Toft Young Guns Down Erratic Marple, but Super Joe Shines for the Seconds to Prove That Class is Permanent!

Toft 189 for 7 (31.4 overs) 25 points beat Marple  186 all out (49 overs) 7 points by three wickets

An ambitious young Toft outfit were ultimately too strong for Marple at Knutsford last Saturday.  Former Cheshire captain Andrew Hall was a late replacement as Marple skipper, and he elected to bat first on winning the toss on a fine and warm late June afternoon.  Hall opened up with Jim Morgan, but Morgan was unable to follow up his fine half century of the previous week, being bowled for a duck by Northants Colt Jack Goode in only the third over. Hall was joined by Ryan Lindsay, promoted from the second eleven on the morning of the game due to the unavailability of normal captain Mark Bennett. Lindsay gave Hall excellent and determined support after the early setback, and the second wicket pair put together a fine stand of 87 in good time. Initially Hall was the dominant partner, being particularly keen to get on top of Lomas when the left arm spinner was introduced. First change for Toft, Pete Talbot bowled a useful spell and helped to stem the run rate as Hall and Lindsay both began to find the boundary. He had Hall lbw for a fine 45, just when it appeared that a really big score was on for Marple’s still top class opener. Sam Harbinson (2) was stifled today and soon bowled by Talbot at 106 for 3, and Lindsay himself, after showing excellent temperament and skill, was out soon afterwards again for 45, lbw to the nagging Lomas at 110 for 4. This was a fine comeback to first team cricket from Lindsay, and the innings says as much about his character as his technical ability.

Marple numbers five and six, Mark Makin and Paul Wood are both in fine form at present, and they began to rebuild the innings for the visitors. Makin was always on the lookout for the loose delivery, and Wood was content to rotate the strike and get himself established. The fifth wicket began to prosper as a stand of 56 came at a good rate. At 166 for 4 with plenty of overs remaining, Marple were surely looking a minimum of 220. Sadly though, Makin’s fine knock of 42 came to an end when he was well caught behind by keeper Lord when leg spinner Rob Jones was belatedly introduced. What followed for Marple was pretty much a disaster. The lower order proved incapable of staying with Wood, and the side succumbed for only 186 all out after 49 overs. Wood had shown that he is in excellent touch with security in defence, and also some fine forcing strokes in front of the wicket.  Paul Wood’s brother Chris can be probably be excused as he was out to a sensational diving catch by Jones, but the others will want to forget the lack of technique and application on view. Paul Wood was left high and dry on 29 not out as Lomas recovered from his earlier harsh treatment to finish with 6 for 71 from 18 overs.

Bowlers at Toft are aware that any inaccuracy usually results in a boundary, and Sam Harbinson got off to a bad start with eleven runs, including three no balls, conceded from his first over to James Drummond and Jake Hancock. Chris Wood, however, knew what was required and immediately turned the tables in his first over having both openers caught by his brother Paul in a double wicket maiden. However, unluckily for Harbinson, Rob Jones is in prime form this season. Even the Marple seamer’s good deliveries were despatched for fours as the Young England and Lancashire second team batsman played a series of glorious off drives.  Despite losing Hughes to the excellent Chris Wood, there was no playing himself in today for Jones, as when Greasley replaced Harbinson, a furious assault was launched on Marple’s venerated off spinner. Last season Greasley had destroyed Toft with a seven wicket return, but today his first three overs went for 36, and Hall had no option but to remove him from the attack. Obviously words had been said in the Toft dressing room as to how to combat Greasley! Ageless left arm spinner for Marple, Andy Hayes, promoted from the second team, then did his team proud by deceiving Jones to bowl him for a rapid 57, with nine fours and two sixes. At 99 for 4 Marple had a sniff of victory, but Jake Dickinson and Ed Stubbs continued where Jones left off. Chris Wood had been the only bowler capable of giving Hall any control on the day, but when he was rested, the runs flowed again, particularly from Dickinson (60) who also hit nine fours and two sixes. Stubbs (30) provided solid support in a stand of 72 for the fifth wicket. Harbinson picked up a couple of wickets when he returned, and Chris Wood removed Dickinson, stumped by Makin when he came back for a second spell.  The victory, which came up in only the 32^nd over, was never in doubt for the home team, despite Marple sticking to their task in trying circumstances.  Chris Wood was the stand out bowler for Marple with 4 for 47 in 13 overs, but the rest took some heavy punishment at the hands of a confident young side that sits on top of the Cheshire County Premier League at the halfway point of the season.

