Bennett and Hall Clinch it for Marple!

Marple 239 for 4 (50.4 overs) 25 points beat Chester Boughton Hall 237 for 2 declared (50 overs) 9 points by six wickets

 A game which featured two partnerships of the highest class, saw Marple come out on top against reigning champions Chester Boughton Hall last Saturday. There were three centuries in the game, but it was Mark Bennett’s 101 not out, made under scoreboard pressure, that led Marple to a very welcome and famous win at Bowden Lane last Saturday.

 Captain for Chester is former Glamorgan all rounder Will Owen, and he had no hesitation in electing to bat first on another glorious late June afternoon. The pitch was hard and firm, and the outfield, now a lightish brown colour, was quick as lightning. His opening pair of Rick Moore and Jamie Crawley, both also in Cheshire’s top order, repaid him in spades. For Marple, Greasley was absent, so Paul Wood opted to use Joe Cash to partner Jack Grundy with the new ball. Whilst this innovative decision did not reap any rewards in terms of wickets, Cash was accurate during his spell. The over rate was also as quick as anything seen at Marple in recent times. A Cash maiden was timed at just 67 seconds, and Marple bowled 23 overs in the first hour! 

The batsmen were not really troubled, but this policy of keeping things moving maybe caught them a little by surprise. Having said that, both players played some delightful strokes all round the wicket. This was batting of real quality, with minimal risks taken, and the bad deliveries despatched to the boundary.  Moore drove with effortless timing, and the seventeen year old Crawley had time to spare against the Marple seamers. The only way a wicket seemed likely to fall was through batsman error. There were so many fine shots played, but two stand out. Crawley’s on drive for four off Moroney was one for the scrapbook, so aesthetic was it, and Moore’s lofted six over the pavilion off Bennett was notable for the lack of effort it appeared to take.

It seemed as though they would not be separated, but at double Nelson, 222, Moore (123) mistimed an attempted repeat of his six, and was caught by Wood at long on. This same combination also did for Williams, promoted to number three, four deliveries later. Crawley also reached a memorable century (110 not out) as Owen declared at 237 for 2 after fifty overs. Marple spectators had expected Chester to go beyond 250, but Owen had done his homework on Marple’s batting, seeing that it had struggled in the early part of this season.  Marple’s three seamers toiled on a pitch that gave them little assistance, but spinners Mark Bennett, with 2 for 56 and Joe Cash 0 for 51 from 15 overs did a decent job for the home side.

So Marple had 60 overs to reach their target. It would require batting of application for a long period to pull it off.  Chester do not have the pace in their attack that they used to, but in veteran Alex Kegg and Owen, they have plenty of experience and nous. Marple opted to open with another fresh combination of James Crisall, in his first top eleven game of 2018, and Connor Ramsay. They got Marple away to a useful start, with the experienced Crisall striking some early boundaries off Kegg. Owen, in particular, had to be watched though, and Crisall (18) was the first to go when he attempted to pull a ball from Owen that was too full. The ball looped up to Metcalf at mid on, who comfortably pouched the catch. Mark Bennett, back at number three, looked to get himself established, being watchful against both bowlers. He did, though, strike Kegg for a huge six over mid wicket. Kegg managed to have Ramsay brilliantly stumped by Steadman at 51 for 2 three balls later. Once again, Ramsay (20), who played some pleasing strokes, was dismissed when seemingly set. Makin (1) did not survive long this week, being given lbw to Owen, but Wood looked to build a stand with Bennett. Leg spinner, Jack Williams was introduced in the 19^th over at 70 for 3, and the Cheshire man appeared to settle quickly. Owen then replaced himself with young slow left arm bowler Charlie Fleet, and first ball he had Wood lbw for 13 at 80 for 4. The victory target looked to be a long way away, and Chester had 34 overs to take six wickets.

