Magnificent Makin Puts Marple Out of Sight!

Marple 229 for 4 (50 overs) 14 points winning draw against Oxton 175 for 8 (50 overs) 5 points 

A remarkable innings of 136 not out from Marple’s Mark Makin was the highlight of this game between two sides from the extreme east and west edges of the county at Bowden Lane last Saturday.

It would seem that word has not got around amongst captains in the Cheshire County League first division this season.  To insert a rampant Marple batting line up in favourable conditions inevitably means a very meagre return with regard to points earned. Oxton’s Dane Williams was the latest to feel the heat, as his side suffered an afternoon of toil. True, there was the early wicket of Crisall, caught behind off the plainly unfit Fraser for just 5 at 6 for 1. Mark Bennett was promoted to number three here as a result of his exceptional form in recent weeks. In partnership with a determined Mark Makin, he did not miss his opportunity.  Bennett continued to make batting look easy, and he looked on course for another big score. He added 69 for the second wicket with Makin before almost incredibly he was caught at mid on from a leading edge off the persevering Fennah for 30.

With Makin showing application as well as superb timing, Paul Wood was content to play second fiddle as Williams struggled to find an effective bowling combination. After a remarkable run of nine successive half centuries, it was not quite Wood’s day as he was bowled for 21 by a good yorker from Magann when the Oxton Aussie paceman returned for a second spell. Still, at 121 for 3, Marple were in good shape, and although Andrew Hall was not at his fluent best, he still added a useful 58 with Makin for the fourth wicket, seeing his partner through to a tremendous century.  There were just five overs left when Max Fitzgerald joined Makin at 179 for 4. The pair added 50 runs from these overs, with Makin now totally dominant. Fitzgerald played his part well with excellent running and also a number of well timed drives and pulls in his 13 not out. Makin’s innings of 136 not out was a terrific knock, and is amongst the highest ever recorded by a Marple player in league cricket. On a pitch where timing proved tricky, Makin stroked 13 fours all round the ground and also one six. It was another chastened visiting bowling attack that returned to the pavilion at teatime.

At first glance, this game may have the same appearance as the one against Macclesfield the previous week. However, Marple’s performance in the field here was of a far higher quality. It was a day when taking wickets was to prove tough, but all Marple’s bowlers stuck gamely to the task in hand.  It was a little disappointing that Oxton, having chosen to chase, did not put up a more determined response in front of an excellent crowd in glorious weather. Only the experienced Andy Gibson with a fine 73 offered real hope for the visitors.  A number of other players battled to double figures, but were unable to mount a serious challenge. Marple were sharp in the field with a number of fine catches taken, particularly from Greasley, Morahan and Bennett.  Greasley had 3 for 37, Morahan 3 for 46 and Jack Grundy 2 for 27 in two fine spells. Ed Saxelby whilst wicketless, also bowled some testing overs. Oxton ended on 175 for 8.

Marple’s batting has been of high quality this season, with six players making individual scores in excess of 75. Makin’s 136* was the first century posted in 2017 though, and will be remembered fondly by those who saw it as one of the club’s finest.

Marple remain fifth in the league, and visit Warrington next Saturday 8^th July 12.30pm start.

 Marple seconds were well beaten by league leaders Toft. Will Darby (36) and Tim Radford (35) helped Marple to 79 for 2, but Pete Talbot, Toft’s excellent young seamer, had the remarkable figures of 9 for 23 as he provided a testing examination for  the visitors. Only Mike Fitzgerald (21) of the middle order was able to offer any resistance as Marple were blown away for 133. There were no alarms for Toft as they brought up a nine wicket victory in only 21 overs, Craig 64 not out and Stubbs 67.

In a needlessly ill tempered third team game against Sale thirds, Marple were defeated by 127 runs. Chasing a far off 207, Marple succumbed to a talented side in being dismissed for just 80.