Didsbury 219 for 6 (55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 177 all out (52.1 overs) 4 points by 42 runs
With the drier conditions of the middle of spring gradually having some effect on the playing surface, Didsbury captain Gregson elected to bat first on winning the toss. Marple’s Bowden Lane ground looked to be in excellent condition, and the pitch, although still on the slow side, was firm and much different from the previous week’s minefield at Bramhall.
The early overs saw an even contest between bat and ball, but Moroney’s fourth over was taken for three boundaries by Hastings, who proceeded to play an excellent short innings. He dominated the scoring in an opening partnership of 45. It was not that Moroney and Grundy bowled badly, but more a case of Hastings being full of confidence and trusting his instincts. Seven fours flowed from his bat out of the 35 he made before Greasley safely pouched a caught and bowled. Greasley now continued his tremendous early season form to keep a lid on the visitors’progress. Moroney had switched ends, but although he battled hard, both Ridley and Didsbury newcomer Kamstra managed to get the odd boundary away. They added a further 62 whilst never quite getting away. Marple now had their best spell of the match as Greasley bowled both batsmen, Kamstra for 34 and Ridley for 31. When Day (1) was also bowled by the wizard Greasley, Didsbury were 114 for four. Mark Bennett then gave Marple a real lift when he had the dangerous Anderson caught and bowled for a duck. Bennett is an improving off spinner, and is taken lightly at the batsmen’s peril. Anderson’s duck was not a totally useless one though, as he managed to see off the final two and a half overs of Greasley’s spell. Greasley finished with 4 for 32 from seventeen high class overs.
The best batting of the afternoon now proceeded to take the game away from Marple. Hughes had quietly played himself in, and he picked up the pace when Leech joined him. Moroney and Grundy suffered at the hands of the sixth wicket pair. They added 87 in just twelve overs as the boundary was found with regularity. Didsbury were pretty happy with a very handy 219 for 6 at tea. Hughes had 59 not out and Leech 32. It was a mixed afternoon in the field for Marple, with maybe Mudassar Phanchbaya under bowled, his six overs costing just 19 runs and no boundaries. Bennett’s 1 for 39 from twelve useful overs was a bonus for Marple. Wild had a fine afternoon behind the stumps, despite not picking up a victim.
On the resumption after tea, Marple’s top order once more failed to fire. This time there was no start from openers Hall and Makin, as the accurate Anderson removed them both in his second over, Marple 5 for 2. Ramsay and Bennett threatened a recovery, the latter gloriously driving Anderson twice through the covers for four. However, both fell at 31, Ramsay (10) bowled by the nagging Booth, and Bennett (15) also bowled by Gregson’s slow left arm. Marple captain Paul Wood has had a tricky start to the season with the bat, but here he battled hard to establish himself. With first Schofield, and then Wild he took Marple to 93. However, when Wild was out lbw to Gregson, the game looked to be up for Marple, with more than half the overs remaining.
Mudassar Phanchbaya now joined Wood in a determined seventh wicket stand that almost gave Marple a scent of victory. With both players watchful in defence and then playing some more expansive strokes, the score began to increase steadily. The 150 was passed and both batsmen appeared in little difficulty. However, Mudassar was brilliantly caught at mid wicket by the diving Gregson. His contribution to a stand of 71 was a fine 38, with five fours. Poor Wood was left stranded as the final three wickets were blown away in quick time. Wood’s 64 not out was notable for its application and also his determination not be dominated by the bowlers. He ruthlessly despatched anything loose. For Didsbury, opening bowlers Anderson with 4 for 29 and Booth 3 for 44 were excellent, and used the conditions to their advantage. Gregson suffered some punishment, but ended with 3 for 72.
Marple will be disappointed by this loss, but can take heart that they showed plenty of character through Wood and Mudassar to almost deny a vocal and abrasive Didsbury side. Marple are away at fellow promoted side Oulton Park next Saturday, 12.30pm start.
The boot was on the other foot in the second team encounter between the clubs at Wilmslow Road Didsbury. The home side never got going as Ed Saxelby removed both openers in a fine opening burst for Marple. Then it was spin twins Joe Cash with a terrific 5 for 20 and Andy Massey 2 for 10, who worked their way through the rest of the card in quick time. 97 all out was a way under par effort. Marple had an early wobble and stuttered to 37 before Massey continued his fine game with 35 not out. He and Stewart Bass, 28 not out, added 64 in quick time to give Marple a good win at an often tricky venue.
A convincing batting display from the home team saw Grappenhall thirds defeat Marple thirds on Sunday . After a good start, Marple reached 80 for 2, with Matt Barrow making a fine 37. After this, only Jacob Combey with 20 offered much. 154 on a good wicket was a little disappointing. Grappenhall romped to a nine wicket win in 32 overs. Jonny Monk took his first league wicket for Marple.
Marple women’s team played their inaugural fixture at Lymm Oughtrington Park on Sunday. In glorious sunshine, and excellent afternoon was had by all.
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