Andrew Hall is a reassuring presence at number six. What team would not want this player of class and experience in such a situation? Whilst not taking any undue risks, he took Fleet for a number of boundaries as the young bowler erred slightly in length. Bennett, meanwhile, was looking more and more secure, and the strokes began to flow from his blade. It was not just about power for Marple’s classy left hander, but there were strokes of real delicacy as well. He swept and late cut beautifully when the opportunity arose. The fifth wicket stand passed the fifty mark, and the sense of anticipation grew amongst the home support. Owen swapped his bowlers around, trying seven in all, but he could not find a way through. His potential trump card, Williams, was switched around, but this seemed to unsettle him. Bennett and Hall seized the opportunity to attack him, and his figures suffered severely in the latter stages of his spell. Once again, there is insufficient space to mention all the glorious strokes on offer. Hall’s placement was terrific, and he lofted Williams for two effortless sixes. Bennett really put on the gas as the victory target came within range. He was ruthless with all the change bowlers, and picked up the variations in length of the spinners unerringly. Marple reached 239 for 4 with nine overs remaining. A delighted crowd, basking in the evening sunshine, warmly applauded Marple’s two heroes home, Bennett (101 not out) and Hall (75 not out). Their superb unbroken stand of 159 came from just 24 overs. Bennett hit 16 fours and one six, with Hall 13 fours and two sixes.

Marple are back on the winning trail with this stirring performance. They remain in ninth position in the league, and visit Grappenhall next Saturday 30^th June, 12,30pm start.

 

Marple’s inconsistent second eleven pit up a spirited show away at Chester on Saturday. Eight players reached double figures in a competitive 190 all out in the full fifty overs. Matt Barrow top scored with 49, and Ed Saxelby had 28. Saxleby (3 for 50) also bowled two good spells for Marple, and he was well supported by the other bowlers, particularly Andy Massey with 2 for 38. The game was in the balance when Chester tumbled to 124 for 6. However, opener Ian Metcalf could not be dislodged, and he found a reliable ally in Maddocks (25 not out). Metcalf finished on 91 not out, as Chester brought up a six wicket victory with just two overs remaining.

A weakened Marple thirds were comfortably beaten by the traditionally powerful Disdbury thirds at Wilmslow Road on Sunday . Tim Radford (46) watched as the Marple top order collapsed around him. It was left to Andy Gichero with 30, Connor Bergin 18, and some resistance from DD Davies and Jacob Combey to get Marple up to a respectable 131 after being 66 for 6. Marple worked hard in the field, but Didsbury got home after 23 overs for the loss off just one wicket.

Marple U19’s lost their first T20 game to Stockport in the North East Cheshire mini league last Friday at Cale Green. After a decent start, Marple fell way from 36 for one, to manage just 89 for 8. On a tricky surface, Marple, led by Jack Grundy, fought hard, but went down by four wickets with four overs remaining.

Double Trouble for Marple!

Marple 147 all out (49.5 overs) 3 points lost to Nantwich 148 for 4 (42.2 overs) 25 points by six wickets

The slow left arm spin mode of attack, has been Marple’s undoing on several occasions over the recent past. In this game against a buoyant Nantwich side, Marple faced a twin pronged assault which ultimately led to their downfall.

The very warm dry May and early June has left the Marple ground light brown in appearance, and with the outfield lightning quick, Marple skipper Paul Wood elected to bat first on winning the toss. Once more, his side failed to get off to a good start. Jim Morgan, fresh from two good scores, chased a wide delivery from McCormack and was comfortably pouched by Ireland test wicket keeper Niall O’Brien. With a secure batting line up yet to be established this season, Wood took on the responsibility of the number three spot himself. Although McCormack was a little wayward at times, Jimmy Warrington was right on the spot. The former Cheshire opening bowler is still sharp and young enough, but now has the experience to back up his ability. He gave nothing away, and Ramsey and Wood had to be on their mettle to see off his opening salvo. With good application, this they achieved, and no further wickets fell as first McCormack and then Warrington were replaced by the slow left arm spin of Ollie Griffiths and Shaniel Patel. Griffiths is well known to Marple from past exploits, and he has the reputation of being possibly the most miserly and awkward bowler in the premier league. The score had risen to 44 before Nantwich had the bonus of two wickets from Patel. Firstly, Wood (12)was bowled having failed to pick an arm ball, and then Bennett (7)scooped the ball to deep mid wicket where Cook-Sievewright took an excellent catch inches from the turf. At 52 for 3, Marple were already under the cosh.

