Cricket returned to Marple’s improved ground for the first time since the end of last August, and despite a cool and grey start, by the end of the day, the pitch looked in first class condition in the evening sunshine.
Paul Wood lost the toss and was asked to take first knock as seems to be the custom these days. For Sale, Barrowman was on the mark straightaway as Makin, caught on the crease, was bowled for a duck at 1 for 0. With Andrew Hall victim of the early season Marple injury jinx, Mark Bennett stepped up to number three for his first innings of the 2017 campaign. Crisall once more looked assured and managed to get a couple of early boundaries away as Nawaz struggled with his line. Both bowlers had to be watched however, as the odd delivery kept low, and Barrowman nipped the odd one back into the right hander Crisall. Bennett survived a number of confident lbw shouts against Nawaz, and it was only after Crisall was dismissed lbw to Nawaz for another promising 25 at 49 for 2 that he began to look more settled.
Marple’s captain fantastic, Paul Wood, once again looked in complete control, and the third wicket partnership proceeded in untroubled fashion, the Marple supporters breathing more easily after a testing start. Both players found the boundary with increasing regularity, and although Sale captain Greenhough switched his bowlers around, he was unable to find a combination that could put a brake on the ever increasing run rate. As in previous games this season, the only way it seemed a wicket would fall was through batsman error, and so it proved as Bennett played too soon at off spinner Macfarlane and was bowled for an excellent 81 at 177 for 3. He hit eight fours in this responsible knock.
With Morgan once more in belligerent mood, the scoring rate did not slacken, and Wood really went for his shots as Marple raced past the 200 mark. Wood is in a rich vein of form this year, and he passed his fourth successive half century. Two huge lofted sixes were memorable, but he hit the ball with serious power in this terrific 88. There was a flurry of late wickets as Barrowman 4 for 63 and Macfarlane 3 for 73 reaped some reward after a hard afternoon in the field. With the ball not really coming onto the bat, a score of 234 for 8 looked to be way above par.
This was apparent from the very early stages of Sale’s reply. Andy Wylie and Ed Saxelby, given the new ball in the absence of Pat Morahan, were both on target immediately. Saxleby bowled an excellent spell of six overs, and he was rewarded when keeper Morgan made a fantastic leg side stumping to remove Wellings at 7 for 1. Lancashire starlet Brooke Guest, at number three, could not get his timing going at all, and the response never got off the ground. At 34 for 2 Guest was well taken by Morgan off first change Wood for just 14, an innings that took him the best part of an hour. At this point the Sale batsmen did not know whether to stick or twist, and it was apparent that confidence was low. Spells, after a promising start made 31, Macfarlane 32 and Watkin 27, but there was no fluency. Andy Massey chipped in with three wickets, and Greasley was his usual accurate self with a miserly 2 for 36 from fifteen overs. At 92 for 7 it looked to be just a matter of time for Marple. However, Watkin, with determined support from Rizvi, Adams and Nawaz, batted with application and resolve to thwart Marple’s attempt to force the win. 134 for 9 represented an afternoon of toil for Sale.
A frustrating end of the game this for Marple, but captain Wood is gradually forging a strong team ethic, and spirits are unlikely to be low for long. Next week sees a trip to Oulton Park’s picturesque and rural ground in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, 1.00pm start.
Marple seconds had a tough day at the office in an away fixture against Timperley. Marple’s bowlers had a torrid afternoon as the home side rattled up an imposing 266 for 3 declared in 48 overs, Ness 100, Prastka 69 and Howarth 82 not out. Faced with such a daunting target, Marple deserve credit for not giving up, and they ended on 152 for 9 and losing draw points. George Pearson made a solid 40 and debutant Stewart Bass a fine 45 in the reply. Mark Nicholson and skipper George Clarke both both battled hard to score 17 and 19 respectivley.
Marple thirds routed Hyde thirds for just 55 on Sunday. Evergreen Mike Smith had 5 for 21 and Jacob Combey 3 for 14. Marple had to battle hard for the win, losing five wickets in reply. Andy Gichero with 25 was top scorer.
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