Congleton, promoted to division one this season, travelled to Bowden Lane on a decidedly autumnal afternoon last Saturday, and the two sides agreed to play a forty over contest. Captain Jim Morgan won the toss and elected to take first knock. Chasing down even modest totals has proved tricky at Marple in recent seasons, and he would have hoped his batters could do him proud in the final home game of this unique season.
Marple did not disappoint. Led by Max Fitzgerald (35) and Mark Makin (49*) they posted a very solid 170 for 7 from the full forty overs. Mike Schofield also chipped in with a useful 19, whilst Joe Cash reminded his fans that he can still wield the willow, clubbing three late boundaries in his 12 not out. It was heartening to see Fitzgerald continue his good form, for he batted with responsibility and application hitting six fours in his innings. Makin has been Marple’s best player over the last two seasons, and he hit four fours and two sixes in a fluent knock, being deprived of a half century only by Cash’s late brutality. Jack Higginbotham, Ryan Booth and Guy Baxendale each had two wickets for the visitors.
It was not to be the day for Marple’s potent new ball attack of Jack Grundy and Ed Saxelby. They went wicketless, as Tom Leese (16) Higginbotham (38) and Simon Prime (29) got the visitors off to a good start. Morgan had class and experience at his disposal though to follow up. Andy Wylie took 2 for 30, Leese and the dangerous Goode his victims. Joe Cash cleaned up Higginbotham and finished with 2 for 15. However, star man was George Clarke, who wrapped things up for Marple in quick time with a maiden first team five wicket haul. His excellent figures were, 6.1 overs, 1 maiden and 5 for 17. He also finished the match with a hat trick. Clarke deserves his success. A club stalwart since junior days, he has worked hard on his game, making himself one of the most successful bowlers in the County League second eleven premier league over several seasons. He stepped up his fitness and bowling to gain a first team spot last year, only for a serious injury to ruin his season at the half way point. His determination to get back was duly rewarded today.
By contrast, it was a day of disaster for the second team at Didsbury. Against a traditionally strong second eleven, Marple were blown away for just 48, admittedly on a pretty spicy pitch. Jamie Massey, with 16, was the only batter to reach double figures. Matt Laker, 3 for 17, and Raza Mian 3 for 5, did most of the damage for Didsbury. They only needed 11 overs to bring up a crushing ten wicket victory, Jason Jeffery 14 not out, and Basil Sultan 32 not out.
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