Ramsey had looked confident and secure against the pace bowlers, but against the spin he floundered, seemingly not having a basic plan of action. Once again, after getting himself in and looking set on course for a big score, an injudicious stroke cost him his wicket, this time giving Griffiths his first of the afternoon. He will have been very disappointed to not go on from his 26. Mark Makin was moved down to number 6, as he is a fine player of spin. He looked in good order from the start, lofting Patel for 4 and then an effortless 6. At 83 for 5, he seemed to be unluckily given out caught behind for 20 off Griffiths. Another piece of poor running saw Schofield run out after a mix up with Mudasser, and when Saxelby was lbw to Griffiths first ball, Marple at 84 for 7 were looking at being routed for less than 100. Jack Grundy has worked on his batting in recent weeks with the aim of making himself a useful lower order player. His conscientiousness has been rewarded, as he followed up his 24 against Alderley Edge with a confident 28, and the innings’ top score, here. It took the return of Warrington to bring his fine effort to an end. The final three Marple wickets showed resolve, and a final total of 147 all out was posted. Moroney also got in on the act with a Marple highest of 20, a knock that contained some pleasing drives. For Nantwich, Griffiths continued his mastery over Marple batsmen with 4 for 31 from his 17 overs, and Patel had 3 for 45 from 14.5 overs.

Marple were in the game, but probably about 40 short of being really competetive on a surface that saw spin, and was not as quick as it appeared. With lefthander O’Brien partnering Brown at the top of order, Wood opted to try Greasley with the new ball. Brown comfortably chipped him over the top for a boundary in his opening over, but then Marple had the great bonus with Grundy’s first delivery. O’Brien was the second left handed international wicket keeper to play at Marple in under a week, England’s Phil Mustard having played for Northumberland against Cheshire the week before. O’Brien’s innings lasted just one ball as he got a leading edge and Grundy took the return catch. 

Marple’s joy was doubled when Grundy produced a beauty in his next over to bowl Johnstone, and Nantwich were 12 for 2. With O’Brien back in the shed, Greasley was removed from the attack, and Moroney replaced him from the bottom end. Marple now had their best period of the game. Runs were hard to come by as the Marple seamers now caused the problems. Robinson (8) was well held at short extra cover by Bennett, and then Nantwich skipper, the powerful Ray Doyle (12), was held off a skier by Ed Saxelby to give Moroney a second scalp. At 40 for four, Marple were in control. All the while though, Brown had played sensibly. There were no frills in his innings, and Rimmer at number 6, was also patient in getting himself established. Greasley returned, and Wood replaced Grundy in an attempt to keep the pressure on. It was tight cricket, but only one chance came Marple’s way. At 53, Rimmer flashed at Wood and the ball flew hard and high to second slip. It was a tough chance, but the normally safe hands of Makin were unable to grab onto it. From this point onwards, although Marple never gave up, there were few alarms for the terrific fifth wicket stand, full of application and concentration. Wood switched his bowlers around, but for once, Greasley could not find the magic. Brown, in particular, played him as well as anyone this season, getting right forward to smother any spin, lofting the occasional boundary, and running well between the wickets with Rimmer. Although Bennett, Mudasser and Saxelby gave little away when they came into the attack, a six wicket win for the visitors came up in the 43^rd over. Brown played an old fashioned opener’s knock of 61 not out. He was not going to give Marple a sniff of getting back into the game. Rimmer, was a little more free flowing with 8 fours and a 6 ending on 60 not out, but nonetheless rock solid in defence when necessary. Grundy with 2  for 17 and Moroney 2 for 27 both had good days for Marple to follow up their lower order batting.

