Listless Finish For Marple!

Grappenhall 260 for 2 declared (49 overs) 25 points beat Marple 122 all out (36.1 overs) 0 points by 138 runs

With Premier League status confirmed the previous week, Marple were unable to raise much energy for this fixture, and were soundly thrashed by a fired up Grappenhall side that had to win in order to ensure their own survival.

Paul Wood won the toss and asked the vistors to take first knock. The pitch was a little sluggish due to the recent damp weather, but was a good batting strip, and once established the batsmen could gain full value for their shots, the outfield being short and quick. Although Marple were missing a number of key players, there was no real excuse for the well below par performance that ensued. Grappenhall were helped along their way with a series of wides and no balls together with some proverbial “buffet bowling!” Although Jack Grundy produced a good one to remove skipper Roylance, much of the bowling was inconsistent in length and line. The Grappenhall line up, led by Peter Barnes, first with Albert Pennington, and then with Ben Bodha, eased their way along to a substantial total. Pennington made a hard hit 71 in a stand of 137 with Barnes, and then Bodha with 50 not out added a further 100 for the third wicket, the fall of Pennington’s wicket not affecting the scoring rate. Barnes cannot have made an easier century, and his steady application brought him 110 not out as Roylance declared at 260 for 2, with a possible five overs remaining.

For Marple there were few highlights, but Max Fitzgerald bowled his maiden spell in first eleven cricket. He pitched his leg spin and googlies well and deservedly picked up the wicket of Pennington.

After tea it was the Sam Guest show. Grappenhall are indeed fortunate to have this bowler to lead their attack. He is not of express pace, but has an easy left arm over the wicket action. He gets very close to the stumps, bowls wicket to wicket and virtually never delivers a bad ball. He is also able to make to ball swing wickedly into the right handed batsman. After taking two wickets in is opening over, he routed the Marple batting card. The first eight all fell to him, and only Makin of the top order with 21 made double figures. At 53 for 8 it was annihilation, and could Guest take all ten? It was skipper Roylance who spoiled the party when he had Moroney lbw at 64 for 9.

There now followed the one bright spot in the Marple innings, and it was once more provided by the younger players. Ed Saxelby was joined by number 11 Jack Grundy. They proceeded to play with some ease, Saxelby in particular showing fine technique and judgement. Grundy was a little more cavalier, but soon got his eye in. He cracked a number of beefy boundaries, including a couple of outrageous reverse sweeps in a career best 35, denting Guest’s figures a little. Saxelby played a thoroughly good knock of 24 not out, with some delightful strokes of his own. The tenth wicket added 58 runs in just ten overs and brought some cheer to the suffering spectators at the end of the game. Titchard spoiled the fun when he had Grundy possible harshly lbw, the final tally being 122 all out. The admirable Guest ended with 8 for 50, and there were celebrations for Grappenhall as they cemented their position in the league, Bramhall having been defeated by Chester Boughton Hall.

So Marple’s difficult summer ended. They achieved their initial object of survival in the Premier League, but the second half of the season in particular was a story of struggle. The opposition bowling was generally of a high standard, and no batsman was able to put together a consistent spell of form, despite a good number of fine individual performances in many matches. In most games in the field, with a couple of exceptions, the side competed well, and the catching and ground fielding was generally in good order. It is time for the players to take a breather from the game and reassess the situation regarding the 2019 season at a later date. 

A superb innings of 106 not out from James Crisall guided Marple to a fine eight wicket win in the second eleven fixture between the two clubs at Grappenhall. The home side posted a solid 218 for 7, with Tim Sykes, 74 and Steve Dickson 91 leading the way. George Clarke was once more amongst the wickets for Marple with 4 for 57, and he was handily supported by Joel Greasley 1 for 32 and Stewart Bass 2 for 59. Although wicketless, Josh Kirk bowled a testing spell of twelve overs for 35, and Sam Ittig made his second eleven debut, impressing with 0 for 28.

