the next highest individual score was just three. This was sweet revenge for Bollington, who had been comfortably beaten by Marple in the earlier fixture back in May.

Bollington were also the victors in the noise stakes on the field. Marple are, in common with most teams, not averse to giving the batsmen an occasional friendly word of advice between deliveries, and reminding them of the score if they are struggling a little. This is usually done with an element of humour, and is also meant to encourage the bowlers to try a little harder. Marple’s senior coach and former player, the ex Leicestershire, Surrey and England pace bowler, James Ormond was caught up in one of the more memorable pieces of “banter” on his test debut against Australia in 2001 at the Oval. On coming out to bat to join Mark Ramprakash , Ormond was greeted by Mark Waugh with the words, “ Hey, look who this is. You aren’t good enough to play for England”. His reply has become the stuff of legend. “Maybe not Mark, but at least I’m the best player in my family!” Bollington’s attempts at Mark’s brother Steve Waugh’s so called “mental disintegration” had no such humour. There was just a Pavlovian response of inane drivel, delivered fortissimo after each of the 120 deliveries of Marple’s brief innings. It mattered not whether the ball hit the bat, went into the wicket keeper’s gloves or was retrieved by a fieldsman, the ensuing result was identical and had spectators reaching for the ear plugs long before Marple’s final demise. The fully merited applause that greeted Seale as he led the players off at the end felt rather muted in comparison.

Marple are now fourth in the league, but results in the past couple of weeks have changed the complexion of things somewhat. Oulton Park are now well clear at the top, and Marple find themselves in with a group of possibly up to six other sides chasing the second spot. There will be no easy games to come, and Marple face lowly Sale at Dane Road next Saturday in a game that will see the home side battling for their division one survival.

Marple seconds fought out a losing draw against Hyde seconds at Werneth Low on Saturday. A brilliant century of 107 not out by Mike Schofield held the Hyde innings together as Marple produced a gutsy display in the field. Andy Massey had 5 for 40 and Connor Bergin 3 for 45 as a good total of 194 all out was posted. Mark Nicholson (28) and Tim Radford (34) both got good starts for Marple, but could not go on. It was left once more to Jamie Massey (49 not out) to shepherd the lower order through to a draw, Marple closing on 151 for 8. James Chew had 4 for 14 for Hyde on a day when the spinners held sway.

A weakened Marple third eleven put up an encouraging display in a four wicket defeat at Grappenhall. After being put into bat, Marple posted 139 all out, Jonny Arrowsmith 37, Connor Bergin 24 and Lewis Braddock 33. Grappenhall were made to fight hard and ended on 143 for 6. Jacob Combey 2 for 42, Greg Marsland 2 for 28 and James Reeve 2 for 21. This game was played in an excellent spirit.

Morahan the Hero as Marple Prevail in Thriller!

A remarkable innings of 43 not out from Marple’s number nine Patrick Morahan brought a one wicket victory at Warrington last Saturday after all had seemed lost.

Marple 221 for 9 (49.5 overs) 25 points beat Warrington 218 for 9 (50 overs) 12 points by 1 wicket

After being frustrated by the visiting teams’ lower order in the two previous games at Bowden Lane, Marple skipper Paul Wood won a welcome toss at Warrington’s tree lined Walton Lea ground on Saturday. His decision to field first though almost backfired, as the home team recovered from the loss of three early wickets to post an above par score of 218 for 9 on a surface that gave some assistance to bowlers of all types.  At 41 for 3, the Marple side probably felt that they were in complete control, with the returning Wylie picking up a couple of wickets, and Morahan showing some welcome hostility with the new ball. If any such thoughts existed, they were very soon extinguished by the home side’s fourth wicket pair of South African Johan Els, and Brad MacIntosh. What followed was utter carnage for nine overs. The Marple spinners were carted for 85 runs as the destructive Els and MacIntosh ran riot. A total nearer 300 than 200 beckoned for Warrington, but Greasley recovered his equilibrium, and with Morahan returning for a second spell, three welcome wickets reduced the total to 144 for 6, but with plenty of overs remaining. Els (61) and MacIntosh (36) will both have been disappointed not to reach a huge score, but the Warrington lower order all showed excellent batting ability. Heaney made 25, Batey an effortless 23, and Scholes and Soni added 18 useful runs unbeaten for the tenth wicket. Marple were probably relieved at the final score of 218 for 9. Greasley recovered well from an early mauling to record 3 for 59, Morahan battled to 3 for 61, and Wylie 2 for 35. Ed Saxelby, used late in this game, bowled six good overs and took 1 for 19.