So Marple are back down to earth after back to back wins, admittedly against possibly the best side they have faced this season. The batting remains the biggest worry. The batsmen certainly have good ability, but it would seem that each player would need to have a more concerted plan of action. Nantwich’s Brown gave a good example of a batsman playing to his own strengths, and working out what he could do against each bowler.

In the short term it does not get any easier for Marple, with a visit to table toppers Timperley next Saturday, 12.30pm start. They remain in seventh position in the table.

Quarter Finals for Marple!

Marple edged out Hyde in the final game of the mini league T20 competition. Although both sides totalled 147 from the full 20 overs, Marple won by having lost just three wickets to Hyde’s seven. Danny Cranmer top score for Hyde with 46, Berry (23) and Partridge (29) also making useful contributions. All six of Marple’s bowlers each took at least one wicket, although a large number of wides was a black mark on the evening. In front of large and vocal home crowd, Marple got a good start through Ramsey and Bennett. Ramsey fell at 47, but former Hyde player Mike Schofield made his former club pay. He made a pugnacious 47 not out, and although Bennett was caught by Whittaker off Cranmer for a brutal 58, Paul Wood just got Marple home in company with Schofield after a nervy final couple of overs.

Marple Seconds on the March!

George Clarke’s improving second eleven had a terrific win away at league leaders Nantwich on Saturday. James Crisall leading the way with 90 not out as Marple posted 194 for 8, Joe Cash 21.Nantwich were never really in it and crumbled to 128 all out. Crisall, with his part time left arm spin, was certainly man of the match picking up four wickets. All the other bowlers, particularly Joel Greasley and Joe Cash were good in support.

Marple’s third eleven nomads were once more on the road, this time though at nearby Hyde on Sunday. A rain affected game saw Hyde reach a competitive 169 all out in 43 overs. Tom Reeve had four wickets and Jacob Combey three for Marple. When Marple replied, they got away to a good start with Matt Barrow 61, and Jonny Arrowsmith 32 leading the way. However, with only 35 overs left to get the runs due to the rain, a collapse ensued in the chase for victory, and Hyde ended victors by 15 runs, Marple 154 all out.

Marple move onto T20 Quarter Finals

On a glorious Thursday June evening Marple travelled to last years losing finalists Hyde, for the final game of their T20 group stages. With a start time of 6.15pm many sides struggle to get teams onto the pitch due to players work commitments and finishing times but not so with Hyde who take all the competitions they enter with full commitment and as the Marple side began to arrive the Hyde team were already in full warm up.

The toss completed saw Hyde win and elect to bat first. Jack Grundy opened the Marple bowling and struck early with the dangerous James Duffy dismissed caught and bowled for 0. Although Hyde Captain, Danny Berry looked to threaten he was bowled for 23 by Muddy with Hyde 61 for 2. Ex Marple player, Elliott Young was next to the wicket but it was not to be his evening as he was soon caught for just 2. David Fitzsimmons and Dan Cramner looked to regain the Hyde momentum but when Fitz was caught by keeper Andy Wild on 9 the home side were 92-5. Early doors Marple looked as though they could have been facing a large total, but they fielded well and took regular wickets, their only downfall 29 extras gifted to the home sides total. Hyde eventually finished on 146-8 from their 20 overs, Danny Cramner 46* 

The Hyde crowd grew throughout the game with many of them there to celebrate a Hyde members 40th birthday in the clubhouse later in the evening. The PA announcer encouraging them to support the home team as music blared out around the cricket. Openers Ramsey and Bennett were out to the middle with the umpires before the fielding side appeared. From the off Marple kept up with the over rate, rotating the strike and Bennett especially striking the ball cleanly, dispatching his ex team mate, Youngs first ball of his only over for a mighty 6. 

This was to be the end of Youngs evening as shortly after bowling he fell awkwardly while fielding and had to leave the field with a nasty dislocation of his finger. Marple's first wicket fell at 46 and ex Hyde player Schofield joined Bennett at the wicket. The pair moving the away side onto 119 before Bennett misjudged one and was caught by Whittaker for 58. Berry rotated his bowlers using 8 in total but could not find a way through. With wickets in the shed Marple moved slowly towards their total and as they finished the 18th over they required 15.

