Bowdon 147 for 5 (44.2 overs) 25 points beat Marple 145 all out (49 overs) 25 points by five wickets
Marple’s final game of the season was at home to promotion chasing Bowdon, on an overcast mid September day. They were asked to bat first by visiting skipper Chris Ashling, and the combination of an excellent spell of seam bowling by the strong and awkward Matthew Tully, and a mood of “demob happiness;” the result of achieving safety in the nervy game at Warrington the previous week, contrived to have them reeling at 47 for 7. A very early start to the end of season shenanigans beckoned, but a stubborn eighth wicket stand of 68 between Mark Makin and Jack Grundy ensured that Bowdon would have to battle hard to gain their prize of promotion back to the Cheshire County League Premier Division.
Tully was right on the mark from ball one, and although Marple’s new opening pair of Sam Stretton and Andy Wild were determined to build a stand, batting was obviously a tricky occupation. Wickets fell steadily, with James Bottomley lending good support to Tully. Mark Makin, of the top order, was the only player to suggest any degree of permanency, and it was only when Jack Grundy joined him that the visiting seam attack was held at bay. Makin played an innings of self control, putting away his usual array of strokes in his determination to bat through the full fifty overs. Grundy’s improvement as a batsman continued, as he lent determined support. Grundy (28) fell at 116 for 8, but Joe Cash (11) and Andy Wylie (5*) helped Makin raise the score to 145, a single over remaining when Makin was caught at deep mid wicket off leg spinner James Teasdale for an unselfish and quality 54. The admirable Tully finished with 5 for 28 from fifteen overs, well supported by Bottomley, 2 for 27 and Teasdale 2 for 25.
The early overs of the Bowdon reply were to show that, as usual at Marple, chasing down even a relatively modest total, would prove tricky. A stiff long hop from Wylie’s first delivery was easily despatched to the fence by the hard hitting Patrick Ashling. However, an absolute beauty from the fifth ball nipped back and comprehensively bowled the dangerous opener. Jack Grundy also got in on the act, producing a belter to castle Jack Tipton. At fourteen for two, it was game on. Ross Zelem has had a very good season for Bowdon, being prolific and consistent. He showed Makin like application, whilst Shardal Viinoaday looked in good order at number four, timing the ball nicely. Wylie, in his final game for Marple, bowled a fine spell, not with much luck, and he was rested after eight overs. Joe Cash then replaced Marple’s valiant seamer, and once again proved almost impossible to get away. Viinoaday timed the ball well, pouncing on anything slightly loose from the quicker bowlers. It was a relief for Marple when he misjudged the length from Saxelby and was bowled for 33 at 55 for 3.
Zelem appeared immovable at the other end though, and he was given solid support by James Teasdale. Between them, they gradually began to shut Marple out of the game with a gritty stand of 56 for the fourth wicket, the magical “Nelson” (111) striking for Marple when Zelem’s (41) defences were eventually breached by the persevering Cash. Teasdale (24) was also removed by Cash, lbw, at 116 for 5 to give Marple a sniff of victory. To the relief of the nervous visiting Bowdon spectators, Sid Mahadevan and James McDougall now batted with skill and determination, as Makin gave Cash good support in all spin attack. There were no further alarms for Bowdon, and even though Wylie was given a chance to try and produce some final wizardry, the winning target was passed with six overs remaining, Mahadevan 22 not out and McDougall 12 not out. Marple’s three seamers each picked up a wicket, and Cash was the pick with 2 for 13 from his twelve overs.
Bowdon 147 for 5 (44.2 overs) 25 points beat Marple 145 all out (49 overs) 25 points by five wickets
Marple’s final game of the season was at home to promotion chasing Bowdon, on an overcast mid September day. They were asked to bat first by visiting skipper Chris Ashling, and the combination of an excellent spell of seam bowling by the strong and awkward Matthew Tully, and a mood of “demob happiness;” the result of achieving safety in the nervy game at Warrington the previous week, contrived to have them reeling at 47 for 7. A very early start to the end of season shenanigans beckoned, but a stubborn eighth wicket stand of 68 between Mark Makin and Jack Grundy ensured that Bowdon would have to battle hard to gain their prize of promotion back to the Cheshire County League Premier Division.
Tully was right on the mark from ball one, and although Marple’s new opening pair of Sam Stretton and Andy Wild were determined to build a stand, batting was obviously a tricky occupation. Wickets fell steadily, with James Bottomley lending good support to Tully. Mark Makin, of the top order, was the only player to suggest any degree of permanency, and it was only when Jack Grundy joined him that the visiting seam attack was held at bay. Makin played an innings of self control, putting away his usual array of strokes in his determination to bat through the full fifty overs. Grundy’s improvement as a batsman continued, as he lent determined support. Grundy (28) fell at 116 for 8, but Joe Cash (11) and Andy Wylie (5*) helped Makin raise the score to 145, a single over remaining when Makin was caught at deep mid wicket off leg spinner James Teasdale for an unselfish and quality 54. The admirable Tully finished with 5 for 28 from fifteen overs, well supported by Bottomley, 2 for 27 and Teasdale 2 for 25.