Andy Wild fell for just 5 in reply, but Matt Barrow with 57, and then Jamie Massey 36 not out, joined Crisall in a comfortable run chase. This win capped a good season for the second team, firmly established in a mid table position of a tough league.

Wash Out at Chester!

Marple travelled to Chester Boughton Hall  for the penultimate game of the season. Persistent heavy rain meant that there was no possibility of any cricket though.  Marple are now guaranteed Premier League cricket in 2019.

Chester have the most advanced facilities in the league, and were ready for play had the elements relented. There was no respite from the rain though, and any play was eventually ruled out at 2pm. There are no better places to be than Chester's impressive ground when play is not possible though. The spacious bar, restaurant area is of the highest standard with large tv screens showing the current England v India test. Marple's loyal band of spectators were also very generously treated, with complimentary sandwiches and tea and coffee provided. Many thanks are due to the hosts.

Marple will end the season with a home game against Grappenhall next Saturday 15th September, 11.30am start.

Ton Up Mummery Signs Off!

Talented Marple batsman Andy Mummery played his last game for the club last Sunday against Grappenhall, as the weather relented allowing the final third eleven fixture to take place.

Mummery made his own little bit of history with a superb 102 not out, bringing up his century with a pulled 6 over deep mid wicket. Marple had earlier restricted Grappenhall to 147 all out with the impressive Connor Bergin taking 4 for 18 with his off spin. 

The club wish Andy all the best in his job in Oxford.

White Recovers Equilibrium as Hall Shows Top Quality For Marple!

Timperley 247 for 6 (54.5 overs) 25 points beat Marple 244 for 9 (55 overs) 10 points by four wickets

In one of the best games seen at Marple this season, a seventh wicket stand of 116 runs, unbroken between Brooke Guest and Jack White , saw Timperley edge the victory with just one delivery of the match remaining.

The first day of September produced glorious sunshine, and the Marple ground looked in immaculate condition, the drought of June and July seemingly long in the past. Visiting skipper Nathan Brown won the toss asked Marple to take first knock on a straw coloured pitch which appeared to be an absolute beauty, despite having been used previously. Marple were not displeased to be batting though, and Andrew Hall and Jim Morgan tucked into the Timperley opening attack of Jack White and Ed Galley with relish. White, also Cheshire’s opening bowler, is a talented cricketer, and with a good action brings the ball down from a considerable height. He is, though, of fragile temperament. Both he and Galley attempted some short stuff, but on this form, Marple’s opening pair is a formidable partnership. Both bowlers were ruthlessly dispatched to the boundary as Marple got away to their best start of the season. White’s body language suggested that he felt the world was against him, and he was warned by the umpire as to his behaviour. This bothered Hall and Morgan not one iota, as a 97 run opening stand in rapid time got Marple racing away, the ball speeding regularly across the lightning fast outfield.

First Galley, and then White were removed from the attack as Brown attempted to control the scoring rate. It was Morgan (51) who had reached his half century with some scintillating boundaries, who was the first to go, lbw to Furqan Shafiq. Shafiq is a deceptive spinner, and he outfoxed Morgan on this occasion.  Mark Makin did not last long at three this week, but Paul Wood settled well and added another 52 with Hall for the third wicket in good time. From the position of 152 for 2, Marple were on course for a total well in excess of 250, but then the returning White began a fateful over. Wood (27) was lbw, and then Mark Bennett was bowled first ball. James Crissall prevented the hat trick, but was also out lbw to the very next delivery. White’s triple wicket maiden had changed the game the visitors’ way. All the while Hall was unflustered though, and first with Mike Schofield, a solid 22, and then Connor Ramsay, 10, a further 67 were added for the next two wickets. Hall managed to take Marple to a very creditable 244 for 9 when he inflicted additional pain on Galley when the left arm seamer returned. Hall’s 119 not out was a terrific innings, full of glorious timing, and his game management was absolutely first class.

White recovered from his initial mauling to finish with 5 for 63 from 15 overs, and Shafiq had two important wickets with 2 for 32. 244 represented a very good total, particularly after White’s game changing over, although it certainly meant that Timperley were in the game with their powerful line up on an excellent track.

