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.
No comments:
Post a Comment