When Marple replied, James Crisall laced his third ball received through the covers for four. However, when he got another short one from Ashley Scholes two deliveries later, he mistimed the stroke and was brilliantly caught at point by Tom Higham, much to the delight of a fired up fielding side.  In Mark Makin, fresh from a brilliant century the week before against Oxton, and Mark Bennett, treating all bowlers the same, Marple have two of the league’s form players. They played with care against a keen attack, but whenever Scholes or Soni strayed, they were able to find the boundary. Bennett was the more dominant player in a good stand of 54. He played some delightful shots off his legs, but when off spinner MacIntosh was introduced he was trapped lbw for 35.

Paul Wood, in such dominant form this season failed for once, caught at gully off second change bowler Batey for just a single. Marple were on the back foot at 73 for 3. Jim Morgan seemed to be settling in nicely, but after reaching 13, he played round a straight one from Batey and was bowled. At 89 for 4, when Andrew Hall came out to join Makin, it appeared that the fifth wicket pairing represented Marple’s last real hope of a win. After a watchful first half to his innings, Makin began to open up, and brought up a responsible half century as Hall battled to try and find some form. Just as they were looking secure together, Rudd began a fateful over. From the first ball Makin clipped to deep square leg, the ball seemingly on course for the boundary. The Warrington fielding had been tigerish, and belied the team’s lowly position in division one, and now Heaney took the first of two spectacular boundary catches, brilliantly taking the ball inches from the turf. Makin departed for a well made 62, and Marple were 137 for 5. Further trouble came for Marple, as Rudd claimed that collector’s item, a triple wicket maiden, Fitzgerald and Saxelby both departing for ducks.

When Morahan joined Hall at 137 for 7, it seemed that victory was almost out of sight. Almost, for Morahan, with no batting form in 2017, due to lack of opportunity, settled well with Hall. They added 58 runs for the eighth wicket with sensible batting. With three overs remaining Marple required 28 for victory. Heaney then took his second superb catch as Hall (39) was taken at deep extra cover when a six looked on the cards. Morahan appeared totally unfazed though, and with Wylie promoted to number ten with licence to swing the willow, the runs continued to flow. Wylie heaved lustily, and was rewarded with a quickfire 13 including two perfectly placed fours off the outside edge! In the penultimate over Morahan played the shot of the day, a perfectly timed six over extra cover to leave Marple needing 9 from the final over. Wylie edged his second boundary from the first ball, then carved the next ball over point for two more.  He was bowled from the third, a full delivery from Scholes, but then the bowler fatally allowed number 11 Greasley an easy single from the fourth. Morahan , showing exemplary coolness under pressure, crowned a fantastic knock by striking a one bounce four straight over the bowler’s head. 221 for 9 brought up a remarkable one wicket victory against the odds, against a Warrington side that played well above their position in the league. Scholes had 3 for 56 and Rudd 3 for 52, all his wickets coming in that one over.

This victory lifts Marple up to third position in the league. They have home games to come against most of the other teams near the top of the league, starting next Saturday against the talented Bollington oufit, a 1.00pm start at Bowden Lane. The match sponsor for this game will be former Marple captain Bryn Thompson. His brother will also be in attendance to sign copies of his latest book.

In a game that was almost a mirror image of the one at Warrington, Marple seconds lost by two wickets to Nantwich seconds. On a slow and low pitch, Marple posted an extremely competitive 173 for 8 in the full 50 overs.  Will Darby and Mark Nicholson added 40 for Marple’s first wicket, but when Nicholson fell, a mini collapse followed.  However, the Massey brothers,  Jamie and Andy,  both passed the 40 mark as the crisis was averted. With some lusty blows from the lower order, Marple were fairly happy at tea. Once again, Mudassar Panchbhaya and Matthew Shelton posed problems for opposition top order. Nantwich slumped to 30 for 3, but the middle and lower batsmen showed good sense and skill to bring up a hard earned win. Mudassar had 3 for 55, and Andy Massey and Sam Stretton two wickets apiece. Shelton and skipper Clarke bowled well without luck. This game, against one of the top sides in the second eleven premier league, showed Marple’s improvement since the beginning of the season. 

Matt Leech, with a sensational 104 from 94 deliveries took Marple thirds to a superb three wicket win at Hyde on Sunday. Hyde took first knock and rattled up 227 for 9, with Greg Marsland 4 for 62 and Jacob Combey 3 for 32 being excellent for Marple. In a terrific run chase of 228 for 7, Leech was aided by Joe Yates 31, Jonny Arrowsmith 22 and Jacob Combey 17 not out from 7 deliveries to see it through with one ball to spare! Three incredible games for the Marple teams. 

World Champs at Marple!