Marple will look at this defeat with some concern as it leaves them in eleventh position in the league. In this game, seven players managed just five runs between them including four ducks in an innings of 186 containing 20 extras.  The bottom five in the order could muster a mere three runs. Marple have to accept that they are in a relegation battle with four other teams this season. The league is not tight this season, and maybe a handful of wins will be enough to stay up. Next week sees a key game for the side with a visit to bottom club Grappenhall, a 12.30pm start.

It was a very different story at Bowden Lane as Marple seconds comfortably defeated Toft seconds by 92 runs. The now vaunted opening pair of Will Darby (72) and Haroon Ahmed (33) put together another fifty plus stand for the first wicket. Joe Cash, called up in place of the promoted Ryan Lindsay, then made hay with a superb undefeated 81 as Marple motored along to a dominant 225 for 3.

With the wicket good, and the outfield fast Marple still needed to bowl and field well against the second eleven premier league champions. A useful early spell from the fit again Matthew Shelton (2 for 23) was followed up with 3 for 26 from skipper George Clarke and 3 for 27 from man of the match Joe Cash.

Toft were routed for 133 with ten overs remaining. Six good catches were taken by six different fielders, and Marple are back in the mix in the league moving up to third place at the half way mark.

 Marple’s Sunday teams once more struggled, with the thirds hammered by 205 runs at Hyde. Chasing a mammoth 292 to win, the side was sent packing for only 86, this despite a short boundary and fifty overs to get the runs. Earlier, captain Andy Gichero had taken three wickets and held two fine catches for Marple. The fourths were beaten by seven wickets at Marple by a strong Heaton Mersey third team.  Skipper Rick Major held the fort with a fine 70 out of Marple’s 147 all out. Although the visitors cruised to victory, three Marple youngsters caught the eye in the field. Ed Saxelby bowled with some pace and hostility, being unlucky not to take a wicket and Jordan Worrall picked up two wickets on his senior debut. Albert Connor also held two fine catches at mid on to remove the Mersey openers.

Morgan Leads the Way For Marple!

Marple 207 for 4 (48 overs) 14 points drew with Alderley Edge 205 for 9 (34 overs) 7 points

Marple edged the points in an exciting drawn game with Alderley Edge at Bowden Lane last Saturday. This was supposed be the day before the summer solstice. However, the game began forty minutes late in conditions that would not have been out of place in mid November. Mark Bennett was delighted to win the toss and bat first in the gloom and damp. Groundsman, Mike Hibbert had though, prepared an excellent pitch that was well protected against the elements. The visitors soon had to contend with a wet ball, but despite this handicap, Alderley bowlers Windle and Foreman bowled tidily, and certainly demanded respect from Andrew Hall and his new partner Jim Morgan.  Both batsmen looked to be in good touch, and settled well, although Windle was accurate and Foreman managed to get the ball through to keeper Worrall with good carry on occasion. Hall (14), in particular, seemed to be timing the ball well, but after taking two effortless fours from Foreman, inexplicably played around a straight delivery and deflected the ball into his stumps with the score at 19 for 1.

Skipper Mark Bennett then joined his former Loughborough colleague Morgan, and the pair played with skill and application. Morgan was the dominant partner, dealing in boundaries initially, but then rotating the strike well with Bennett. Two superb cover drives from both players were highlights of the partnership.  The bowling was steady, but neither batsman was unduly troubled. Alderley skipper Worrall soon introduced his spin partnership of Reid and Aussie Chinaman bowler Sean Sturrock.  Off spinner Reid gave his captain control, not turning the ball a great deal, but bowling a searching line and length. Sturrock is an interesting bowler, and of the type rarely seen in any form of cricket. Conditions were certainly against him today, with a wet ball and temperatures in the mid teens. He was not economical, but seemed able to produce some unplayable deliveries at times. One of these was a perfect Chinaman to Bennett (25), which the Marple skipper snicked to Worrall when the total had reached 103 for 2. 

Morgan (63) had played possibly his best inning for Marple, and looked set for three figures, when he miscued Reid to deep midwicket where Rowe safely pouched the catch, with the score 113 for 3. Morgan had hit ten beautifully timed fours in his knock.

