Park Openers Efforts in Vain!

The monsoons that affected most of Cheshire did not materialise at Oulton Park’s picturesque and welcoming ground at Little Budworth last Saturday. However, the rain became heavy and persistent enough to bring an end to proceedings with the home side in a strong position, having amassed an impressive 233 for four after 45 overs.

Marple captain Paul Wood won a rare toss this season, and inserted the home side in overcast and gloomy conditions. Any hopes of making early inroads were soon dashed in no uncertain terms by East, who proceeded to crash good and bad deliveries alike to the boundary. Menzies suffered in particular at the start of the innings, with six blistering fours being taken from his opening salvo of four overs.  It was not that he bowled badly, more that East, who had been spotted smashing the ball hard from some throw downs in the nets prior to play, did not bother to play himself in, but just trusted his skill and judgment. Former Cheshire man, Danny Leech, gave unselfish support, pushing singles and was content to play second fiddle.

Wood switched his bowlers, and after the hundred stand came in rapid time, found that Heginbotham and Jack Grundy gave him a modicum of control. Nelson struck as East, much to his annoyance, edged to keeper Morgan off Heginbotham for 77 at the mystical total of 111. He had blasted fourteen brutal boundaries in this innings. When Tomlinson fell at 123, once more caught by Morgan this time off Grundy, Marple were almost back in the game. Grundy bowled his most impressive spell in first eleven cricket for Marple here.  In his seven overs (age restrictions did not permit more in the one spell) he took 1 for 19, and did not concede a single boundary. However, with Leech now coming in to his own, and Mills giving good support, this hope was soon snuffed out. Greasley did not appear to gain much turn from the pitch, and both left handed batsmen scored freely. They added 86 for the third wicket, before Mills chipped a simple catch to Grundy for a useful 41 at 213 for 3 to give Greasley a first wicket of the afternoon. The rains came at 233 for 3, and although a brief respite allowed Greasley a further wicket, that of Hyslop stumped by Morgan, that was the end of proceedings. Leech, finding fluency toward the end, finished on 85 not out, with seven fours and a six.

So Marple suffered a third game of 2016 lost to the weather. Whether they could have chased down an imposing total even on a relatively small ground is pure speculation. However, the side’s away form this season is giving cause for concern.  They will hope that, with four home league games in succession, starting next Saturday 18^th June, against Sale, they can maintain the 100 per cent home record. 

Marple’s second team game at home to Chester Boughton Hall did not get as far as the one at Little Budworth. When Chester had reached 67 for 4 after 18 overs, torrential rain flooded the Bowden Lane ground and that was that. For Marple, skipper Clarke had two more wickets in another impressive display.

The third eleven game at home to Grappenhall on Sunday was abandoned without a ball being bowled.