Neston 286 for 6 (55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 283 all
out (6 points) by three runs
It will be of no consolation to the Marple players that they
took part in one of the best ever games to be played at Bowden Lane. When
Neston’s veteran opening bowler, Chris Finegan bowled the final delivery of the
game, all four results were possible. The former Cheshire opening bowler no
longer has the pace of old, but he kept his nerve and delivered a full and
accurate last ball to Marple’s equally venerated Andy Greasley. With four runs
required for victory, Marple’s legendary off spinner went for glory. Home hearts were broken as he missed and saw
his stumps shattered. Cue wild and ecstatic celebrations from the Neston
fieldsmen. Victory edges them away from
the bottom rungs of the Cheshire County Premier League, but leaves Marple in
peril, and favourites for the drop.
Earlier, Neston skipper Brad Donelan possibly surprised the
home side by electing to bat first. However, there was little in the pitch for
the quicker bowlers, and the outfield, trimmed short by groundsman Mike
Hibbert, was as quick as greased lightning. Openers for Neston, Stokes and
returning former skipper David Hurst were both in ruthless mood. It was not a day
for the new ball, as anything remotely off line just disappeared to the
fence. Marple’s three seamers were all
put to the sword, and a rapid century stand was posted. Stokes looked in particularly good touch, and
he was the dominant partner, finding the boundary with ease, as sixteen fours
and one six came with strokes all round the wicket. The Marple spinners,
Greasley and Young, then gradually exerted a modicum of control. Stokes (85)
was the first to go, brilliantly held one handed by a diving Bennett at point.
Then Greasley deceived Mugava (0) in flight and Neston suddenly were 146 for 2.
Although Marple stuck grittily to their task, the rapidity of the opening
partnership meant that there were plenty of overs remaining in the innings.
Hurst now took full charge, being supported well by the Neston middle order,
all of whom chipped in with useful support.
Greasley, in particular has to be commended on his effort, but Young was
not flattered by his final figures, and bowled much better than they would suggest.
Hurst went on to a superb 122 with seventeen fours and one six, before being
bowled late on by the returning Wylie. Greasley toiled through 24 overs to
finish with 4 for 88, and Hall also took a spectacular one handed catch to
account for Donelan. Surely 286 for 6 was way above par on a pitch that seemed
to offer something to the spinners, and had Donelan batted on too long?
Opening up for Marple, Andrew Hall and Jim Morgan had no
choice but to be positive. Both players found the boundary early on, and Morgan
hooked Stewart imperiously for his third four at 28, seemingly losing the new
ball. Unfortunately for Morgan, the first delivery with the spare ball seemed
to stick in the pitch and leave the batsman. Morgan (14) edged to keeper Hurst,
yet again an unlucky batsman. With the original ball found, Hall took toll of
Stewart with four exquisite boundaries in one over that saw the promising
youngster removed from the attack. Sam Harbinson did not settle today, and he
was caught at short leg by Stokes from the off spin of Mugava at 57 for 2. Mark
Bennett joined Hall, and as has often been the case in the past, when these two
get in together, they produce batting of top quality. A stand of 115 for the
third wicket was raised, and was the equal of the Stokes, Hurst partnership
earlier. They also had the scoreboard pressure to deal with. Donelan went on
the defensive, and the initial spells of Finegan and slow left armer Stimson
failed to put a brake on proceedings. More in hope than expectation, Hackett was
brought into the attack, and he did a good job for his captain, demanding
respect. Hall, once again batted sublimely. A third century of the season was
posted by the former Cheshire captain. He is in vintage form at present, and
fourteen glorious boundaries flowed from his bat. Bennett too, increasingly
found his rhythm and Marple appeared to be well on course for a remarkable
victory. Even when Hall was caught at backward point for 102 by Finegan off
Hackett, there was still optimism as Mark Makin played beautifully in support
of Bennett.
There was no panic as the runs came at a good pace. At 240 for 3
the sizable home support was optimistic. Finegan was once again in the action
though as he took another simple catch when Bennett (88) chipped Stimpson to mid
wicket. This was a wonderful knock from
the Marple captain, with some fine strokes and excellent judgment.
The overs
were running out, but Paul Wood took a straight four and then a huge lofted six
over long off from Stimson. Seventeen
were needed from three overs. Finegan was reintroduced though, and his two
overs were decisive. Both Paul and Chris Wood were smartly stumped by Hurst and
Lindsay was bowled. Crucially, Makin was off strike for the final over. When
Greasley scampered a single three balls remained and four were required.
Donelan posted all his fielders on the boundary edge, and although Makin (54)
managed to get something on the fourth delivery, he didn’t middle it. Stokes
safely pouched the catch at long on. When Greasley was bowled from the final
delivery, Finegan had the remarkable figures of 5 for 2 from his final two
overs.
Things are not looking good for Marple with five games
remaining. Three are at home, and next Saturday sees a visit to Chester
Boughton Hall, who whilst still dominant in cup competitions, have faltered in
the league in recent weeks. Both Neston
and Cheadle have defeated the National Club T20 champions in successive weeks,
so Marple must travel in hope and attempt to enjoy the game at Filkins Lane.
In the second eleven fixture between the two clubs over on
the Wirral, Neston had a winning draw. After a sticky start, Neston posted a
challenging 240 for 8, three wickets for Andy Hayes. Keeper Andy Wild had four
victims. Marple never threatened this total and closed on 172 for 9 with Jack
Marshall a terrific 97 holding the innings together.
The thirds stormed to victory over Urmston thirds on Sunday.
Jamie Massey with a superb 100 not out led the way as Marple declared at 246
for 1. Lewis Braddock (35) and Matt Leech (85 not out) were destructive in
support. Daniel (“DD”) Davies was the most successful bowler taking three
wickets, with Jack Grundy a vital 2 for 37.
The fourths had a winning draw at home to Romiley thirds on
Sunday.
No comments:
Post a Comment