This situation might have provoked a crisis for Marple, but Sam Harbinson and Mark Makin, at five this game, continued almost without incident. Makin took three fours from a Sturrock over, and the pair ran well between the wickets. They were content to be watchful against Reid, but took toll of some short deliveries from Sturrock.  Worrall’s decision to bring back Windle in place of Sturrock backfired, as Makin took 28 runs from two overs including three sixes. Harbinson played in controlled fashion throughout an excellent fourth wicket stand of 87, always playing pure cricket strokes. Makin completed a superb and unselfish 52 before falling to Reid at 200 for 4. Harbinson ended on 43 not out, once more showing secure technique and good judgement throughout. The final total of 207 for 4 saw Marple bring up maximum batting points for only the second time this season.

Two rain delays earlier in the afternoon meant that Alderley had only 34 overs to reach their target. However, in Calum Rowe and Alan Day, they have the two form openers in the league this season. Anything remotely off line from Marple bowlers Harbinson and Chris Wood, was despatched to the boundary, and both players looked in top form as a stand of 114 was posted for the first wicket.

 However, despite the batsmen’s dominance, it seemed that a couple of wickets could change things dramatically due to the required run rate. Spinners, Young and Greasley replaced the seamers, and it became apparent that scoring was not quite so easy, as Greasley in particular managed to get the ball to grip. Day (54), after a classy half century, was well caught by Jack Marshall, and then Rowe was deceived in flight and bowled by Greasley at 136 for 2. Former Lancashire opener Mark Currie (32) threatened to win the game for Alderley with his bold improvisations, but after Reid and Wildig fell cheaply, he was well taken by Morgan with the score at 174 for 5. Marple had put down a number of chances of varying difficulty, Young three times the unlucky bowler, but the overs were running out for the visitors. With 29 needed from two overs, a tame ending looked on the cards. However, Sturrock was not about to give up the chase. 23 runs came from the penultimate over bowled by Young, Sturrock (25) striking three mighty sixes.  Crucially though, he was off strike for the final over bowled by Greasley.  When he managed to get on strike, he lofted the ball to long on, only to be taken by Bennett.  From the last ball of the game, Alderley managed to lose a ninth wicket to a third run out, as the batsmen desperately hoped for miraculous overthrows. 205 for 9 was Alderley’s final total as the game produced a frantic finale. Andy Greasley bowled with skill and held his nerve to finish with 6 for 52, whilst Eliot Young was far better than his final figures would suggest.

Marple were probably happy to come out just on top in this game, with satisfaction at a solid batting performance. The number of missed chances was once more a concern, but the tide seems to be turning as summer takes over from spring. Next week sees a visit to league leaders Toft, with a 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds lost a tight game by two wickets at Alderley Edge. A determined eighth wicket stand between Andy Wild (40 not out), and skipper George Clarke (33) gave Marple hope as they recovered from 40 for 4 reach a competitive 143 all out.  For Alderley, the scourge of all Marple sides, left arm spinner Mark Warnes, had 6 for 52. Clarke led his bowlers after tea with another fine return of 4 for 35 from 14 overs. He was supported well by Greg Marsland and Andy Hayes who took a couple of wickets apiece. Jonathan Usher was Alderley’s match winner with a commanding 56 not out.

It was double defeat for Marple’s Sunday teams against Cheadle. The thirds collapsed form 70 for 1 to 141 all out at Bowden Lane, Matt Leech 33 and David Brook 29. Marple’s bowlers made their talented opponents work hard for victory, but a five wicket win was achieved with three overs remaining. The fourths were bowled out for only 49 at Cheadle and lost by eight wickets.

Marple Down to Earth Despite Brotherly Heroics. Seconds Back on Track, as Darby and Ahmed Post Two Hundred Plus Opening Stand!

Bowdon 198 for 3 (42.3 overs) 25 points beat Marple 196 for 8 (50 overs) 7 points by seven wickets

Marple slumped to a seven wicket defeat at Bowdon’s picturesque South Downs Road ground last Saturday, as the previous week’s victory failed to inspire the visiting batsmen. In a game reduced to fifty overs per side due to heavy overnight rain, Marple were always on the back foot in a fixture that has seen results seesaw between the two sides in recent seasons.

