The old nursery rhyme of “wind from the east, no good for man nor beast” looked to be an apt description of the conditions at Warrington on Sunday. An easterly gale blew across the Walton Lea ground, and that made life difficult for all bowlers. The outfield was also hard as rock, and fielding was a potentially hazardous occupation.
Once again, Paul Wood, the Marple captain, was probably not too displeased to be asked to take first knock. James Crisall has returned to the club looking rejuvenated, and with Mark Makin always a threat, opposition bowlers must be on the mark. The visitors got away to good start, despite former Oxford University paceman Batey bowling a testing opening spell. It was a surprise when Makin (15) was well held by a return catch from Scholes at 23 for 1. This was not good news for the fielding side however, as the imperious Andrew Hall came out to join Crisall. Hall continued from where he left off against Oxton last week, sharing another century stand. This time it was with a fluent James Crisall. With control proving tricky for all the bowlers, both batsmen were ruthless with anything remotely off line. Hall produced some glorious off drives, and Crisall uncannily found the gaps with some brutal pull shots much to the frustration of the home side. Just when it looked as though there would be no further alarms for Marple, Andrew Hall fell awkwardly when being sent back when going for a tight single by Crisall. The worst was feared as he lay prostrate. Marple seem to have an early season injury jinx. Happily, after some time, Hall rose gingerly to his feet. It was just a twisted ankle and not a sprained or broken one. However, the former Cheshire captain was discomforted somewhat, and Johann Els produced a good one to get through his defences. Hall (60) fell for another excellent half century at 125 for 2.
Paul Wood is in his element as Marple’s number four. With another good start on the board, he was able to play himself in steadily as Crisall continued his memorable innings. In the first class game, the players get a rest after two hours play, but Crisall, fatigued not unnaturally after almost three hours in tough conditions, fell for a terrific 92. This was a very fine knock, with a combination of solid defence, aggression and some unselfish running. Another century stand with Wood had taken Marple to a formidable total. Wood hit some powerful boundaries in his second half century of the season (55) and with Morgan and Warner lofting effortless sixes to dent Batey’s hard earned figures of 2 for 67, a total of 247 for 5 looked a distant target.
The Warrington innings got away to a sticky start, with Jack Grundy and Pat Morahan picking up both openers, and only 23 on the board, both caught behind by Jim Morgan. However, Johann Els in partnership with Brad McIntosh, produced an excellent third wicket stand. Almost without playing himself in, South African Els, seven fours and four sixes, showed he can hit the ball a long way like his golfing namesake Ernie. All Marple bowlers were dealt with harshly, as the scoreboard rattled along. Fortunately for Marple though, Paul Wood has rediscovered some of his zest for bowling this season. He persuaded McIntosh (38) to pull to square leg where Crisall took a fine catch, and then had the big wicket of Els (71) with an absolute beauty that pitched middle and hit off! Warrington had been well ahead of the asking rate, but now slumped to 134 for 4. Greasley had been severely treated early in his spell, but he came back well, using his experience as a foil for Wood who had found an awkward length.
Warrington are though, a side with character, and despite having fresh batsmen at the crease they continued to chase the imposing target. Haughton (27) showed little respect for the bowling as Wood shuffled his attack round, and Batey (28 not out) belied his lowly position of number ten in the order with a hard hitting assault. It was to the home side’s credit that they kept on going for the win at all times, and Marple were a relieved side when number eleven Scholes was deceived and stumped by Jim Morgan off Greasley at 230 all out with just eight deliveries remaining.
Both sides deserve great credit for producing a fine game of cricket in very challenging conditions. Paul Wood was undoubtedly man of the match. He was the game’s stand out bowler with a Marple best of 6 for 49 to go with his 55 excellent runs.
A first win of the season for Marple, and they are away again next week with a short trip to Bollington next Saturday, 1.00pm start.
Marple seconds put up a much improved batting display at Nantwich on Saturday, totalling a respectable 178 for four in the 50 overs. There was a lot to be praised in Max Fitzgerald’s maiden second team half century. His 51 was a great effort, and he was well supported by Ryan Lindsay with 30, Andy Massey 33 not out and David Brook 18 not out. However, the bowlers toiled once again as Nantwich eventually coasted home by nine wickets.
Marple thirds made it two wins from two in the round robin T20 competition at Urmston. In the usual batsman friendly conditions at Urmston, Marple totalled a formidable 163 for 3, Matt Leech 79 not out and Joe Yates 38. This was far too many for the home team.
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