Saturday Washout, but Thirds On Course!

Storm Hannah ensured that all Saturday’s games were abandoned without a ball being bowled. Both Marple’s first and second teams will play Alderley Edge next Saturday, the firsts away, and the seconds at Bowden Lane.

The new drainage system installed over the last few years meant that the thirds were able to get under way in the early season round robin T20 competition against Urmston thirds. The visitors totalled a modest 98 for 7, with all the home bowlers doing a fine job. Skipper Greg Marsland had 3 for 22 and Connor Bergin 2 for 23.

In the reply, Marple reached the victory target for the loss of five wickets with two overs remaining. Will Darby made 37, and he was well supported by Lewis Braddock 16, and the returning Callum Jones 13.

Woodley women defeated Marple women’s first eleven by 59 runs at Woodley on Sunday. The home side made 121 for 7 in their 30 overs with Fiona Reeve top scoring with 40 not out. All Marple’s bowlers were amongst the wickets with Rosie Bradshaw the most successful with 2 for 19. Marple struggled against a useful opening attack and limped to 62 all out, only Richmal Miles with 26 offering prolonged resistance. For Woodley, both Alex Wilson and Georgie Morton had 3 for 7 in a promising early season display.

Over Rates and Bad Light Spoil Entertaining Opener, after Captain Morgan Supershow!

Marple 267 for 6 (55 overs) 12 points, drew with Timperley 250 for 6 (48.3 overs) 8 points

Stunning Easter weekend weather greeted the launch of the 2019 club cricket season, as Marple’s first eleven made the shortish trip to Timperley to get the new campaign underway.

The Timperley club have been amongst the strongest sides in the Cheshire County League in recent seasons. The ground has had some improvement work done on it, and, compared to 2018, it was in much better shape. The wicket was in a central position on the square, but recent unseasonably dry and warm April weather had left parts of the outfield rutted and difficult for the side in the field. A new look Marple side, with wicket keeper batsman Jim Morgan in charge, was relishing the prospect of cricket again after a tough second half to the 2018 season. Morgan jumped at the chance to bat first, after winning his initial toss as skipper.

Morgan was joined at the top of the order for Marple by Andrew Hall, and this combination of high class got the visitors away to a good start. The home side had just lost opening bowler Jack White, who has recently signed a contract with first class county Northants. However, New Zealander Scott Johnston lacked nothing in comparison speed wise with the volatile White. Fresh off the plane from down under, he has a smooth and easy approach and generates considerable pace from his high action. He is well over six feet tall, and the wicket keeper and slips were stood a good distance back from the stumps. Hall and Morgan were not totally in control against Johnston and his reliable partner in crime Chris Page, but they got Marple away to a good start. Both players located the boundary, with Morgan being especially harsh on Page, who not unnaturally kept to a fullish length. Morgan’s cover driving was out of the top draw, as he showed total commitment to the strokes, and drew admiring applause from the growing crowd. Hall was a little less fluent, but the pair added a confident 38 in good time before Hall (13) was surprisingly slightly early on a pull shot against Johnston. Asif Iqbal took a simple catch at square leg. Now Page, in particular, settled into a testing spell for the home team. Connor Ramsay (3) battled to try and establish himself with Morgan, but both he and Paul Wood (0) fell in quick succession to the nagging Page. At 49 for 3, Marple were faced with a potential uphill struggle. Although Mark Makin made only 19, he exhibited his usual disdain for the bowlers, and the scoring rate continued at a good pace, Morgan seemingly unfazed by the flurry of early wickets. The next period of play proved to be excellent for Marple. A solid partnership ff 44 for the fourth wicket between Morgan and Makin was followed by a heartening one of 67 between Morgan and Marple newcomer Andy Paulett for the fifth wicket after Makin fell at 93 for 4. Paulett, an experienced batsman having joined from Matlock in the Derbyshire County League, was the perfect foil for Morgan. Secure in defence, he did his job in supporting the skipper who was in top form. Timperley have a varied attack, with four good quality seamers, and also two handy spinners in Chidambiran, a recent participant in the under 19 world cup for Kenya, and the wily Furqan Shafiq. The former, a promising leg spinner, was harshly treated by firstly Makin and then Morgan, but Shafiq is a deceptive off spinner who needs careful watching. He was never really collared.