This season, Marple’s top order has failed to fire as a unit since the first game back in mid April. Bowdon has historically been a tricky ground on which to score freely, but last Saturday saw a superb batting track prepared by the home groundsman, a worthy successor to the late lamented Peter Marron.  Marple do not know whether to “stick or twist” at present. Do they bat time and get themselves “in”, or go for broke from ball one and attempt to dominate the opposition as is the modern way? Either way, nothing is working for Marple’s undoubtedly talented top order. Muddled thinking would appear to be hampering progress and continues to keep the side on the lower rungs of the Cheshire County Premier League this season.

Five of the top six managed double figures, and Sam Harbinson and Jim Morgan will have been particularly annoyed to get out in the twenties when appearing to be well set, having seen off the threat of Bowdon’s quality opening bowler  Chris Ashling. Aussie off spinner Richard Carter had chipped in with three wickets and Marple looked down and out at 89 for 8. However, form man Paul Wood was joined by his brother Chris, unbelievably low in the order at number ten. Sanity prevailed, as with sensible application and quality strokeplay from both players, Marple reached a respectable and competitive total of 196 for 8, using up the full fifty overs in the process. The brothers in arms added a superb 107 unbroken for the ninth wicket, with thirteen fours and a six apiece entertaining a good sized crowd of all ages.  Paul Wood finished on 70 not out, and Chris 39 not out. For Bowdon, Carter was the most successful bowler with 3 for 41 from 13 overs.

When Bowdon replied, despite Chris Wood demanding respect with his testing opening spell, Marple were never able to put the home side under any serious pressure. Jack Tipton grafted his way to 41, much in the manner of his illustrious father Paul, the former Cheshire and Lancashire second team opening bat. A solid base was provided for Carl Hey (30), skipper Simon Marshall (63 not out) and Patrick Ashling (28 not out) to see Bowdon comfortable winners by seven wickets with almost eight overs remaining.

Next Saturday Marple are back at Bowden Lane with an always eagerly awaited meeting with high flying Alderley Edge, 12.30pm start.

Top quality centurions Will Darby and Haroon Ahmed with a 200 plus opening stand saw Marple seconds get back on track with a fifth win of the season against Urmston seconds at Bowden Lane last Saturday. Urmston must have felt that they were in the box seat, having rattled up a formidable 247 for 6 in the fifty overs, veteran Andy Hayes another five wicket haul. However, Darby and Ahmed, centuries apiece, produced what is probably a Marple second eleven record opening partnership as victory by seven wickets was achieved with time to spare.

Marple thirds battled to a losing draw at Toft on Sunday. Toft totalled a challenging 224 for 5 in the 45 overs with Danny Lord 106, and Chris Drummond 53 leading the charge. Rick Windsor weighed in with 3 for 47 for Marple. The visitors gave a good account of themselves in reply, reaching 203 for 8. Seven players reached double figures, with Windsor (38) top scoring.

Marple fourths were well on top against Ashley thirds, but could only take seven wickets as Ashley posted 137 for 7 in response to Marple’s 217 for 5. Skipper Rick Major led the way with a hard hit half century for Marple, adding 100 with Paul Roberts. He was well supported by Muz Tariq with 59. When Ashley batted, Abdul Khan was impressive with 4 for 9 in 10 overs of accurate seam bowling.

Victory at Last as Wood Stars!

Marple 162 for 6 (59.2 overs) 25 points beat Cheadle 161 all out (43.4 overs) 6 points by four wickets. 

Marple’s long awaited first win of the 2015 finally came over old rivals Cheadle at Kingsway last Saturday. Cheadle’s veteran skipper Paul Sperring elected to bat on winning the toss on the first June Saturday of the season. The pitch appeared to be well grassed although it was sluggish in pace, and the outfield, whilst lush, was fast, with the ball racing away to the boundary in the early overs of the home side’s innings. 