A Marple eleven will play two T20 games against World Champions the England Physically Disabled side next Sunday, 23^rd May. The games will start at 10.30am and 2.30pm, with the bar open for food and hot and cold drinks throughout the day

Dilip Vengsarkar’s Indian Under 19’s Academy at Marple

Next Monday, 24^th July sees former Indian test great Dilip Vengsarkar bring his Under 19 Academy side to Marple. They will play a 45 over game against the Cheshire Academy IX. The game is due to start at 11.00am. This is a unique opportunity to see some potential Indian stars of the future at a terrific club venue in the local area.

Magnificent Makin Puts Marple Out of Sight!

Marple 229 for 4 (50 overs) 14 points winning draw against Oxton 175 for 8 (50 overs) 5 points 

A remarkable innings of 136 not out from Marple’s Mark Makin was the highlight of this game between two sides from the extreme east and west edges of the county at Bowden Lane last Saturday.

It would seem that word has not got around amongst captains in the Cheshire County League first division this season.  To insert a rampant Marple batting line up in favourable conditions inevitably means a very meagre return with regard to points earned. Oxton’s Dane Williams was the latest to feel the heat, as his side suffered an afternoon of toil. True, there was the early wicket of Crisall, caught behind off the plainly unfit Fraser for just 5 at 6 for 1. Mark Bennett was promoted to number three here as a result of his exceptional form in recent weeks. In partnership with a determined Mark Makin, he did not miss his opportunity.  Bennett continued to make batting look easy, and he looked on course for another big score. He added 69 for the second wicket with Makin before almost incredibly he was caught at mid on from a leading edge off the persevering Fennah for 30.

With Makin showing application as well as superb timing, Paul Wood was content to play second fiddle as Williams struggled to find an effective bowling combination. After a remarkable run of nine successive half centuries, it was not quite Wood’s day as he was bowled for 21 by a good yorker from Magann when the Oxton Aussie paceman returned for a second spell. Still, at 121 for 3, Marple were in good shape, and although Andrew Hall was not at his fluent best, he still added a useful 58 with Makin for the fourth wicket, seeing his partner through to a tremendous century.  There were just five overs left when Max Fitzgerald joined Makin at 179 for 4. The pair added 50 runs from these overs, with Makin now totally dominant. Fitzgerald played his part well with excellent running and also a number of well timed drives and pulls in his 13 not out. Makin’s innings of 136 not out was a terrific knock, and is amongst the highest ever recorded by a Marple player in league cricket. On a pitch where timing proved tricky, Makin stroked 13 fours all round the ground and also one six. It was another chastened visiting bowling attack that returned to the pavilion at teatime.

At first glance, this game may have the same appearance as the one against Macclesfield the previous week. However, Marple’s performance in the field here was of a far higher quality. It was a day when taking wickets was to prove tough, but all Marple’s bowlers stuck gamely to the task in hand.  It was a little disappointing that Oxton, having chosen to chase, did not put up a more determined response in front of an excellent crowd in glorious weather. Only the experienced Andy Gibson with a fine 73 offered real hope for the visitors.  A number of other players battled to double figures, but were unable to mount a serious challenge. Marple were sharp in the field with a number of fine catches taken, particularly from Greasley, Morahan and Bennett.  Greasley had 3 for 37, Morahan 3 for 46 and Jack Grundy 2 for 27 in two fine spells. Ed Saxelby whilst wicketless, also bowled some testing overs. Oxton ended on 175 for 8.

Marple’s batting has been of high quality this season, with six players making individual scores in excess of 75. Makin’s 136* was the first century posted in 2017 though, and will be remembered fondly by those who saw it as one of the club’s finest.

Marple remain fifth in the league, and visit Warrington next Saturday 8^th July 12.30pm start.

 Marple seconds were well beaten by league leaders Toft. Will Darby (36) and Tim Radford (35) helped Marple to 79 for 2, but Pete Talbot, Toft’s excellent young seamer, had the remarkable figures of 9 for 23 as he provided a testing examination for  the visitors. Only Mike Fitzgerald (21) of the middle order was able to offer any resistance as Marple were blown away for 133. There were no alarms for Toft as they brought up a nine wicket victory in only 21 overs, Craig 64 not out and Stubbs 67.

In a needlessly ill tempered third team game against Sale thirds, Marple were defeated by 127 runs. Chasing a far off 207, Marple succumbed to a talented side in being dismissed for just 80.

Missed Chances Frustrate Marple!

Marple 223 for 7 (50 overs) 14 points had a winning draw against Macclesfield 186 for 7 (50 overs) 7 points

In a game where both sides spilled chances, Marple ended up with the lion’s share of the spoils, but were not entirely happy at the end of the game. Visiting captain Rob Porter inserted Marple at a gloomy Bowden Lane last Saturday after winning the toss. With Marple’s line up being the most consistent in the league this season, such a move must be weighed up with the consideration that being batted out of the game is a likely possibility.