Paulett was not just a foil for Morgan, and he played a number of delightful strokes himself as the score progressed at a good rate. It was quite a surprise when he was deceived and bowled for 21 by Shafiq at 160 for 5. Mike Schofield now joined Morgan, and he looked in no difficulty. Morgan’s determination that his team should build partnerships continued as Marple’s new captain took charge. He demolished Ed Galley, the lively left arm seamer, who came on surprisingly late in the piece. One brutally despatched six did some damage to a parked car on the edge of the ground. Galley did not bowl badly, but Morgan was now in full flow. A new look Schofield oozed confidence, and he helped a tiring Morgan through to a superb century. This was his first for the club, and it was amongst the best by a Marple player in recent seasons, punctuated by glorious classical drives and some powerful hits over the top. When he fell for 116 to the persevering Page, he received a fully deserved ovation on returning to the pavilion. The fun was not over for Marple though, as new  overseas  allrounder Liam Brown joined Schofield. From 218 for 6 this pair added 49 in six and a half overs. Brown (15 not out) certainly seems to know how to wield the willow, and he helped Schofield (59 not out) through to an excellent and fully merited half century as Marple posted a formidable 267 for 6 after the full 55 overs.  Chris Page with 3 for 52 was well supported by Dominic Ashling, Johnston and Shafiq for Timperley.

This was a certainly a fine performance against a varied attack that will probably cause a few problems to opposing sides this season. The main problem, aside from Morgan and Schofield’s quality in particular for home skipper Nathan Brown, was the appalling over rate. One wonders if the umpires had appealed to him to “get a move on”, but despite extra drinks breaks due to the weather, there appeared to be little urgency.

This problem with the over rate was instantly forgotten within four overs of the home side’s response to the distant target. Furqan Shafiq is a gloriously talented batsman; he hit over 200 in a minor county game for Cheshire last year. The Marple seam attack was despatched to all parts, as Shafiq was not remotely interested in “having a look” at the bowling. Anything marginally off line, and also some decent deliveries were despatched to and over the boundary edge. It was pure mayhem. A remarkable 75 came in only 8 overs, Shafiq’s share 51. It was almost an incredulous Marple side that saw him flick a simple catch to Paulett at short mid wicket off first change seamer George Clarke. Shafiq was crestfallen as he made his way from the arena. From this point on, a semblance of normality descended on the proceedings, despite the batsmen, Kulkarni and Brown being still in command of the situation. Clarke settled well after a nervous beginning for Marple, and Liam Brown showed a good turn of speed, having escaped some of the early carnage. The pitch seemingly offered little help to the bowlers, but Timperley were somewhat reined in. Greasley, although a little rusty, accounted for Kulkarni (33), caught by Brown, and although Nathan Brown for Timperley played fluently, the victory target still seemed distant. Godhamgaonkar (27) and Galley (46 not out) both played with secure confidence despite Brown (44) falling to the Brown of Marple, excellently taken by keeper Morgan.

It seemed to dawn on the Timperley batsmen, somewhat belatedly, that the light was drawing in. Despite some improvisation, particularly against Greasley, time was not  the home team’s favour. In very dark conditions, the umpires called a halt at 250 for 6 with still five overs to be bowled.  This proved to be a frustrating end for both teams, but Timperley have only themselves to blame for their earlier tardiness.

Despite some issues in the field, this was a heartening start for Marple against a very useful looking Timperley side. Morgan was superb with the bat, and also led the side with aplomb. Schofield played a destructive knock, and Paulett was solid and vital in the middle order. With the ball, Clarke stepped up well with 2 for 59 in 17 overs, and Liam Brown will certainly cause opposition players some problems in the coming weeks and months.

Marple are at home to newly promoted Widnes next Saturday with a 12.30pm start.

On a Marple ground in absolutely superb condition, Marple seconds defeated Wirral club Upton seconds by 17 runs in an excellent game of cricket. Marple got away to a good start, with stand in skipper Andy Wild making 36, James Crisall 37 and Max Fitzgerald 26. Upton were dogged in field though and Marple could not get away, slumping to 142 for 8. However, Ed Saxelby is an accomplished batsman, and although he watched the middle order collapse around him, he was joined by Mudassar Panchbhaya, a very skilled performer at number 10. The pair added 68 runs unbroken for the ninth wicket, and a solid total of 210 for 8 was posted, Saxelby 27 not out and Mudassar a fluent 50 not out.

