Marple 119 for 6 (39 overs) 25 points beat Warrington 118 all out (49.3 overs) 4 points by four wickets
Marple’s powerful and stylish left-handed batsman Mark Bennett played an innings of 66 not out to see his side over the line in this tension filled game at Warrington’s Walton Lea ground. Survival in the Cheshire County League first division was on the line for both teams, but whilst Marple had the possibility of another chance the following week, for the home side it was a “do or die” situation.
With Jim Morgan having left the area, Marple’s captain for most of the second half of the season has been club and Cheshire legend Andrew Hall. His natural instinct, whatever the conditions, is to bat first, but in this crucial game he elected to take the field on calling correctly at the toss. His aim was to gain control of the game as soon as possible. This he achieved in spades as the Warrington top order was blown away in quick succession by a fired up and right on the mark attack of Andy Wylie and Jack Grundy. The pitch had some good carry to keeper Wild, but when the bowlers hit a good length, there was movement and lift. Grundy has gradually put on more pace as the season has unfolded, and here he was a decidedly awkward proposition. With Wylie getting his customary “nip,” Warrington found themselves in the mire. The prolific South African Jonathan Fletcher was well caught second ball at slip by Makin off the ecstatic Grundy, and at 51 for 6 a rout beckoned.
Young Cheshire starlet Rohan Luthra, at six in the order, managed to hold the rampant attack at bay for a while though, with Joe Cash settling into a miserly spell, Wylie being rested. The lower order of Jake Liddle, 15, James Rudd, 21, and Brad Roden, 16, all made useful contributions, and after Wylie returned to bowl Luthra with an absolute trimmer, Rudd and Roden added 40 priceless runs with solid and sound batting for the ninth wicket. Hall required change bowlers Saxelby and Mudassar Panchbhaya to pick up a wicket apiece, the final total being 118 all out. Wylie 4 for 35, Grundy 3 for 32 (15 overs unchanged) and Joe Cash a vital 1 for 18 from 15 very tight overs, were all terrific for the visitors.
Marple’s opening pair of Hall and Mudassar were in the middle ahead of the fielding side, who were in the now traditional “huddle.” Captain Ashley Scholes was obviously winding his team up for a massive effort, not that they needed much extra motivation. Warrington are an abrasive and “in your face” side, and the watching spectators could immediately sense the tension. In fact, the umpires had to call Scholes over to have “words” about his side’s behaviour on no less than three occasions. Young quick bowler Liddle is a tricky customer. He hits a good length from a high trajectory, and whilst his partner Umar Zeb was not such an obvious threat, they both picked up an early wicket, Hall falling for 8 and Mudassar for a single. Marple’s two Marks, Bennett and Makin, were now together earlier than they would have hoped at 10 for 2. These two experienced and quality players were in determined mood, and were very watchful, particularly against Liddle, although Makin did carve the tall seamer for a couple of brutal boundaries. They added 36 careful runs, and Liddle was rested. However, to second change Fletcher’s first delivery, Makin (17) chopped a shortish delivery that didn’t get up as much as expected onto his stumps. The home side were once more cock-a-hoop at 46 for 3.
What followed was a very tight and tense passage of play, as Warrington got themselves into a position of strength. Change bowlers, Rudd and Fletcher both hit a very accurate length and line, being determined that Bennett, in particular, not be given room to unleash his power. The flow of runs slowed to a trickle, and the middle order struggled, despite Bennett slowly rotating the strike and showing application and patience. Fitzgerald, Ramsay and Saxelby all fell lbw, and Marple were under real pressure at 80 for 6.
Despite Saxelby having falling to Rudd after drinks, the short interval did just break the stranglehold of Rudd and Fletcher. Jack Grundy showed terrific character and application in support of Bennett and the runs began to come a little more easily. Mark Bennett, who had reined in his natural instincts for around an hour and a half, now sensed his moment had arrived. Rudd was pulled for a huge six over mid wicket and when Liddle returned for a second spell, he was also despatched for an even bigger maximum in the same area. The pendulum had now swung in Marple’s favour, despite Luthra, the fifth seamer to be used, hitting a testing line and length immediately. Although Scholes tried frantically to keep Bennett from the strike, such was the power he now unleashed, that the boundaries, even on this large playing area, could not be defended. Both Liddle and Luthra were hit for fours, the ball scorching the turf. Grundy was unflappable in support, never once looking like being dismissed, and even having a calming effect on Bennett! The whoops of delight from the Marple team and spectators when Bennett drove Luthra for the winning boundary were a release of joy and tension, after a tough game against edgy opponents. For Warrington, both Rudd and Fletcher had 2 for 21 from ten overs each, with Liddle, Zeb and Luthra all posing a threat.
No praise is too high for Mark Bennett, in what must be one of the best ever innings by a Marple player under pressure. Had he been dismissed, Marple faced probable defeat against tight, difficult bowling on a tricky surface. He played with great restraint early on, but when he saw his chance he pounced, confident that his power and range of stroke would see his team to victory and safety. His 66 not out contained seven fours and those two massive sixes.
Marple are at home to promotion challengers Bowdon next Saturday, in the final game of the season. Even though they are now safe from the dreaded drop, they will want revenge for a heavy defeat suffered in the corresponding fixture earlier in the summer. Andrew Hall’s calm leadership has paid dividends, as the side has gone on an eight game unbeaten run, being on top in every game played since early July. For Warrington, this was a grim afternoon, being relegated to division two. Club legend Paul Agar’s ground was in superb shape, and there will be some soul searching for this proud club. Maybe a calmer approach on the pitch could well produce dividends, there is plenty of talent there, but the “over the top” verbals need to be curtailed somewhat.
Marple seconds ended their home fixtures with a trouncing of near neighbours Hyde at Bowden Lane. Marple totalled a very challenging 203 for 8, with Sam Stretton, unlucky to miss out on first team selection this weekend due to the need for a balanced bowling attack, hitting a terrific 90. Hyde were blown away for just 80, new skipper James Hurst leading the way with a fine five wicket haul.
The Sunday of the bank holiday weekend, saw Marple/Comstall thirds clinch the Sunday third eleven first division title. Ashley were dismissed for 109, Aamar Iqbal 37, and Qasim Baig 27, providing the bulk of the runs. Sam Saxelby with 3 for 23, and Andy Massey 3 for 24 led the way for Marple, with Tom Chalmers, James Reeve and Richard Hatley sharing the other wickets. As usual, at Marple, chasing any sort of total can prove problematic, but Will Darby 45 not out, shared stands of 43 with Andy Massey (18) and 35 with Hatley (17*) to see Marple home by five wickets and prompt delighted celebrations. Many congratulations to Greg Marsland and his team, who have mixed a determination to win with giving opportunity to young players at all times.
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