The early overs of the Bowdon reply were to show that, as usual at Marple, chasing down even a relatively modest total, would prove tricky. A stiff long hop from Wylie’s first delivery was easily despatched to the fence by the hard hitting Patrick Ashling. However, an absolute beauty from the fifth ball nipped back and comprehensively bowled the dangerous opener. Jack Grundy also got in on the act, producing a belter to castle Jack Tipton. At fourteen for two, it was game on. Ross Zelem has had a very good season for Bowdon, being prolific and consistent. He showed Makin like application, whilst Shardal Viinoaday looked in good order at number four, timing the ball nicely. Wylie, in his final game for Marple, bowled a fine spell, not with much luck, and he was rested after eight overs. Joe Cash then replaced Marple’s valiant seamer, and once again proved almost impossible to get away. Viinoaday timed the ball well, pouncing on anything slightly loose from the quicker bowlers. It was a relief for Marple when he misjudged the length from Saxelby and was bowled for 33 at 55 for 3.
Zelem appeared immovable at the other end though, and he was given solid support by James Teasdale. Between them, they gradually began to shut Marple out of the game with a gritty stand of 56 for the fourth wicket, the magical “Nelson” (111) striking for Marple when Zelem’s (41) defences were eventually breached by the persevering Cash. Teasdale (24) was also removed by Cash, lbw, at 116 for 5 to give Marple a sniff of victory. To the relief of the nervous visiting Bowdon spectators, Sid Mahadevan and James McDougall now batted with skill and determination, as Makin gave Cash good support in all spin attack. There were no further alarms for Bowdon, and even though Wylie was given a chance to try and produce some final wizardry, the winning target was passed with six overs remaining, Mahadevan 22 not out and McDougall 12 not out. Marple’s three seamers each picked up a wicket, and Cash was the pick with 2 for 13 from his twelve overs.
Congratulations are due to Bowdon, who are promoted back to the premier league after a number of seasons in division one. They will be joined by Brooklands, who did a “demolition job” on Bollington, winning by ten wickets. For the other hopeful side at the top Bramhall, their season fell away just at the wrong time, as they lost heavily at unpredictable Sale.
Despite this final defeat, the first in nine games, the second half of the season was a period of resilience for Marple. In early July the side looked doomed to relegation, but under Andrew Hall’s calm and experienced leadership, they rallied well. Most pleasing was the emergence of the younger players, who all performed well under pressure at various points. They are a developing side, and there is much to build on for 2022, a blend of experience and youth being the likely combination.
Marple seconds ended their season in fine style at Bowdon with a comprehensive 56 run victory at South Downs Road. Marple totalled 175 for 9, with James Crisall, 52, and Mike Schofield, 63, leading the way. Alex Robinson with 3 for 40 was good for Bowdon. The home side never looked like mounting a serious challenge once openers Ollie Simons, 21, and Ben Atkinson, 30, were dismissed. Tom Chalmers, one more, bowled a terrific opening spell, picking up 3 for 21. New skipper James Hirst relishes his role, and he picked up a fine 4 for 32 with his deceptive slow left arm spin. Kaiser Choudrey gave good support with 2 for 18, Bowdon being skittled for just 119.
James Reeve Top in Cheshire and Fourth Nationwide!
With an eight wicket demolition of Hale Barns last Sunday, 5th September, Marple/Compstall thirds confirmed their position as the best side in the Sunday third eleven first division. Barns were shedded for just 64, due to a remarkable spell of 8 wickets for just 7 runs in seven overs by Marple’s James Reeve. These figures were the best in club cricket by any player over the weekend in the whole of Cheshire, and were also the fourth best nationally. Many congratulations on this fantastic performance are due to James. Marple made light work of the reply once again, Will Darby 24 not out, and Matt Leach 26, leading the way.
Congratulations are due to Bowdon, who are promoted back to the premier league after a number of seasons in division one. They will be joined by Brooklands, who did a “demolition job” on Bollington, winning by ten wickets. For the other hopeful side at the top Bramhall, their season fell away just at the wrong time, as they lost heavily at unpredictable Sale.
Despite this final defeat, the first in nine games, the second half of the season was a period of resilience for Marple. In early July the side looked doomed to relegation, but under Andrew Hall’s calm and experienced leadership, they rallied well. Most pleasing was the emergence of the younger players, who all performed well under pressure at various points. They are a developing side, and there is much to build on for 2022, a blend of experience and youth being the likely combination.
Marple seconds ended their season in fine style at Bowdon with a comprehensive 56 run victory at South Downs Road. Marple totalled 175 for 9, with James Crisall, 52, and Mike Schofield, 63, leading the way. Alex Robinson with 3 for 40 was good for Bowdon. The home side never looked like mounting a serious challenge once openers Ollie Simons, 21, and Ben Atkinson, 30, were dismissed. Tom Chalmers, one more, bowled a terrific opening spell, picking up 3 for 21. New skipper James Hirst relishes his role, and he picked up a fine 4 for 32 with his deceptive slow left arm spin. Kaiser Choudrey gave good support with 2 for 18, Bowdon being skittled for just 119.
James Reeve Top in Cheshire and Fourth Nationwide!
With an eight wicket demolition of Hale Barns last Sunday, 5th September, Marple/Compstall thirds confirmed their position as the best side in the Sunday third eleven first division. Barns were shedded for just 64, due to a remarkable spell of 8 wickets for just 7 runs in seven overs by Marple’s James Reeve. These figures were the best in club cricket by any player over the weekend in the whole of Cheshire, and were also the fourth best nationally. Many congratulations on this fantastic performance are due to James. Marple made light work of the reply once again, Will Darby 24 not out, and Matt Leach 26, leading the way.
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