Maybe the batting took some energy from these two, and they were both a little inconsistent as Marple’s new ball attack after the break. Wild though, like Ted Dexter in Australia in 1962/3, had three quality off spinners in the ranks! Newcomer Lewis Clarke was the most economical with 1 for 36 from 12 overs,  and  the canny Andy Massey had 3 for 61. However, the match winner for Marple was Joe Cash. Cash took 5 for 40, and in delivering the fortieth over of off spin and final over of the match for Marple, took the last two wickets in consecutive deliveries. This was a first rate win against keen opposition. One has to feel for Upton opener Talbot who carried his bat with a superb 104 not out in a losing cause.

Marple seconds are away to Didsbury seconds next Saturday at 1.00pm.

Listless Finish For Marple!

Grappenhall 260 for 2 declared (49 overs) 25 points beat Marple 122 all out (36.1 overs) 0 points by 138 runs

With Premier League status confirmed the previous week, Marple were unable to raise much energy for this fixture, and were soundly thrashed by a fired up Grappenhall side that had to win in order to ensure their own survival.

Paul Wood won the toss and asked the vistors to take first knock. The pitch was a little sluggish due to the recent damp weather, but was a good batting strip, and once established the batsmen could gain full value for their shots, the outfield being short and quick. Although Marple were missing a number of key players, there was no real excuse for the well below par performance that ensued. Grappenhall were helped along their way with a series of wides and no balls together with some proverbial “buffet bowling!” Although Jack Grundy produced a good one to remove skipper Roylance, much of the bowling was inconsistent in length and line. The Grappenhall line up, led by Peter Barnes, first with Albert Pennington, and then with Ben Bodha, eased their way along to a substantial total. Pennington made a hard hit 71 in a stand of 137 with Barnes, and then Bodha with 50 not out added a further 100 for the third wicket, the fall of Pennington’s wicket not affecting the scoring rate. Barnes cannot have made an easier century, and his steady application brought him 110 not out as Roylance declared at 260 for 2, with a possible five overs remaining.

For Marple there were few highlights, but Max Fitzgerald bowled his maiden spell in first eleven cricket. He pitched his leg spin and googlies well and deservedly picked up the wicket of Pennington.

After tea it was the Sam Guest show. Grappenhall are indeed fortunate to have this bowler to lead their attack. He is not of express pace, but has an easy left arm over the wicket action. He gets very close to the stumps, bowls wicket to wicket and virtually never delivers a bad ball. He is also able to make to ball swing wickedly into the right handed batsman. After taking two wickets in is opening over, he routed the Marple batting card. The first eight all fell to him, and only Makin of the top order with 21 made double figures. At 53 for 8 it was annihilation, and could Guest take all ten? It was skipper Roylance who spoiled the party when he had Moroney lbw at 64 for 9.

There now followed the one bright spot in the Marple innings, and it was once more provided by the younger players. Ed Saxelby was joined by number 11 Jack Grundy. They proceeded to play with some ease, Saxelby in particular showing fine technique and judgement. Grundy was a little more cavalier, but soon got his eye in. He cracked a number of beefy boundaries, including a couple of outrageous reverse sweeps in a career best 35, denting Guest’s figures a little. Saxelby played a thoroughly good knock of 24 not out, with some delightful strokes of his own. The tenth wicket added 58 runs in just ten overs and brought some cheer to the suffering spectators at the end of the game. Titchard spoiled the fun when he had Grundy possible harshly lbw, the final tally being 122 all out. The admirable Guest ended with 8 for 50, and there were celebrations for Grappenhall as they cemented their position in the league, Bramhall having been defeated by Chester Boughton Hall.

So Marple’s difficult summer ended. They achieved their initial object of survival in the Premier League, but the second half of the season in particular was a story of struggle. The opposition bowling was generally of a high standard, and no batsman was able to put together a consistent spell of form, despite a good number of fine individual performances in many matches. In most games in the field, with a couple of exceptions, the side competed well, and the catching and ground fielding was generally in good order. It is time for the players to take a breather from the game and reassess the situation regarding the 2019 season at a later date. 

