Marple's last wicket pair of Paul Wood and Andy Greasley batted through the last twelve and a half overs to see Marple to a losing draw against a combative Davenham side at Bowden Lane last Saturday.
Although the Marple ground appeared in superb condition, there were some anxious home players, spectators and officials wondering how the first new pitch of the relaid square would play. It looked to be an absolute belter as visiting skipper Hancock elected to take first knock on winning the toss.. However, free stroke play proved difficult as Morahan and Wylie both bowled testing opening spells. The ball kept on the low side, and did not come on to the bat.
For Davenham, only Sam Hunt, with a first rate 70, was able to really time the ball consistently. The in form Gallichen struggled to 13 in 56 deliveries. However, for the third game in a row, Marple were unable to remove the opposition tail. Hancock carved Morahan for four successive boundaries as an above par score of 183 for 9 was posted. Wylie was Marple's best bowler on the day with 3 for 34. Greasley came back well with 4 for 54 after suffering some heavy early punishment from Hunt.
The Marple reply never got off the ground, as tight Davenham bowling, particularly from Taylor, kept a lid on proceedings. Sambell had Hall brilliantly stumped and Makin and Crisall fell to excellent catches as the visitors gained the upper hand. Paul Wood once again held things together for Marple, and he received useful support in a sixth wicket stand of 32 from Max Fitzgerald, who showed skill and good judgement. However, the dual left arm spin combination of Bliss and Hancock looked to have done the trick as Marple subsided to 93 for 9. All looked lost, but Marple's hero of 2017, skipper Paul Wood recorded a sixth successive half century, this time a gutsy 60 not out. Greasley showed commendable application in batting 38 minutes for his 0 not out!
Marple are away to Weaverham next Saturday, 1.00 pm start. They are in mid table after three consecutive draws, but the league is very tight this season, and a couple of wins can see the side back amongst the leaders.
Both Marple seconds and thirds were involved in excellent games. The seconds were narrowly defeated at Alderley Edge. Marple posted a very useful 184 for 7, Jamie Massey 33, Mudassar Panchbaya 47 and Ed Saxelby a fluent 28 not out. Marple were undone by former Lancashire opener Mark Currie who hit a match winning 77 not out. Marple bowlers Saxelby, Clarke, Panchbaya and Shelton all did a sterling job as Alderley just scraped home by three wickets.
The thirds had a draw at Cheadle. Chasing a daunting 203 for victory, they closed on 200 for 9. Marple will be pleased to see David Brook, 61, and Will Darby, 43, play leading roles. Both have just returned from nasty injuries.
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