Marple Humble Leaders!

Marple 200 for 6 (50 overs) 25 points beat Oulton Park 93 all out (29.3 overs) 2 points by 107 runs

League leaders Oulton Park became the latest side to discover that chasing a target at Bowden Lane has a become a difficult occupation this season. 

After winning the toss and asking Marple to bat, Park were no doubt pretty happy at the drinks break. Andrew Hall and Mark Makin had struggled to time the ball against the nagging attack of Parkinson and Hards. With a run rate of not much above two an over, there were a few anxious eyes on the scoreboard from the home players and spectators. However, the key statistic was no wickets down. Hall began to find his touch first, and change bowlers Kashif and East began to suffer some heavy punishment. The opening stand reached 139 before Hall fell to East for a terrific 82. Although Morgan went two balls later for a duck, Makin now came into his own, with Wood quickly finding his from in support. Makin was run out for 70 at 167 for 3, the overs running out, but Andy Wild (11) and Wood (26*) added 28 in rapid time. A final total of 200 for 6 was an excellent effort against an awkward attack. East had 3 wickets but was expensive, his 8 overs costing 51 runs.

Marple's young swing and seam bowler Jack Grundy relishes playing against Oulton Park, and he set things rolling in the field for Marple. He removed East for 1, Begg for 0 and then Cheshire opener Danny Leech for 1. When Pat Morahan also bowled skipper Pat Roberts for a duck, Park were in total disarray at 4 for 4! There was to be no recovery for Park today. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and although Lancashire Academy starlet Ben Gibbon with 34, and Parkinson 24, added 32 for the ninth wicket, Marple were not to be denied. Grundy had 3 for 16, and Morahan 4 for 8 from nine overs. Morahan has shown an increased awareness of how to bowl in English conditions in recent weeks, and here he gained deserved reward. Greasley, with 2 for 27 and Mudassar Phanchbhaya 1 for 29 were good in support for Marple.

In producing the best and most complete all round performance of the season, Marple with have renewed confidence for next week's visit to second placed Davenham, who themselves were beaten by lowly Sale. The league is now extremely tight, with promotion spots up for grabs for two of the top six after a topsy turvy weekend of results.

Marple seconds, decimated by injury and unavailability made the long trip to Neston but were defeated by ten wickets.