A superb innings of 106 not out from James Crisall guided Marple to a fine eight wicket win in the second eleven fixture between the two clubs at Grappenhall. The home side posted a solid 218 for 7, with Tim Sykes, 74 and Steve Dickson 91 leading the way. George Clarke was once more amongst the wickets for Marple with 4 for 57, and he was handily supported by Joel Greasley 1 for 32 and Stewart Bass 2 for 59. Although wicketless, Josh Kirk bowled a testing spell of twelve overs for 35, and Sam Ittig made his second eleven debut, impressing with 0 for 28.

Andy Wild fell for just 5 in reply, but Matt Barrow with 57, and then Jamie Massey 36 not out, joined Crisall in a comfortable run chase. This win capped a good season for the second team, firmly established in a mid table position of a tough league.

Wash Out at Chester!

Marple travelled to Chester Boughton Hall  for the penultimate game of the season. Persistent heavy rain meant that there was no possibility of any cricket though.  Marple are now guaranteed Premier League cricket in 2019.

Chester have the most advanced facilities in the league, and were ready for play had the elements relented. There was no respite from the rain though, and any play was eventually ruled out at 2pm. There are no better places to be than Chester's impressive ground when play is not possible though. The spacious bar, restaurant area is of the highest standard with large tv screens showing the current England v India test. Marple's loyal band of spectators were also very generously treated, with complimentary sandwiches and tea and coffee provided. Many thanks are due to the hosts.

Marple will end the season with a home game against Grappenhall next Saturday 15th September, 11.30am start.

Ton Up Mummery Signs Off!

Talented Marple batsman Andy Mummery played his last game for the club last Sunday against Grappenhall, as the weather relented allowing the final third eleven fixture to take place.

Mummery made his own little bit of history with a superb 102 not out, bringing up his century with a pulled 6 over deep mid wicket. Marple had earlier restricted Grappenhall to 147 all out with the impressive Connor Bergin taking 4 for 18 with his off spin. 

The club wish Andy all the best in his job in Oxford.

White Recovers Equilibrium as Hall Shows Top Quality For Marple!

Timperley 247 for 6 (54.5 overs) 25 points beat Marple 244 for 9 (55 overs) 10 points by four wickets

In one of the best games seen at Marple this season, a seventh wicket stand of 116 runs, unbroken between Brooke Guest and Jack White , saw Timperley edge the victory with just one delivery of the match remaining.

The first day of September produced glorious sunshine, and the Marple ground looked in immaculate condition, the drought of June and July seemingly long in the past. Visiting skipper Nathan Brown won the toss asked Marple to take first knock on a straw coloured pitch which appeared to be an absolute beauty, despite having been used previously. Marple were not displeased to be batting though, and Andrew Hall and Jim Morgan tucked into the Timperley opening attack of Jack White and Ed Galley with relish. White, also Cheshire’s opening bowler, is a talented cricketer, and with a good action brings the ball down from a considerable height. He is, though, of fragile temperament. Both he and Galley attempted some short stuff, but on this form, Marple’s opening pair is a formidable partnership. Both bowlers were ruthlessly dispatched to the boundary as Marple got away to their best start of the season. White’s body language suggested that he felt the world was against him, and he was warned by the umpire as to his behaviour. This bothered Hall and Morgan not one iota, as a 97 run opening stand in rapid time got Marple racing away, the ball speeding regularly across the lightning fast outfield.

First Galley, and then White were removed from the attack as Brown attempted to control the scoring rate. It was Morgan (51) who had reached his half century with some scintillating boundaries, who was the first to go, lbw to Furqan Shafiq. Shafiq is a deceptive spinner, and he outfoxed Morgan on this occasion.  Mark Makin did not last long at three this week, but Paul Wood settled well and added another 52 with Hall for the third wicket in good time. From the position of 152 for 2, Marple were on course for a total well in excess of 250, but then the returning White began a fateful over. Wood (27) was lbw, and then Mark Bennett was bowled first ball. James Crissall prevented the hat trick, but was also out lbw to the very next delivery. White’s triple wicket maiden had changed the game the visitors’ way. All the while Hall was unflustered though, and first with Mike Schofield, a solid 22, and then Connor Ramsay, 10, a further 67 were added for the next two wickets. Hall managed to take Marple to a very creditable 244 for 9 when he inflicted additional pain on Galley when the left arm seamer returned. Hall’s 119 not out was a terrific innings, full of glorious timing, and his game management was absolutely first class.