After tea, the game was evenly poised during the early overs. Dylan Moroney found the edge of the dangerous and prolific Grant Hodnett’s bat and keeper Morgan gratefully pouched the catch behind the stumps. Shafiq and Abhishek Kulkarni played with care, and the former timed the ball in the manner of Andrew Hall in finding the boundary when the bowlers erred. It was, once again, Paul Wood who got the breakthrough for Marple when he had Shafiq (38) brilliantly caught behind by Morgan at 83 for 2. Kulkarni then mistimed a drive off Joe Cash to be well caught by Makin at short mid wicket, and Wood produced an absolute beauty to bowl Olivier for a single. At 94 for 4, Marple were well on top. Skipper Brown, a busy batsman, partnered Lancashire second team wicket keeper batsman Guest in adding a further 37. Joe Cash then had two in two for Marple. First Brown was lbw for 18, and then Galley’s miserable day continued as he was deceived in flight and bowled for a duck. 131 for 6 left Timperley a lot to do. Maybe Jack White had told himself to channel his inner anger into his cricket, because now he looked a proper batsman. Guest played superbly for his side, not giving a single chance, but showing top class technique and temperament. White was also solid in defence, but played some forceful attacking strokes, finding the boundary on a number of occasions. Marple continued to bowl well though, not allowing easy runs. The ground fielding of Makin, Bennett, Ramsay, Cash, Wood and Schofield was of the highest order, with the fieldsmen throwing themselves about to save singles and boundaries. However, although Wood switched his attack around, there was little in the pitch to help the bowlers any longer. With both batsmen now set, it needed an error. None were forthcoming, and although the tension mounted as the final over began, White brought up his own half century (51 not out) carving the penultimate delivery from Jack Grundy over the infield for 4. Guest’s innings of 79 not out was a very mature effort, and this is certainly a young player who is well worth keeping an eye on in the future.  Cash had 3 for 72 and Wood 2 for 42 for Marple.

Marple were narrowly defeated by a talented Timperley group of players. However, they should not be downhearted by this loss. They played as a solid unit, and helped entertain a good crowd to a first rate game of high quality club cricket. They remain in ninth place in the Cheshire County Premier League, and visit current champions Chester Boughton Hall next Saturday September 8^th with an 11.30am start.  

Sensational Clarke the Destroyer For Marple Seconds!

Marple old timers were scratching their heads to see whether George Clarke’s remarkable return of 8 for 18 in 13 overs had ever been bettered in second eleven cricket at the club. In hitting the stumps five times and with three lbws, Clarke did not need any assistance from fielders as Timperley were blown away for just 116 in 38 overs. Marple made a measured response to the target on a traditionally tricky surface. Peter Jackson with 27 not out held the innings together, and he was ably assisted by first Andy Wild, 38, and then Matt Barrow with a fluent 41 not out as this win secured Marple in mid table in the second eleven premier league.

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Third XI News of an unnecessarily bad tempered affair  at Cheadle :

Marple 181 all out 40.1 overs.

Andy Mummery 62, Andy Gichero 26, Lewis Braddock 26, Jacob Combey 25. Sam Ittig 11 not out

Cheadle 182 for 8  in 43.2 overs

Tom Reece 3 for 33,  Jacob Combey 2 for 42, Connor Bergin 2 for 28

Cheadle won by two wickets.

Hostile Warrington Sets Nantwich on Course!

Nantwich 95 for 3 (20.3 overs) 25 points beat Marple 89 all out (30 overs) 7 points by seven wickets.

A rare sight in the 2018 season, that of heavy rain and the covers in place, greeted the players at Nantwich last Saturday.  A late start time was agreed, with the game reduced to forty overs per side. Although, a later start time guarantees both teams a minimum of seven points, it was nonetheless a brave decision by Marple captain Paul Wood to elect to bat first on winning the toss. With Marple in a precarious position in the premier league, he probably felt that an objective of gaining as many batting points as possible was the preferred option.

