Vintage Greasley Master Class Does for Davenham!

Marple 148 all out (49.4 overs) 25 points beat Davenham 127 all out (38.2 overs) 5 points by 21 runs

A superb spell of off spin bowling from Marple’s evergreen master Andy Greasley brought Marple a hard earned victory at second placed Davenham last Saturday.

Once again, Paul Wood lost the toss and was asked to bat first as is the norm in most games of club cricket these days. However, the Davenham wicket was no batsman’s paradise. The bounce was uneven, and the ball did not come onto the bat. Marple’s openers Andrew Hall and Mark Makin had added 139 the previous week, but here they put together a vital 40 runs for the first wicket in testing conditions.

Some deliveries, particularly from first change seamer Hunt were keeping low, and Gough got one or two to lift awkwardly from a length. It took a good delivery to account for Makin when he was bowled for 21 by Blackie. Hall was somewhat troubled with a niggling injury, but kept going, being severe on Hancock when the home skipper replaced Blackie. Will Darby (10) chipped a simple catch to mid wicket off Hunt, and when Hall fell for the game’s top score of 42 (nine fours) at 81 for 3, Davenham were back in the game. Paul Wood (17), also hampered with injury, and Jim Morgan (12) added 25 not entirely trouble free runs, but both fell at the same score of 106. The rest of the innings saw several batsmen gift their wickets in the chase for runs, but Jake Warner (19) stood firm. His last wicket stand of 15 with Greasley was to prove invaluable for Marple. 148 all out might not sound a big score, but batting was never easy against Hunt and the twin slow arm attack of Hancock and Bliss, who was the most successful bowler with 4 for 23 from 11 overs.

With a modest total to defend it was imperative that Marple gave nothing away at the start of the reply. However, a mixture of some loose deliveries, good batting and the fast outfield saw Davenham get away to a flying start in the chase. Greaves dropped anchor whilst Gough went for his shots. 58 runs came up in quick time, but Greasley had caused both batsmen some problems when he came on, although he did not initially pick up a wicket. Gough (40) lost patience though, and clipped the ball firmly to Wood who took a sharp catch.  Maybe the middle order was over confident, but star men Gallichan (1) and Hunt (0) lasted a mere six deliveries between them, both undone by Greasley’s guile. From 66 for 3, Davenham looked completely at sea against Greasley, and with Morahan settling into a tighter second spell the runs dried up. The collapse was gradual but had an air of inevitability about it, despite Hornby (15) trying to hold one end up. The game looked up for Davenham at 107 for 9, but Bliss and injured keeper Freedman added 20 frantic runs for the last wicket  to give the home team a sniff of victory. Wood then reintroduced Ed Saxelby who produced an absolute beauty to bowl Bliss at 127 all out and calm Marple nerves. Greasley had a terrific 6 for 42, with most of the runs coming from just two overs! He was well supported in the end by Morahan 2 for 28, Mudassar Panchbhaya 1 for 21 and Ed Saxelby 1 for 21.

Marple are now up to fourth in the league. Next Saturday they will hope for fine weather as the visitors are bottom club Weaverham, almost certainly doomed to relegation, 1.00pm start time.

Marple seconds had a tough afternoon at home to Alderley Edge. Two dubious early lbw decisions put Marple on the back foot at 0 for two, and despite the Massey brothers and Stuart Bass reaching the twenties, a modest score of only 93 was posted. Despite a gutsy effort from Marple in the field, Alderley emerged winners by six wickets with overs to spare.

Marple thirds hung on for a draw against Nantwich thirds at Bowden Lane on Sunday.