White recovered from his initial mauling to finish with 5 for 63 from 15 overs, and Shafiq had two important wickets with 2 for 32. 244 represented a very good total, particularly after White’s game changing over, although it certainly meant that Timperley were in the game with their powerful line up on an excellent track.

After tea, the game was evenly poised during the early overs. Dylan Moroney found the edge of the dangerous and prolific Grant Hodnett’s bat and keeper Morgan gratefully pouched the catch behind the stumps. Shafiq and Abhishek Kulkarni played with care, and the former timed the ball in the manner of Andrew Hall in finding the boundary when the bowlers erred. It was, once again, Paul Wood who got the breakthrough for Marple when he had Shafiq (38) brilliantly caught behind by Morgan at 83 for 2. Kulkarni then mistimed a drive off Joe Cash to be well caught by Makin at short mid wicket, and Wood produced an absolute beauty to bowl Olivier for a single. At 94 for 4, Marple were well on top. Skipper Brown, a busy batsman, partnered Lancashire second team wicket keeper batsman Guest in adding a further 37. Joe Cash then had two in two for Marple. First Brown was lbw for 18, and then Galley’s miserable day continued as he was deceived in flight and bowled for a duck. 131 for 6 left Timperley a lot to do. Maybe Jack White had told himself to channel his inner anger into his cricket, because now he looked a proper batsman. Guest played superbly for his side, not giving a single chance, but showing top class technique and temperament. White was also solid in defence, but played some forceful attacking strokes, finding the boundary on a number of occasions. Marple continued to bowl well though, not allowing easy runs. The ground fielding of Makin, Bennett, Ramsay, Cash, Wood and Schofield was of the highest order, with the fieldsmen throwing themselves about to save singles and boundaries. However, although Wood switched his attack around, there was little in the pitch to help the bowlers any longer. With both batsmen now set, it needed an error. None were forthcoming, and although the tension mounted as the final over began, White brought up his own half century (51 not out) carving the penultimate delivery from Jack Grundy over the infield for 4. Guest’s innings of 79 not out was a very mature effort, and this is certainly a young player who is well worth keeping an eye on in the future.  Cash had 3 for 72 and Wood 2 for 42 for Marple.

Marple were narrowly defeated by a talented Timperley group of players. However, they should not be downhearted by this loss. They played as a solid unit, and helped entertain a good crowd to a first rate game of high quality club cricket. They remain in ninth place in the Cheshire County Premier League, and visit current champions Chester Boughton Hall next Saturday September 8^th with an 11.30am start.  

Sensational Clarke the Destroyer For Marple Seconds!

Marple old timers were scratching their heads to see whether George Clarke’s remarkable return of 8 for 18 in 13 overs had ever been bettered in second eleven cricket at the club. In hitting the stumps five times and with three lbws, Clarke did not need any assistance from fielders as Timperley were blown away for just 116 in 38 overs. Marple made a measured response to the target on a traditionally tricky surface. Peter Jackson with 27 not out held the innings together, and he was ably assisted by first Andy Wild, 38, and then Matt Barrow with a fluent 41 not out as this win secured Marple in mid table in the second eleven premier league.

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Third XI News of an unnecessarily bad tempered affair  at Cheadle :

Marple 181 all out 40.1 overs.

Andy Mummery 62, Andy Gichero 26, Lewis Braddock 26, Jacob Combey 25. Sam Ittig 11 not out

Cheadle 182 for 8  in 43.2 overs

Tom Reece 3 for 33,  Jacob Combey 2 for 42, Connor Bergin 2 for 28

Cheadle won by two wickets.

Hostile Warrington Sets Nantwich on Course!

Nantwich 95 for 3 (20.3 overs) 25 points beat Marple 89 all out (30 overs) 7 points by seven wickets.

A rare sight in the 2018 season, that of heavy rain and the covers in place, greeted the players at Nantwich last Saturday.  A late start time was agreed, with the game reduced to forty overs per side. Although, a later start time guarantees both teams a minimum of seven points, it was nonetheless a brave decision by Marple captain Paul Wood to elect to bat first on winning the toss. With Marple in a precarious position in the premier league, he probably felt that an objective of gaining as many batting points as possible was the preferred option.