It was brave, because it is not by accident that Nantwich are the current league leaders. They have the most potent attack in the league, and in Jimmy Warrington, most likely the top seam bowler. With some dampness still around despite the improvement in the conditions, he needed no encouragement to get into his work. From the day’s third ball, he deceived and bowled his old county captain Andrew Hall for a duck, and then in his next over had Wood lbw for two. Warrington’s partner in crime is the powerful ex Leicestershire paceman Ollie Freckingham. Whilst not quite as accurate, Freckingham is undoubtedly sharp, and is powerfully built with a strong, athletic action. He managed to find the edge of Morgan’s bat and the catch was taken by Ireland test wicket keeper Niall O’Brien. At 2 for 3, Marple were in danger of total obliteration.

However, Mark Makin was now joined by Mark Bennett, and they produced Marple’s best effort of the afternoon.

Makin took a liking to Freckingham, hitting three glorious boundaries from successive deliveries. The bowler glared at Makin, who encouraged him to serve up some more of the same! Makin played a delightful cameo, and when in this mood all bowlers can seem the same to him. Unfortunately for Marple, Warrington was absolutely on top of his form, putting his all into each delivery. He produced a snorting away swinger and Makin (24), aiming a loose drive, was comprehensively bowled. From this position of 39 for 4, it was looking bleak for the visitors especially as Mike Schofield came and went quickly, but Bennett, faced with such a demanding attack, rose to the challenge. He helped see off Warrington, and played the dangerous left arm spinner Griffiths with care. Indeed, the three sumptuous fours from a tiring Warrington in his final over, were from the top drawer. Initially, it looked as though Connor Ramsay, batting at seven, was going to be able to provide Marple’s stylish left hander with a solid partner. Sadly though, Ramsay’s unease against spin, this time in the form of Shaneil Patel, led to the batsman’s untimely demise from Marple’s point of view. At 67 for 6, there was a need for one of the lower order to dig in and give Bennett some support. This proved beyond the Marple tail. Poor Bennett’s freak run out for a gallant 41 after Grundy’s chip back to bowler Patel was diverted on to the stumps summed up the Marple innings. Once more the side was unable to bat the full overs, albeit against a quality attack. Warrington was superb, with 4 for 33, and Patel cleaned up with 3 for 6. A final tally of just 89 did not really have Marple in the game, with the conditions easing in warm sunshine.

Marple are not a side to throw in the towel, and during the Nantwich reply they tried everything to take some early wickets. It was veteran off spinner Greasley who picked up both openers though as he approached fifty wickets for the season. O’Brien made a breezy 35 and Rimmer 19. In Ryan Brown, Nantwich possess one of Cheshire’s best and most reliable players. With 29 not out including some forcefully struck boundaries, he ensured there were no further alarms as a comfortable seven wicket win was brought up in the twenty first over.

This was a chastening defeat for Marple, but they remain in ninth place due to the fact that results near the bottom of the table went their way. The team’s destiny is in its own hands, and they entertain Timperley next Saturday, 1^st September, 11.30am start. Credit is due to Nantwich though. The ground was in superb order, with new benches and fixed seating in place. It is arguably now the premier venue in Cheshire, and with the side also due to feature in the national T20 finals day this is a club on an upward curve. The finals will take place at Derbyshire County Cricket ground Derby, and Sky Sports will feature a highlights package.

A battling rearguard effort from Marple’s eighth wicket pair of Ed Saxelby and Jamie Massey helped Marple to a draw in the second eleven game between the two clubs at Bowden Lane. Led by Lancashire Academy all rounder Henry Dobson with an excellent century, Nantwich rattled up an imposing 241 for 3. James Crisall with 59 and Peter Jackson 34 threatened to turn the game Marple’s way, but after Crisall was run out, it became a battle to avoid defeat. Saxelby (19 not out) and Massey (21 not out) displayed fine temperament and technique to see out the final twelve overs, the winning post being too far way. Marple ended 181 for 7, the pair adding an excellent 50 runs.