Porter’s dual left arm seam attack of Craig Melrose and Chris Moores did not let him down though. After Crisall and Makin had added 24 not entirely comfortable runs, a mini collapse followed. Melrose picked up the top three in the order, with Crisall (6) and an out of touch Andrew Hall (1) both well caught by Ben Marsden and Jim Melrose respectively. Makin (21) had looked the most secure of the top order, but was also caught by Ben Marsden driving too soon at a fullish delivery. At 32 for 3 Marple were once more in a crisis.

However, Paul Wood has the game and attitude to adapt to any situation this season. He dropped anchor. His presence enabled Mark Bennett to play with freedom once he had himself settled at the crease. Bennett, like his skipper, is in a rich vein of form in 2017. Rather surprisingly Porter opted to bowl his opening bowlers through for their full allotment of fifteen overs each. Well as they bowled, both Marple batsmen were able to establish themselves without having to worry about any variety, and were also content to alternate the strike, the bowlers being the ones having to adjust to the left and right hand batting combination.

Mark Bennett made the absolute most of his opportunity to bat for a good period of time as the sun came out to light up the afternoon. With the immovable Wood he added 122 runs for the fourth wicket, this being Marple’s fourth century stand in the past three games. Both players combined superb timing with some power hitting, especially when Porter was forced into changing his attack. Porter himself suffered some punishment, but did deceive Wood, (52) in the air to have him very well caught by Tudor at long on at 154 for 4. Bennett continued on his merry way for a while, and he was given excellent support from Max Fitzgerald in a brisk stand of 32, before he fell to third change bowler Key for a terrific 81. Fitzgerald made a promising 16, with Andy Wild (18) three glorious boundaries, and Ed Saxelby (10 not out) making useful contributions in Marple’s final tally of 223 for 7. For Macclesfield, Craig Melrose had 3 for 48, but the change bowlers suffered some heavy treatment. 

Porter’s day did not get any better with the bat as he miscued a full toss from Ed Saxelby to Makin at point with only five on the board. Ben Marsden, in company with Tom Tudor, repaired the early loss of the skipper though, the left handed Marsden being the dominant player with a fluent 36 in a good second wicket stand of 47. It took a beauty from the old maestro, Andy Greasley to remove him, as Makin pouched another catch at gully from a perfectly pitched off spinner. Ollie Marsden and McCance did not last long, and at 83 for 4 Marple were well in the driving seat. Hodgson though provided a solid if unspectacular partner to Tudor. Tudor looked secure, but was not really able to dominate proceedings, and the visitors fell well being the asking rate. Part time left arm spinner Mark Makin bowled a useful six over spell, and eventually had Hodgson stumped by keeper Wild for 22. However, the Macclesfield number 6 had been dropped three times, and Marple were to rue these misses as the overs began to run out. Tudor made a late attempt to chase the distant total, but Greasley deceived him in the air and the Melbourne man was lbw. His 66 had been a good knock, but it occupied him almost 2 and a half hours. Morahan was reintroduced to try and remove the lower order, but the doughty Griffiths (22 not out) was dropped at slip, and after this Marple seemed to sense that they would be thwarted once more by a stubborn tail end. Macclesfield hung on at 186 for 7 as the gloom and drizzle returned. Greasley had 3 for 42, and Makin 2 for 21.

Division one of the Cheshire County League is proving to be extremely tight this season and Marple remain fifth, one win away from second spot. Next week, Oxton visit Marple, with a 1.00pm start. 

Marple seconds comfortably defeated Macclesfield seconds at Victoria Road on Saturday.  Macc never got going and were sent packing for only 95 in 33.3 overs. This would have been even worse were it not for number 9 Griffiths top scoring with a lusty 21. Mudassar Panchbaya led the way for Marple with 4 for 30. There was no respite at the other end as Shelton, Clarke and Andy Massey picked up two wickets each. Will Darby and Mark Nicholson got Marple away to a good start, and although Darby fell for 13, Tim Radford was in no mood to ease up on the home side. He made a secure 31 not out. Nicholson was lbw for an excellent 44 just before the target was reached, but Marple coasted to an easy 8 wicket win, which establishes them in mid table after a tricky start to the campaign.

Marple thirds put up a spirited performance against a very good Didsbury side at Bowden Lane on Sunday. After being 8 for 2, Matt Leech with 66 led a recovery. He had useful support from Lewis Braddock and Ryan Ellis as Marple ended on 148. Skipper Greg Marsland picked up two wickets and Sam Stretton one as the game was in the balance, Didsbury on 60 for 3. However, there were no further alarms as a seven wicket victory was achieved with ten overs to spare. Marple’s attack toiled valiantly, but in vain. The fourth wicket stand of 91* for Didsbury provided some memorable strokeplay.