It was brave, because it is not by accident that Nantwich are the current league leaders. They have the most potent attack in the league, and in Jimmy Warrington, most likely the top seam bowler. With some dampness still around despite the improvement in the conditions, he needed no encouragement to get into his work. From the day’s third ball, he deceived and bowled his old county captain Andrew Hall for a duck, and then in his next over had Wood lbw for two. Warrington’s partner in crime is the powerful ex Leicestershire paceman Ollie Freckingham. Whilst not quite as accurate, Freckingham is undoubtedly sharp, and is powerfully built with a strong, athletic action. He managed to find the edge of Morgan’s bat and the catch was taken by Ireland test wicket keeper Niall O’Brien. At 2 for 3, Marple were in danger of total obliteration.

However, Mark Makin was now joined by Mark Bennett, and they produced Marple’s best effort of the afternoon.

Makin took a liking to Freckingham, hitting three glorious boundaries from successive deliveries. The bowler glared at Makin, who encouraged him to serve up some more of the same! Makin played a delightful cameo, and when in this mood all bowlers can seem the same to him. Unfortunately for Marple, Warrington was absolutely on top of his form, putting his all into each delivery. He produced a snorting away swinger and Makin (24), aiming a loose drive, was comprehensively bowled. From this position of 39 for 4, it was looking bleak for the visitors especially as Mike Schofield came and went quickly, but Bennett, faced with such a demanding attack, rose to the challenge. He helped see off Warrington, and played the dangerous left arm spinner Griffiths with care. Indeed, the three sumptuous fours from a tiring Warrington in his final over, were from the top drawer. Initially, it looked as though Connor Ramsay, batting at seven, was going to be able to provide Marple’s stylish left hander with a solid partner. Sadly though, Ramsay’s unease against spin, this time in the form of Shaneil Patel, led to the batsman’s untimely demise from Marple’s point of view. At 67 for 6, there was a need for one of the lower order to dig in and give Bennett some support. This proved beyond the Marple tail. Poor Bennett’s freak run out for a gallant 41 after Grundy’s chip back to bowler Patel was diverted on to the stumps summed up the Marple innings. Once more the side was unable to bat the full overs, albeit against a quality attack. Warrington was superb, with 4 for 33, and Patel cleaned up with 3 for 6. A final tally of just 89 did not really have Marple in the game, with the conditions easing in warm sunshine.

Marple are not a side to throw in the towel, and during the Nantwich reply they tried everything to take some early wickets. It was veteran off spinner Greasley who picked up both openers though as he approached fifty wickets for the season. O’Brien made a breezy 35 and Rimmer 19. In Ryan Brown, Nantwich possess one of Cheshire’s best and most reliable players. With 29 not out including some forcefully struck boundaries, he ensured there were no further alarms as a comfortable seven wicket win was brought up in the twenty first over.

This was a chastening defeat for Marple, but they remain in ninth place due to the fact that results near the bottom of the table went their way. The team’s destiny is in its own hands, and they entertain Timperley next Saturday, 1^st September, 11.30am start. Credit is due to Nantwich though. The ground was in superb order, with new benches and fixed seating in place. It is arguably now the premier venue in Cheshire, and with the side also due to feature in the national T20 finals day this is a club on an upward curve. The finals will take place at Derbyshire County Cricket ground Derby, and Sky Sports will feature a highlights package.

A battling rearguard effort from Marple’s eighth wicket pair of Ed Saxelby and Jamie Massey helped Marple to a draw in the second eleven game between the two clubs at Bowden Lane. Led by Lancashire Academy all rounder Henry Dobson with an excellent century, Nantwich rattled up an imposing 241 for 3. James Crisall with 59 and Peter Jackson 34 threatened to turn the game Marple’s way, but after Crisall was run out, it became a battle to avoid defeat. Saxelby (19 not out) and Massey (21 not out) displayed fine temperament and technique to see out the final twelve overs, the winning post being too far way. Marple ended 181 for 7, the pair adding an excellent 50 runs.

Torrential and persistent rain washed out the third eleven’s game with Didsbury, due to be played last Sunday.

Last Ball Agony For Marple!

Cheadle 205 for 7(55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 191 all out (55 overs) 6 points by 14 runs

 

Marple were once more involved in an agonising finish to a game, as century hero Mark Makin was caught behind from the final delivery of the match to give Cheadle the victory in this important fixture between the two clubs.