Torrential and persistent rain washed out the third eleven’s game with Didsbury, due to be played last Sunday.

Last Ball Agony For Marple!

Cheadle 205 for 7(55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 191 all out (55 overs) 6 points by 14 runs

 

Marple were once more involved in an agonising finish to a game, as century hero Mark Makin was caught behind from the final delivery of the match to give Cheadle the victory in this important fixture between the two clubs.

Conditions were overcast on a mid August afternoon, and Marple skipper Paul Wood asked Cheadle to take first knock. The pitch was firm, but had a tinge of green. With Cheadle’s leading scorer Greg Dixon missing this match, captain Dan Brown showed faith in Richard Nicholson, asking him to partner Ryan O’Brien at the top of the order so as not to disrupt the rest of the batting. Nicholson, normally number ten or eleven in the order, did a fantastic job for his side. In making 40, he helped see off the threat of Moroney in particular, who managed some good carry through to the wicket keeper. Although the run rate was never out of control as far as Marple were concerned, an opening stand of 86 was ominous with the outfield quick, and Cheadle having some powerful strikers down the order. Jack Grundy and Ed Saxelby were steady for Marple, but Greasley was not quite himself initially. The master spinner dragged one or two deliveries down and O’Brien especially, wasted no time in finding the boundary. It was Wood himself who broke the partnership when Nicholson edged a good one to keeper Morgan. Brown added 40 more with O’Brien, but he was deceived and bowled by Joe Cash for 29 at 126 for 2. From here, Marple managed to get themselves into the game, and Greasley settled to provide a good spin partnership with Cash.  With two further wickets, those of Bullock and Dooler, falling quickly at 138 for 4 the game was finely poised. O’Brien found a useful partner in Subhaan Mahmood, and they added a further 43 runs. In the scramble for late runs O’Brien was run out for a fine 88, but with Mahmood hitting 25 and Holmes a quickfire 13, a final tally of 205 for 7 was a decent enough score. Chasing this sort of target has been tricky for any team this season at Marple.  Joe Cash had 3 for 47 and Greasley 2 for 58.

Cheadle were certainly motivated for this game, and it was noticeable that team manager Jim Cotterill had his bowlers out during the tea interval hitting their lengths beside the square. These same bowlers were on the mark immediately once play got underway. Ryan Brown is not express pace, but he bowls an awkward line and length. He managed to pass the edge of Andrew Hall’s bat a number of times in his opening spell. With his side light in seam bowling department, Brown made the brave decision to open with young leg spinner Josh Dooler at the opposite end to himself. Dooler is a talented and bustling bowler, who has excellent control of this difficult art. He got his side off to a terrific start with the wickets of Morgan, bowled for 4, and Wood caught at slip from a perfectly pitched leg spinner for 5. Marple were 23 for 2 when Mark Makin marched breezily out to the middle to partner Hall. This partnership was now crucial to Marple’s chances. They added 72 in good style but at 95, Hall inexplicably ran past a delivery from slow left armer Holmes and was stumped for 37. From this point onwards, it was Makin on his own as far as the scoring was concerned. There were two useful stands of 40 with Joe Cash and one of 37 with Moroney. However, neither player was able to stay in and see Marple home with Makin. Cash made 17 and Moroney 8, but at 190 for 9 Brown began the final over. Makin had batted superbly for his 106, and just when it looked as though he would see Marple through to their first drawn game of 2018, he edged the final delivery of the game to keeper Bullock. One had to feel for Marple’s century maker, who was understandably crestfallen at the end. Cheadle’s bowlers did a fine job, showing good discipline and making the most of their abilities, Brown 3 for 31, Dooler 3 for 50, Holmes 3 for 67 and Mahmood 1 for 33.

