Chester Boughton Hall 298 for 9 (55 overs) 15 points drew
with Marple 247 for 9 (55overs) 9 points
Marple were involved in another run fest, this time at
Chester Boughton Hall. The home captain, Lee Dixon won the toss, and being
mindful of the fact that his side had a key T20 game at Ormskirk the next day
opted to bat first. The talented Chester team have faltered in the league of
late, but in cup competitions have proved almost unbeatable, and will attempt
to defend their status as National Club T20 champions at the Swalec stadium,
Cardiff, in front of the Sky TV cameras in a few weeks.
Despite losing Warren Goodwin, lbw to Wylie, in the fifth
over, the home side, in the shape of Dunbavand and Moore, wreaked havoc on the
Marple bowlers. Suffice to say, that at drinks, twenty-seven overs of the
innings completed, the score stood at 182 for 1. Moore was, at times, almost
unbowlable to. Boundaries rained to all parts from his bat. However, as is
often the case, drinks brings wickets, and first Moore (92) was deceived by
Eliot Young and then Lee Dixon (4) soon holed out to Mark Makin at cow corner,
once again off Young. Dunbavand (59) continued to play fluently, but although
most of the Chester lower order contributed well, Marple fought back well, to
restrict Chester to 298 for 9 after the full 55 overs. Greasley showed all his
guile to finish with 3 for 66 from 19 overs, and Wylie's second spell of 3 for
31 enabled him to claim a hard working 4 for 81 at the tea interval. Eliot
Young continued his knack of picking up vital wickets to take 2 for 65.
Chester's strength in their batting depth was highlighted by the fact that
Harry Killoran coming in at eight, had scored a century for Derbyshire seconds
the previous week!
Marple openers, Andrew Hall and Jim Morgan, were once
again in positive vein. Dixon's gamble of trying to take the pace off the ball
with the leg spin of Jack Williams to partner the speed of Ash Davis backfired,
as Andrew Hall in particular smote the ball to all parts, the highlight being
an effortless straight six off Williams that smashed into the sight screen.
Davis too was harshly treated, with Morgan also in on the act, the ball
scorching to the boundary from his blade. Although reliable seamers, Kegg and
Goodwin brought a semblance of normality to proceedings, the hundred opening
stand was posted at the rate of six runs an over. Hall is in sensational form
at present, and the good sized crowd was left in awe at some of the shot making
on view, with Morgan not far behind. Dixon then reintroduced Williams, and Hall
(55) chipped him to long off where Kegg safely pouched the catch. Harbinson
joined Morgan and settled quickly and positively. A full toss from Williams was
hoisted into neighbouring gardens, but Morgan (52) then chopped a ball onto his
stumps from Killoran. Skipper Bennett, battled hard to get himself in, but
fluency eluded him on this occasion. Harbinson (53) reached an attractive half
century, but was undone by sheer pace, losing his off stump, when Davis
returned to the fray. Maybe Dixon had urged his talisman to let them fly, as
with keeper Marsland stood twenty or more yards back, Davis certainly bent his
back. At 190 for four, Marple needed a miracle with two new batsmen at the
crease. It was not forthcoming. George Pearson, and later Andy Greasley, batted
with resolve to deny Chester the win, and Marple ended on a hugely respectable
247 for 9, having competed well for three quarters of the game. For Chester,
Williams came back well, and ended with 6 for 80 from 19 overs of intelligent
leg spin.
Marple remain in a perilous position in the league, and
entertain Cheadle in the first of three remaining home games, next Saturday
with a 12.30 pm start.
The second team game between the two clubs also ended
with Marple's last wicket pair of Matthew Shelton and Andy Hayes denying table
topping Chester victory. The visitors got off to a flying start, with 70 on the
board after only 12 overs. However, Marple's two bankers, skipper Clarke, and
Hayes put the brakes on. 190 represented a gettable total for the home team.
Hopes were almost extinguished at 20 for four, but Gary Cash reminded everyone
of his true pedigree with a remarkable century. He played his best knock of the
summer, with shots through the covers and also some violent blows over the top.
When he departed, the victory charge ran out of steam, and avoidance of defeat
became the only option.
Daniel ("DD") Davies was the hero for Marple
thirds, with 5 for 20 as they're defeated Toft thirds by two runs last Sunday.
No batsman dominated as Marple were all out for 127. Toft and no answer to
Davies as they fell just two runs short on 125 all out. Greg Marsland, with 2
for 18 bowled well in support of Davies.
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