Double Frustration For Marple as Rain Intervenes!

Marple v Nantwich match abandoned, both sides 7 points each.

Marple suffered a double dose of anguish after they had agreed to an early abandonment of their home fixture with lowly Nantwich at the scheduled start time of 12.30pm last Saturday.

Firstly, after less than two hours, warm sunshine had rendered the ground fit for play. This was at odds with the weather forecast, which had told of persistent afternoon rain. Secondly, Marple will have been frustrated that an abject Grappenhall side was being soundly thrashed by Hyde at Werneth Low, less than four miles up the road. This means that any hope, however faint, of challenging the top teams for the league this season has almost certainly gone. The next four games are against sides below them, and mid table respectability will now be the aim. Next Saturday they visit unpredictable Urmston, with a 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds began their game late due to heavy rain in the return fixture at Nantwich. After Marple had battled to 53 for 4 from 19 overs, a torrential downpour put an end to proceedings.

Another Fifty Point Sunday as Fourths Close in on Title!

The wet Saturday behind them, Marple’s Sunday teams both put in excellent performances to cheer the club after the previous day’s annoyance.

At home to Bramhall, Luke Greasley was the star with a fantastic 117 in Marple third eleven’s commanding total of 234 for 9. Luke was at his imperious best, bringing up his century with a superb straight six, dispatched out of the ground. This, after Bramhall’s useful opening attack had reduced Marple to 47 for 4. In Bramhall’s reply of 158 all out, all the home bowlers showed up well, particularly skipper Hirst with three wickets, and promising legger Paul Roberts and Callum Jones with two apiece.

There would appear to be no stopping Rick Major’s fourth team picking up the Sunday East Division Two title this season, after they hammered their nearest rivals Bredbury by 96 runs on Sunday. Marple 179, and Bredbury 83 all out. Major’s mix of youth and experience has proved to be unbeatable this season, with Daniel (DD)Davies man of the match, his 29 not out, at number ten, being followed up with 3 for 24 opening the bowling. Two youngsters also caught the eye, with Lewis Braddock top scoring with 37, and the increasingly impressive Tom Travis returning remarkable figures of 4 for 5 in the Bredbury innings.