Honours Even as Marple Host Cheshire Versus Northumberland

The glorious weather returned as Marple hosted two games of county T20 cricket at Bowden Lane on Sunday.

The first game was dominated by Northumberland who made short work of Cheshire’s decidedly modest 95 for 9. Former England wicket keeper batsman Phil (colonel) Mustard hit a brutal 54 with four sixes as the northeasterners won with 5 overs to spare. In the second game, Cheshire batted with more resolve and posted a competitive, but not out of sight 135 for 3. Mustard once more threatened to wreak havoc, two sixes being amongst the longest ever seen at Marple. However, Marple batsman and part time off spinner Mark Bennett, turned the game Cheshire’s way. He had his revenge on Mustard who mistimed another attempted big hit and was caught at long off. Bennett picked up a second wicket as the Northumberland middle order fell behind the asking rate, losing by 14 runs.

The Marple ground looked in absolutely superb condition for these fixtures, and great credit must go to groundsman Mike Hibbert in particular, and his hard working team, who got everything into such first class order.