Saturday 21st July
Marple 98 for 2 (17.5 overs) 25 points beat Bramhall 97 all out (48.5 overs) 0 points by eight wickets
Marple’s veteran off spinner, cementing his legendary status, continued his hoodoo over a Bramhall side totally trapped in a web from which they could not escape. His remarkable figures of 6 for 19 from 17 overs completely bamboozled the visiting side, and got Marple back to winning ways after a run of two defeats.
On an initially overcast Saturday afternoon, Marple captain Paul Wood won the toss and elected to field first. This was to prove a crucial piece of fortune, as there was early movement in the air and off the seam for Marple’s new ball attack of Dylan Moroney and Jack Grundy. Both were on the mark, and it was Moroney who got Marple under way with two wickets in his third over. Latter was well held by Greasley at slip, and then Moroney had the big wicket of his fellow Aussie Liam Banthorpe who aimed a shocking pull at a fullish ball, missed, and was bowled for a duck. At 13 for 2 Bramhall were already on the backfoot. When Jack Grundy also got in on the act to have Hunt safely pouched by Wood at short mid wicket at 21 for 3, Marple were in the position of having broken up the top order before Greasley was introduced. For Bramhall, the fourth wicket pairing of Wilde and skipper Cantello was one of only two that threatened to rescue the visitors. They added 29 before Wilde was well caught behind by Morgan for 18 at 50 for 4. After this, the Greasley magic had the batting side totally mesmerized. There were some very poor strokes played, but Greasley was unstoppable. A terrible collapse to 64 for 8 followed, with Paul Wood and later Joe Cash supporting Greasley well with some tight bowling. Cantello was joined by Simon Wilkinson, no mug at number 10 in the order. They took the score to 89, before a brilliant catch by Moroney off Greasley did for Cantello. Bramhall’s captain showed lonely application in battling 103 deliveries for his 34. When the final wicket fell, Wilkinson was left 18 not out.
There was little to worry Marple when they replied. Although Wilkinson may have caused one or two jitters with two wickets in his second over, there were no demons in the pitch any more. Jim Morgan and Mike Schofield, promoted to number four here, played some glorious strokes to put the Bramhall effort in perspective. Both players drove the ball powerfully, and Morgan looks one of the best openers in the premier league on this form. Schofield picked the length of all the Bramhall spinners comfortably, and brutally smashed the ball over the top when he had the opportunity. Both batsmen Morgan, 42 not out, and Schofield 45 not out, delighted the crowd with nine fours each, as Marple completed a demolition job on their near neighbours, both geographically, and also in league position.
Next Saturday, 28th July, Marple visit bottom side Didsbury, who are in a terrible run of form. However, they are a competitive side with several players of quality. It is not likely to be an easy afternoon. The game starts at 12.30pm.
Marple seconds were also back to winning ways with a terrific win on Hyde’s small, picturesque ground at Werneth Low. Hyde put the Marple bowlers to the sword as they rattled up a massive 253 for 3. Ben Balderson, Danny Humhprys and Dave Leighton all passed 70 as Marple’s six bowlers were made to toil. However, Marple had three half centurions of their own. Peter Jackson, 74, James Crisall, 68, and Garry Cash 71, gave Hyde a taste of their own medicine. Sam Stretton brought up a four wicket victory for Marple, smiting a huge six from the first ball he faced, with almost four overs remaining. Max Fitzgerald, standing in as wicket keeper for Marple, did an excellent job behind the stumps.
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