For the second week in succession Marple had to witness ecstatic scenes from opposition players and spectators, Cheadle having brought a good number of fans with them to Bowden Lane. The batting unit once again produced an inconsistent display, with only two players reaching double figures in support of the fantastic Makin. With results going against them this week, the bottom half of the table is tightening up. Marple slip to ninth, and travel to league leaders Nantwich next week. They should take heart from the fact that Nantwich were soundly beaten by Toft in a game that has also made the title race wide open for the top four or five clubs. The fixture at Whitehouse Lane starts at 12.30pm Saturday 25^th August.

On a brighter note, Marple seconds put a bad run behind them to comfortably defeat Macclesfield seconds at Victoria Road. A fine all round effort in the field saw Macc bundled out for just 116, Joel Greasley 3 and Clarke 3 being the leading wicket takers. Marple, led by Andy Wild 56 and Matt Barrow 28 romped home by seven wickets. Stuart Bass clubbed three consecutive fours to bring up a much needed win.

Unfortunately a bad day for the 3s...

Marple 131 all out 42.2 overs

Sale 132-4 27.1 overs 

Braddock 40, Leech 28, Reeve 16

Bergin 3-37 off 10. 

Still work to do to ensure our premier division status

Heartbreak for Marple as Tenth Wicket Prevails!

Alderley Edge 216 for 9 (47.1 overs) 25 points beat Marple 213 for 9 (55 overs) 10 points by one wicket

A remarkable unbroken tenth wicket partnership of 98 runs by Kieran Elliot and Blair Campbell took Alderley Edge to an unlikely victory at Moss Lane last Saturday. This was hard to bear for a Marple side that had edged the game up until Elliott launched a ferocious assault on the bowling, light rain having deadened the pitch at just the wrong time for the visitors.

Paul Wood won the toss and elected to take first knock on an initially bright and sunny mid August afternoon. Andrew Hall and Jim Morgan followed up their half century opening stand of the previous week by adding 44 here. The Edge opening attack of Elliott, a first grade cricketer from Melbourne, and ex Cheshire seamer Richard Wilkinson is one that demands respect. Hall was in vintage form, and although the pitch was not entirely trustworthy, he played some glorious strokes off Elliott in particular. 

Alderley skipper Worrall wasted no time in switching his attack around to try and make the break through. It was off spinner Charlie Reid who picked up Morgan (11) with a filthy full toss. The batsman had had few scoring opportunities, but his eyes lit up, only to play too soon and sky a simple catch to Campbell at mid off. With Marple’s batting being unreliable this season, Wood took on the role of the responsible number 3. He bedded himself in as Hall continued to dominate proceedings. With sensible batting, and putting away the loose deliveries, the pair added 74 largely untroubled runs, but at 118 second off spinner Day served up a long hop. Although it was a shocking delivery, it popped up a little, and Hall was through the stroke early. He only succeeded in top edging the ball to deep square leg. Hall had looked certain to make a hundred, but his 78 was one of Marple’s best knocks of the season.

 Unfortunately Wood followed soon afterwards, caught behind off the skiddy Foreman for a battling 33. When Schofield also fell lbw to Day for 4 at 128 for 4, Marple had Mark Bennett and Connor Ramsay both on nought.

After a sticky start, Bennett began to show his true pedigree. He drove and pulled with power, and the Marple total went above 150. Ramsay (12) was probably too keen to make his mark, and chipped an easy catch at 165 to Rowe at mid wicket off Reid who had changed ends. Bennett dominated the remainder of the Marple innings with a hard hit 60 not out, and it was solely down to him that Marple made a competitive 213 for 9. The lower order was guilty of gifting Reid with a number of soft wickets instead of supporting Bennett and giving him the strike. For Alderley, Reid finished with a flattering 6 for 62, spoiled somewhat as Bennett took 16 from his final over.