Conditions were overcast on a mid August afternoon, and Marple skipper Paul Wood asked Cheadle to take first knock. The pitch was firm, but had a tinge of green. With Cheadle’s leading scorer Greg Dixon missing this match, captain Dan Brown showed faith in Richard Nicholson, asking him to partner Ryan O’Brien at the top of the order so as not to disrupt the rest of the batting. Nicholson, normally number ten or eleven in the order, did a fantastic job for his side. In making 40, he helped see off the threat of Moroney in particular, who managed some good carry through to the wicket keeper. Although the run rate was never out of control as far as Marple were concerned, an opening stand of 86 was ominous with the outfield quick, and Cheadle having some powerful strikers down the order. Jack Grundy and Ed Saxelby were steady for Marple, but Greasley was not quite himself initially. The master spinner dragged one or two deliveries down and O’Brien especially, wasted no time in finding the boundary. It was Wood himself who broke the partnership when Nicholson edged a good one to keeper Morgan. Brown added 40 more with O’Brien, but he was deceived and bowled by Joe Cash for 29 at 126 for 2. From here, Marple managed to get themselves into the game, and Greasley settled to provide a good spin partnership with Cash.  With two further wickets, those of Bullock and Dooler, falling quickly at 138 for 4 the game was finely poised. O’Brien found a useful partner in Subhaan Mahmood, and they added a further 43 runs. In the scramble for late runs O’Brien was run out for a fine 88, but with Mahmood hitting 25 and Holmes a quickfire 13, a final tally of 205 for 7 was a decent enough score. Chasing this sort of target has been tricky for any team this season at Marple.  Joe Cash had 3 for 47 and Greasley 2 for 58.

Cheadle were certainly motivated for this game, and it was noticeable that team manager Jim Cotterill had his bowlers out during the tea interval hitting their lengths beside the square. These same bowlers were on the mark immediately once play got underway. Ryan Brown is not express pace, but he bowls an awkward line and length. He managed to pass the edge of Andrew Hall’s bat a number of times in his opening spell. With his side light in seam bowling department, Brown made the brave decision to open with young leg spinner Josh Dooler at the opposite end to himself. Dooler is a talented and bustling bowler, who has excellent control of this difficult art. He got his side off to a terrific start with the wickets of Morgan, bowled for 4, and Wood caught at slip from a perfectly pitched leg spinner for 5. Marple were 23 for 2 when Mark Makin marched breezily out to the middle to partner Hall. This partnership was now crucial to Marple’s chances. They added 72 in good style but at 95, Hall inexplicably ran past a delivery from slow left armer Holmes and was stumped for 37. From this point onwards, it was Makin on his own as far as the scoring was concerned. There were two useful stands of 40 with Joe Cash and one of 37 with Moroney. However, neither player was able to stay in and see Marple home with Makin. Cash made 17 and Moroney 8, but at 190 for 9 Brown began the final over. Makin had batted superbly for his 106, and just when it looked as though he would see Marple through to their first drawn game of 2018, he edged the final delivery of the game to keeper Bullock. One had to feel for Marple’s century maker, who was understandably crestfallen at the end. Cheadle’s bowlers did a fine job, showing good discipline and making the most of their abilities, Brown 3 for 31, Dooler 3 for 50, Holmes 3 for 67 and Mahmood 1 for 33.

For the second week in succession Marple had to witness ecstatic scenes from opposition players and spectators, Cheadle having brought a good number of fans with them to Bowden Lane. The batting unit once again produced an inconsistent display, with only two players reaching double figures in support of the fantastic Makin. With results going against them this week, the bottom half of the table is tightening up. Marple slip to ninth, and travel to league leaders Nantwich next week. They should take heart from the fact that Nantwich were soundly beaten by Toft in a game that has also made the title race wide open for the top four or five clubs. The fixture at Whitehouse Lane starts at 12.30pm Saturday 25^th August.

On a brighter note, Marple seconds put a bad run behind them to comfortably defeat Macclesfield seconds at Victoria Road. A fine all round effort in the field saw Macc bundled out for just 116, Joel Greasley 3 and Clarke 3 being the leading wicket takers. Marple, led by Andy Wild 56 and Matt Barrow 28 romped home by seven wickets. Stuart Bass clubbed three consecutive fours to bring up a much needed win.

Unfortunately a bad day for the 3s...

Marple 131 all out 42.2 overs

Sale 132-4 27.1 overs 

Braddock 40, Leech 28, Reeve 16

Bergin 3-37 off 10. 

Still work to do to ensure our premier division status