An excellent crowd, including numerous past players of both clubs, gathered at Bramhall’s scenic Church Lane ground for two T20 contests between Bramhall and Marple. After the recent heatwave, the weather was fair, but mercifully, not too hot, and there was much to admire from both teams on an entertaining afternoon.
Bramhall elected to bat first in game one, but struggled against the blossoming Marple opening attack of Jack Grundy and Ed Saxelby. Both bowlers were on top, but it was Saxelby who made the inroads in his spell of four overs, taking what would be a match winning 3 for 10. The home side limped to 96 all out after 19.5 overs, with no batsman other than Ashley West, 43, able to dominate. Saxelby was supported well by stand in skipper Joe Cash with 3 for 28, George Clarke 2 for 25, Jack Grundy 1 for 12 and Andy Wylie a stingy 0 for 16.
When Marple replied, they got a way to a good start with Sam Stretton 19 and Jamie Massey 28. Massey hit some attractive boundaries, and although both men would have been disappointed not to finish off the job, there were no alarms as Mike Schofield with a belligerent 33 and Mark Makin 14 not out, brought up an easy win at 102 for 4 after 16.3 overs. Makin smote Lachlan Anson for a huge six to finish the game.
A feature of many of the double header T20 games played this season in all Cheshire County League divisions has been the ability of the side beaten in the first game to bounce back quickly. Bramhall must have had “words” at the break because, on electing to bat again on winning a second toss, they showed the ability that is within their line up. The Marple bowlers once more did a decent job, but the wicket had eased somewhat since 12 noon, and with a rapid outfield, there were some scorching boundaries for the bumper crowd to enjoy. Greg Dixon led the way with a very impressive 79 not out. Dixon looks a terrific acquisition for Bramhall, having made the short move from premier league side Cheadle. He is well known to Marple players, having had some success against them with his former club. He was well supported by all the home batters on this occasion, but it was skipper Nick Cantello, with 24, who helped add a fluent 63 runs for the fourth wicket. A final tally of 153 for 4 from the full 20 overs was a challenging score, but with a good pitch, fast outfield and confidence high after the first game, Marple must have felt reasonably confident.
However, despite, Max Fitzgerald, Massey and Makin, promoted to open, trying to set themselves, the Bramhall attack proved more accurate than in match one. Makin looked in fine touch, but did not receive enough of the strike, particularly when Massey was dismissed, and any momentum was lost. The asking rate grew too high, and Marple never threatened a win. When Makin fell for a fine 39, at 56 for 4, any fleeting chance of a win went with him, despite Ed Saxelby once again showing his fine all round qualities with 27 good runs. A final total of 96 for 6 was well short. Kieran Berrington with 3 for 12 was the home side’s most successful bowler.
Whatever the merits of playing two T20 games in an afternoon, this was enjoyable entertainment, no promotion and relegation worries this season, between two old, but generally friendly,rivals! Next Saturday, Marple entertain Urmston at Bowden Lane, time and format of the afternoon still to be decided.
Marple seconds put up a much improved performance against Hyde at Bowden Lane, despite losing the game by 20 runs. A good effort from Marple in the field saw Hyde bowled out for 159 in the fortieth over. James Crisall’s part time left arm spin is deceptive, and here he had the impressive figures of 5 for 30 in his eight overs. He was well supported by Tom Reeve with 2 for 25. Greg Marsland, Connor Bergin and Andy Massey all did a very good job of containing the Hyde batters. Ben Balderson, 29, Dave Leighton, 44, and Jason Ebbrell, 34, were the main run scorers. When Marple replied, the game was in the balance until very near the end. Tim Radford returned to form with a solid 32, and there was another excellent half century from Lewis Braddock, who hit exactly 50. Marple were all out for 139 with nine deliveries remaining, Steve White 3 for 26 for the visitors. This game was also notable for the number of spectators watching from both clubs.
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