It was a good job for Marple that stand in opening bowler Paul Wood picked up three quick wickets. Joe Prince (19) and later Dan Brown (46) both played some extravagant strokes, with some off the outside edge,  against the new ball, and the scoreboard rattled along at over five runs per over. This was not what Marple needed in a crucial game against fellow strugglers in the league this year. A number of sharp catches were also missed, with Sam Harbinson and later Eliot Young failing to hang on to hard hit caught and bowled chances. Even after Wood had bowled the dangerous Elliot Bullock, the score continued to mount, and unfortunately for Marple, a back twinge meant that Wood had to be rested from the attack after taking 3 for 30 in just six overs. Only Andy Greasley was able to give his captain any real control, as fellow spin twin Eliot Young struggled with his length, possibly being affected by the strong westerly wind that blew across the ground in the early part of the afternoon. Brown and Will Holmes added fifty for the fifth wicket, but when both fell at 117, Marple may have felt that the back of the Cheadle innings was broken. Although Sperring did not last long, Ben Samuels (26) and Drew Carswell (11) showed character to give the home side a reasonable score of 161 on what was to prove a tricky surface.

Harbinson came back well to clean up the tail and finished with 4 for 44 from 11 .4 overs. The brilliant diving left handed catch by keeper Makin to dismiss Matt Fotia was the highlight of the day in the field for Marple. Greasley, in good form again this season, ended with 2 for 33 from 14 overs of guile. Marple had managed to take all ten wickets for the first time this summer, and were glad to have the use of eleven extra overs in the run chase. 

On the resumption after tea, Marple were delighted to have former Cheshire skipper Andrew Hall back at the top of the order again. Hall has been out of action for a month with a rib injury, and with Matt Fotia opening up for Cheadle, his skill and experience were much needed. Fotia, still only twenty years of age, has represented Australia U/19’S on a number of occasions with some success.  He has a strong and easy approach to the wicket, and even on this pitch with low bounce, got the ball through to keeper Bullock with good pace. He is also accurate, and Hall was particularly careful to leave any deliveries around off stump when he could. Mark Makin (5) was soon bowled by Fotia, and when skipper Bennett (5) was unluckily given lbw to Sperring at 27,

Marple may have feared the worst. However, Harbinson showed good technique and application along with Hall, and they led a recovery, seeing off Fotia’s initial burst. The scoring rate was kept below three runs per over though, as Will Holmes settled into an accurate spell of left arm spin. When Fotia returned, Hall effortlessly hooked a short delivery into the pavilion for six, and Marple began to breathe a little more easily. However, Harbinson’s (13) patience ran out when he chased a wide one from Fotia and was caught behind. Morgan (0) soon dragged onto his stumps, and when Hall (40) was brilliantly taken one handed by keeper Bullock off Holmes, Marple were suddenly 69 for 5, with not out batsmen Young and Wood both on nought. Cheadle, vociferous and sharp in the field, were now well on top. Marple’s sixth wicket pair now batted with resolution and skill though. Wood was absolutely secure in defence against the threat of Fotia. Using his experience, he gauged the pitch before attempting any attacking strokes, and Young also was solid, but ruthless as well whenever a scoring opportunity presented itself. Possibly Marple’s best stand of the season so far grew as frustration mounted for the home side. 

Sperring  used himself for a second spell, but was expensive, and was forced to bring back the willing Fotia for a third stint. The tireless Aussie produced a beauty to hit the top of Young’s off stump after he and Wood had added 66 priceless runs. Young departed for an excellent 34, made against tight bowling on a difficult pitch, and his improvement can be seen each game. With 27 still needed the game was far from won, but Wood now took charge. He waited for the time to pounce, cover driving Fotia for four and lofting Holmes for a straight six to see Marple almost to victory. With gutsy support from Jack Marshall (7 not out), the pair then added the few remaining runs in singles, the winning line being crossed in the sixtieth over. Wood’s innings of 47 not out was not his highest for Marple, but in terms of character and concentration in a winning cause, it may well be his best. For Cheadle, the excellent Fotia finished with 4 for 55 from 23.2 high class overs. 

Much needed relief this for Marple and a hard earned win. Next week sees another away fixture at Bowdon, a 12.30pm start. 

Marple were beaten by four wickets in the second team fixture with Cheadle at Bowden Lane on Saturday. The home side did well to recover from 50 for 4 to post 182 for 5, Will Darby 33 and Gary Cash 56 against his old club. Cheadle were forced to work hard for the win, but picked the right times to attack in reaching the victory target. Marple skipper George Clarke was again in form with the ball, picking up another five wicket haul in a losing cause. 

Marple thirds were in the runs against Urmston thirds on Sunday at Bowden Lane. Marple rattled up 246 for 8 in 45 overs with Urmston collecting losing draw points on 175 for 7.