After the tea interval, Dylan Moroney’s third ball was hit for four by Calum Rowe, but next ball the batsman mistimed a hook stroke and only succeeded in giving the bowler a simple return catch. Sam Perry, at three, got off the mark with a single first ball, and then Alan Day pulled another long hop for six, eleven runs and a wicket coming from first over! With Jack Grundy unable to settle at the other end, the scoreboard rattled along at an alarming rate. Although erratic, Moroney picked up Day’s wicket for 35 at 60 for 2 for as the batsman flashed at another short delivery, only to be caught behind by Morgan. Alderley Edge’s two Lancashire second team batsmen, Perry and Fluck were now together, and Wood desperately needed some control. He took on the mantle himself, and it brought success in his second over, with Fluck (4) caught by Schofield and Wilkinson held by Joe Cash for a duck three deliveries later. Skipper Worrall dug in to partner Perry at 67 for 4, and they added 46, looking ever more secure and confident. It was Wood again though, who had them both in the one over, and Alderley were in trouble at 113 for 6. Off spinner Greasley had been relatively ineffective up this point, being “milked” by the fifth wicket pairing. With the tail exposed, he slightly quickened his pace using all his guile, and three more quick wickets ensued to leave the score 118 for 9. Surely the game was up?

Elliott, unbelievably low at number ten, is a proper all rounder. He looked in no trouble at all, and Campbell, though not a regular first teamer, looked very determined. Soon after the fall of the ninth wicket, a steady drizzle began to fall, and it looked as though Marple might be thwarted by the weather. The umpires remained out though, but gradually it became apparent that the wicket was becoming more and more docile. With the ball also wet, Elliott and Cambell went serenely on their way, although the acquisition of further batting bonus points seemed to be the limit of their ambition. Despite the ball now skidding onto the middle of the bat, and Wood tiring after a long and quality spell, this could not last. Or could it? Wood tried the extra pace of Moroney, but it played into Elliott’s hands. He thrashed the ball to all parts, as his fellow Aussie suffered some harsh punishment. With Cambell adopting the good old fashioned forward lunge in the knowledge that there was now no movement or lift, the only way a wicket could fall was through batsman error. No chance came Marple’s way, as Wood switched his bowlers around. With Campbell looking secure, Elliott continued to savage the bowling, and nothing Marple tried could force the mistake. A packed home pavilion whooped in delight as an amazing one wicket win was brought up with six overs remaining. Elliott, with 14 fours and a six ended 75 not out, and he could not have done it without Campbell’s 21 not out at the other end. Wood had a valiant 4 for 62, and Greasley 3 for 52 for Marple.

Marple will have to lick their wounds after this draining defeat. They face a key game at home to Cheadle next Saturday, with a 12.30pm start. Despite this hard to take loss, the other results in the league went Marple’s way, and they rise one position to eighth.

Alderley seconds warmed up for their T20 finals day with a nine wicket demolition of Marple at Bowden Lane on Saturday. Stewart Bass made a half century in Marple’s competitive 170 for 9. Alderley were in no mood to hang around, romping to victory in only 24 overs!

3rd XI - Hyde 199 all out

Andy Hayes 3 for 50

Greg Marsland 2 for 21

Peter Withers 2 for 36

Connor Bergin 2 for 43

Sam Ittig terrific with 1 for 10 on debut

Marple 200 for 2

Will Darby 76 not out

Lewis Braddock 41

Max Fitzgerald 63 not out, was terrific in seeing Marple to an emphatic 8 wicket win with 2 overs to spare. 

This result brought welcome cheer to Marple after Saturday's agonies.

Epic Collapse Sinks Marple!

Saturday 4th August

Marple 132 all out (44.5 overs) 5 points lost to Oulton Park 191 for 9 (55 overs) 25 points by 59 runs 

Marple's poor run of form continued with a home defeat to Oulton Park last Saturday. After removing the Park top order and the score on 65 for 4, the visitors recovered mainly through a second undefeated half century of the season against Marple by wicket keeper batsman and skipper Pat Roberts. His 70 not out helped to shepherd the tail, and 191 is always a challenging target at Marple these days. 

For Marple, Jack Grundy bowled a useful opening spell, but it was spinners Andy Greasley with 4 for 41 and Joe Cash 2 for 39 that kept Park's total within reasonable bounds. 

