Early Decision Frustrates Marple!

Marple's important game at home to Sale last Saturday was called off by the officiating umpires about half an hour before the start time of 1pm. It was not raining, and nor was there any prospect of further rain during the afternoon. Like all grounds in the county, Marple had suffered bouts of very heavy rain during the week. Certainly the square was not in the best condition, but the pitch itself was relatively dry, and the outfield playable. With a bit of covering of one or two patches on the square, and use of the mopping up equipment, a reduced game could probably have taken place from about 3pm. 

It was therefore very surprising that that there appeared to be little desire to hold fire with the cancellation decision and wait a while. The example of nearby Bramhall should be used here. Even after they had played a prestigious T20 game the previous evening in difficult conditions, a full Premier League game went ahead on the Saturday, albeit not in ideal circumstances.

So Marple go again next week with another home game against high flying Didsbury. With four games out of nine falling victim to the weather this season, things are beginning to resemble the record breaking wet summer of 2012, when seven games fell foul of the elements.

Marple seconds, with youngsters, Max Fitzgerald, Ed Saxelby and Jacob Combey to the fore, held on for a deserved draw against Hyde at Werneth Low last Saturday. A feisty encounter saw Marple bowl out the hosts for 207 in the 47th over. George Clarke and Andy Massey were the leading wicket takers with three and four respectively. Marple made a good fist of chasing this demanding target. However, although the top five, Pearson, Radford, Brook, Lindsay and Massey all passed the twenty mark, no batsman was able to go on and make a score of 60 or 70 that might have brought victory. Ryan Lindsay with 34 was the top scorer, and when he fell it looked as though a defeat was on the cards. However, the above mentioned Marple young players batted with resolution 
and no little skill to deny the home bowlers. Marple finished on 177 for 8.

On Sunday Marple thirds eagerly awaited fixture at Alderley Edge was abandoned at teatime due to heavy rain. The home side had reached a useful 150 for 4 after 38 overs. Conor Bergin with 2 for 43 was Marple's most successful bowler, and he was well supported by Rick Major, 1 for 24 and Paul Roberts 1 for 40. Although wicketless, Sam Stretton, Albert Connor and Tom Travis all bowled well without luck.