Grappenhall Hoodoo Continues, but Seconds and Thirds Bring Cheer to Marple!

Grappenhall 198 for 2 (41 overs) 25 points beat Marple 195 for 7 (50 overs) 6 points by eight wickets
An erratic display from Marple saw them comfortably beaten at Grappenhall last Saturday.

With soaring temperatures and the home ground looking in excellent fettle after extensive ground improvements; it felt as though the cricket season had finally arrived last Saturday. Marple captain Paul Wood lost the toss and was asked to bat first as is now the norm in club cricket, regardless of conditions. The pitch appeared docile, and the new outfield was quick, the ball racing away once the infield had been penetrated. Batting first seemed to be no bad thing, as despite Grappenhall’s defensive tactics, Marple openers Andrew Hall and Mark Bennett shared a quality opening stand of 105. Hall was initially the quicker of the two, and was content to wait for the overpitched deliveries from the accurate Guest and McCabe. Home spectators could be heard bemoaning the negative tactics of their side, but although Marple got a secure foundation, the scoring rate was never above three and a half an over, as firm drives from both players found the fielders. New keeper Osborne stood up to both bowlers, and made some excellent takes, restricting the batsmen’s freedom.

Hall reached a fine half century, which included eight fours and one huge effortlessly pulled six from first change bowler Matthews who took a while to settle. When 55, he tried to guide Matthews to third man, but only succeeded in edging to Osborne. Marple were still in control, but Grappenhall had a new and rare, for them, form of attack. This came in the shape of off spinner Ryan Ninan, who has come to Grappenhall having had experience in the IPL this year. Whilst never unplayable, he gave skipper Roylance excellent control. There was not much turn, but he varied his pace and flight well, always demanding respect. Bennett (47), after playing a secure innings full of attractive drives and pulls, was deceived in flight and chipped the ball to Matthews at extra cover. At 123 for 2, Marple needed the middle order to regain the initiative. Paul Wood (5) never quite settled and mistimed a drive from Ninan to deep mid off. Morgan (21), after a promising start then edged to Osborne next ball. 

Poor Jamie Massey became Ninan’s hat trick victim as Marple were in trouble now at 139 for 5, the two new batsmen both on nought. Mark Makin received good support from George Pearson (13), and Dylan Heginbotham (9 not out), and the visitors reached a competitive 195 for 7 after the 50 overs. Makin played a delightful cameo of 30, scored in quick time, and including four fours in successive deliveries from Ninan. He was caught at long off with one delivery remaining off Burns. Burns appeared to be the home side’s quickest bowler, but strangely did not appear in the attack until the 37^th over. For Grappenhall, Ninan ended with 4 for 53 from 15 overs, and Burns had 2 for 35.

In the home side’s reply, it initially looked as though the target might prove to be a testing one. Both James Menzies and Dylan Heginbotham had what appeared to be very close shouts for lbw turned down. James McCoy is a player well known to Marple though. He wrested the initiative for his side with some powerful pulls and drives, brutally despatching the new ball. However, the determined Heginbotham had his man lbw soon afterwards, McCoy falling for a rapid 35 from only twenty deliveries faced. Greasley was introduced and did give Wood control at one end. However, runs flowed freely at the other end as the bowlers, striving for wickets, became erratic in length and line. Skipper Roylance was never fluent, but in Peter Barnes, Grappenhall have found a more than useful top order player. He was content to wait for the bad deliveries, and play with care against Greasley. The sting went out of Marple’s effort in the field, as the target always appeared well within reach. Heginbotham took a second wicket, Roylance (63) at 157 for 2, but Barnes made a fine 80 not out to guide his side to an ultimately comfortable win, supported by Ninan (12 not out), with nine overs to spare.

Marple are not yet up and running this season, but will hope that the first of successive home games next week against old rivals Cheadle Hulme will bring a change of fortune. Start time next Saturday the 14^th May is 1.00pm at Bowden Lane.

Marple seconds recorded a second successive win, this time at home to Neston. The home attack, led by young Ed Saxelby, always had the visitors in check. On a beautiful afternoon, and with a quick outfield, 154 all out was well below par. Saxelby finished with 4 for 35 from 12 excellent overs, bowled in two spells. He was well supported by Greg Marsland and Andy Massey with two wickets apiece. The Marple reply began well with Tim Radford again batting with resolve, but a heavy rain shower put the result in some doubt. However, Andy Massey continued his fine all round start to the season with 44 not out to guide Marple to a five wicket victory.

Marple thirds began their league campaign with a fine 21 run victory at Toft. Mark Nicholson and David Brook got the visitors off to a solid start, posting a half century opening stand. Nicholson, making a welcome return to Marple colours after injury in 2015, made a fine 71 in a useful total of 154 for 6. Toft never threatened to reach the target, as Marple’s three excellent youngsters, Connor Bergin 4 for 17, Sam Stretton 4 for 15 and Paul Roberts 2 for 40 shared all ten wickets in an uplifting  win.