Marple tried yet another opening pairing with Andrew Hall returning to open with Jim Morgan. It was a good move, as they added 53 for the first wicket, this being only Marple's third good start of the season. 

Marple's batting has been as brittle as a pensioner's bones this season, but after Hall fell for a battling 28, a horrific collapse ensued. No batsmen from number three to number eight managed a score of more than one, and the six players scored just two runs between them! What must have gone through Morgan's head at the other end? He kept his calm though and went on to a fine 58. When he fell at 87 for 8 though the game was up. 

The batting display was put into perspective somewhat by number 9, Moroney(10), number 10 Grundy (15), and number 11 Greasley who all stayed in for some time and reached double figures. Indeed, Greasley clubbed four angry boundaries ending on 17 not out. For Park, second change seamer Hyslop  had 5 for 21 and off spinner Kashif 4 for 39. 

So Marple continue to struggle, mainly with the bat, in the Cheshire County Premier League. Once again they were bowled out well within the 55 overs. Next week they visit a revived Alderley Edge, 12.30 pm start.

Despite posting 249 for 4 away to Oulton Park, Jamie Massey 118 not out and Garry Cash 78, Marple seconds were defeated by four wickets by Oulton Park at Little Budworth. Park had almost three overs to spare as Owen Williamson matched Massey with 103 not out.  Damian Barton hit 42 not out in support. Marple skipper George Clarke with a fine 4 for 39 was the only bowler to keep any control at this small and tricky to defend venue.

The first eleven batting woes spread to the third eleven at Alderley Edge on Sunday. 134 all out in just 29.1 overs was a poor effort. Edge made short work of the reply, knocking of the runs in only 24 overs for the loss of just three wickets, Henry Stevinson 63 and Mike Higginson 38 not out.

FIRED UP ANDERSON PUTS SKIDS UNDER MARPLE

Saturday 28th July

Didsbury 100 for 6 (17 overs) 25 points beat Marple 94 all out (28) 2 points by 6 wickets. 

A match winning performance from Didsbury's powerful all rounder, Nick Anderson, sent Marple packing at Wilmslow Road last Saturday. With help from the pitch and in the air, home skipper Grayson gleefully inserted Marple on winning the toss. 

Anderson, given the new ball, was eagerly into his work, and with excellent support from the nagging Booth, decimated Marple's top order. Only Makin and Wood, with scores in the twenties, and a last wicket stand of 22 from Moroney and Greasley prevented total humiliation. Anderson had 6 for 58, and Booth 3 for 30. 

Some kamikaze batting from the Didsbury top order proceeded to help Marple into the game. Gone, it seems, are the days when batsmen would construct an innings. Here, Anderson excepted, it was all guns blazing! Although Moroney, Grundy, Greasley and Wood showed determination with the ball in hand, Anderson was not to be moved. He picked his moment to launch a final assault, ruthlessly thrashing the unfortunate Greasley for fourteen runs in one over to win the game. He had solid support from Hastings, low in the order at number 8. The seventh wicket pair added 40 in brutal fashion after a slump to 60 for 6.

 

Anderson, almost single handedly winning the game for his side, ended 47 not out. For Marple, Moroney showed fire with 3 for 35, Grundy was unlucky not to take a wicket, and Wood bowled some absolute beauties to take 3 for 26. Makin also took a remarkable catch at gulley to remove Leech from a full blooded cut. 

A really disappointing loss for Marple this in a game not of the highest quality, but featuring some moments of brilliance. Marple are home to Oulton Park next Saturday, 12.30pm.

Marple seconds were on the receiving end of a massive 265 for 6 against a strong looking Didsbury 2nd eleven at Bowden Lane. Although replying well against tight bowling, once Matt Barrow, 29, and James Crisall, 42, fell, wickets fell at regular intervals. Stuart Bass hit hard for 40, but although Connor Bergin and skipper Clarke batted ten overs for the final wicket, Clarke was dismissed with four overs remaining to be bowled.

Stockport thirds conceded to Marple on Sunday.