Hyde 135 for 3 (26.2 overs) 25 points beat Marple 129 all out (48.5 overs) 1 point by seven wickets.
Cricketers might be forgiven for thinking that autumn has come early. After the balmy delights of mid April, three perishing Saturdays have followed. The Werneth Low mountain summits were not the place to be on a May afternoon that saw temperatures still in single figures, and with a wind chill factor that made some December days seem positively tropical in comparison!
Well, it was almost dry. With a late start, and just six overs lost to the elements, Hyde skipper Danny Berry probably could barely contain a chortle as he inserted Marple on an old fashioned green seamer. Even in club cricket, these tracks are not as commonplace as they once were, due to the covering available to all Premier League clubs. Whilst Hyde’s veteran opening bowler, Jason Whittaker might have wished for slightly warmer conditions, he must have been licking his lips in glee as he marked out his run, tape measure in hand. He had surely warmed up his experienced muscles in the relative warmth of the dressing room. Marple were soon 5 for 3. Openers, Hall and Makin, undefeated in the rained off game the previous week, fell for ducks to the wily Whittaker, and Jim Morgan, whilst seemingly in little trouble, drove at the bustling Danny Williams, only to be smartly taken low down by Danny Woods at gully.
The 2015 Marple side have character. In the face of potential humiliation, Eliot Young and skipper Mark Bennett proceeded to get the visitors into the game. Bennett was untroubled by the bowling. He was immaculate in defence and timed the ball superbly. If only he could be supported, there was still hope. Young showed real determination and skill. He was dropped twice, once from a skier by Williams, and then ironically by Whittaker at slip. Were the bowlers in serious competition for wickets? The fourth wicket pair added 56 runs for Marple. Young memorably cover drove Williams for four, and Bennett effortlessly stroked Whittaker over the sight screen for six, following this with another glorious cover drive. Young showed maturity beyond his years as he battled against Whittaker and new Cheshire captain Danny Woods who replaced Williams in the 16th over. He will remember his 26 from 63 deliveries more than some higher scores he will make in the future. In trying to pull Whittaker, he skied the ball for Woods to take a second gully catch. Paul Wood was soon lbw to Whittaker, but both Harbinson and Pearson gave sound support to Bennett, only to fall when being over ambitious.
Marple’s new signing Chris Wood has not played Premier League cricket before, but he has been a quality performer for years. Number nine in the order is probably as low as he has batted, but he brought all his experience and skill to bear, watchful in defence and taking the chance to score when he could. Sadly for Marple, Bennett (49) made his only mistake when chipping Woods to deep mid wicket. The Marple skipper had batted flawlessly for over two hours in challenging conditions, but his dismissal at 93 for 8 meant that Wood had to try and take control. With determined support from Tim Radford, 26 runs were added. Wood (28) superbly drove Woods over long off for six, but two crazy run outs brought the innings to a close. Hyde are a magnificent fielding side, and Fitzsimmons ran Radford out with a direct hit, and then Wood fell as he tried to call Greasley for a second, possibly forgetting that Hyde’s boundaries are short. 129 all out was well below par on a small ground, but a score in double figures had looked likely earlier. For Hyde, Whittaker had 5 for 54 from almost 25 overs, with a solitary full toss the only loose delivery. He was supported by Woods with 2 for 48 from 17 overs.
After the tea interval, Hyde’s new Lancashire Academy opener Harry Dearden looked in good touch. He hooked Sam Harbinson for four, and also top edged him over the slips in the first over. Makin did remarkably well to get a left glove on a thin edge when Dearden nicked Chris Wood in the fourth over. It would have been a miracle catch had it stuck. Chris Wood followed up his good knock with a tight spell, but Harbinson was relatively expensive. There was not sufficient pace in the wicket for him, and anything short was pulled, and when he pitched up, both Dearden and Sawas drove through the off side. Harbinson has a beautiful action though, and if ever the wickets do firm up this season, he is sure to be a handful for batsmen with his deceptive pace and movement.
Hyde were never under any pressure in this run chase. Wood bowled four maidens in his first five overs, but when he switched ends, could not find the same control. His 7 overs cost 24, but both Hyde openers had to watch him with care. Marple spinners, Greasley and Young then captured three wickets. Sawas (30) struck Young’s first ball for six, but was then beautifully caught by keeper Makin, who then stumped Dearden in Greasley’s next over, the score 82 for 2. Duffy survived a confident appeal for caught behind soon after wards, but fell, caught by Young off Greasley for 17. Victory came up for Hyde by the margin of seven wickets with Tipper and Berry suffering no further alarms. Greasley had 2 for 34, and Young bowled much better than his 1 for 42 might suggest.
Next Saturday Marple entertain Nantwich with a 12.30pm start.
Marple’s buoyant second eleven had a superb win at home to Hyde seconds on Saturday. Ryan Lindsay (60) was supported by Will Darby (36) Gary Cash (23) and Will Sugden (23), as they raised 185 for 5 in a game reduced to 45 overs per side. Hyde got off to a rapid start, but skipper Clarke rallied his troops superbly. He led the way himself with 5 for 40 from 18 terrific overs. Evergreen veteran slow left armer, Andy Hayes backed him up with a fighting 4 for 63. Marple were razor sharp in the field with Will Darby leading the way, taking four fine catches at mid off. Victory by 37 runs came with nine deliveries remaining. Marple in the top two after four games played with three wins.
Both the thirds and fourths suffered comprehensive defeats to Didsbury’s Sunday teams. The thirds were bowled out for only 86 chasing 182, Andy Baron 3 for 38. David Brook with 29 was Marple’s top scorer.
Playing at Charlesworth’s picturesque ground due to the ECB game at Marple, the fourths lost by 66 runs. Didsbury totalled 171 for 8, skipper Rick Major 3 for 33, Jacob Combey 2 for 32 and Cameron Major 2 for 23. Only Gary Evans with 40 was able to show much resistance in the Marple reply.
It was an inspiring and enjoyable Sunday at Bowden Lane as a Marple eleven entertained the England and Wales Cricket Board Physical Disability Team. Batting first, Marple totalled 234 for 3 from the 40 overs, Mark Makin an imperious 124 not out. He was well supported by Sam Harbinson 40 and Jim Morgan 36. The ECB team were bowled out for 124. A good crowd was treated to some quality play from players of both sides. Former Marple seam bowler Rick Booth, a supporter of the Bone Cancer charity showed he not lost his touch, taking a wicket with his first delivery! Raffles were held in aid of Bone Cancer and also the Marple Cricket Club.
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