Jason Whittaker was brought on to bowl the penultimate over and restricted Marple to just 3 runs. With the final over to come Marple needed 12 to win. The Marple side stood nervously on the balcony, had they left themselves too much to do. Tensions were eased when a single was followed by two fours, and then another two singles left Woody to face the final ball with the scores even and one required to win. Woody connected but only reaching Jason Whittaker who threw the ball in and the bails were taken, Woody run out and the scores tied. Mike Schofield 47*

As the sides shook hands and walked towards the waiting crowd who had witnessed an exciting game of cricket no one seemed to know with the Group points tied who of the two teams would progress, after talks of a super over where dismissed, suggestions of run rates etc were muted but in fact the handbook stated that the team with less wickets progresses. Marple therefore move forward as winners of Group 7 for a quarter final home tie on Thursday 21st June against the winners of a play off between Groups 6 and 9 (Alderley Edge and Timperley) to be decided Thursday 14th.

Lets hope that a full Marple crowd will meet on the 21st to support Marple in the next round of this competition. 

Report posted by Nicola Bennett

Honours Even as Marple Host Cheshire Versus Northumberland

The glorious weather returned as Marple hosted two games of county T20 cricket at Bowden Lane on Sunday.

The first game was dominated by Northumberland who made short work of Cheshire’s decidedly modest 95 for 9. Former England wicket keeper batsman Phil (colonel) Mustard hit a brutal 54 with four sixes as the northeasterners won with 5 overs to spare. In the second game, Cheshire batted with more resolve and posted a competitive, but not out of sight 135 for 3. Mustard once more threatened to wreak havoc, two sixes being amongst the longest ever seen at Marple. However, Marple batsman and part time off spinner Mark Bennett, turned the game Cheshire’s way. He had his revenge on Mustard who mistimed another attempted big hit and was caught at long off. Bennett picked up a second wicket as the Northumberland middle order fell behind the asking rate, losing by 14 runs.

The Marple ground looked in absolutely superb condition for these fixtures, and great credit must go to groundsman Mike Hibbert in particular, and his hard working team, who got everything into such first class order.

Dominant Marple Too Good For Cheadle

Marple 201 for 7 (55 overs)25 points beat Cheadle 143 all out (43 overs) 4 points by 58 runs

 

Marple made it back to back victories with a comprehensive defeat of nearby Cheadle at Kingsway last Saturday.  

The weather was overcast and cool, but dry, and Marple captain Paul Wood elected to bat first on winning the toss. Even after a prolonged period of dry weather, the Cheadle wicket, despite appearances, was not the proverbial “shirt front.”  Marple were forced, once more, to rejig their batting order, this time with Connor Ramsey opening up with Jim Morgan. From the way the early overs progressed, this seemed to be a good combination. Ramsey received the lion’s share of the strike, but was little troubled by the opening attack of Brown and O’Brien. A glorious extra cover drive, and a whip to mid wicket brought Marple’s new recruit early boundaries as Morgan watched in admiration from the non striker’s end. However, after his first couple of overs, Brown settled into an awkward spell, and with young leg spinner Josh Dooler soon replacing O’Brien, the scoring rate slowed. Morgan was unruffled, but Ramsey (19), seemingly set on a substantial score, fretted against Dooler. He aimed an ambitious drive over the top, but misjudged the length and was bowled at 41 for one. Morgan, relishing his opening role, was content to let Wood establish himself, and the second wicket pair proceeded in sedate fashion for a while. A further 48 were added, with this partnership just threatening to totally dominate, when Morgan was well caught behind by Bullock off Subhaan Mahmood for an excellent 45. Once again, Morgan had been in complete command, and was dismissed as the result of his only error in chasing a wide one.

Mark Makin joined Wood, and he played a breezy and entertaining knock of 26 in just nineteen minutes as 38 quick runs were added. Brown brought himself back for a second spell, and his accuracy was rewarded with the wickets of Makin (26) and Wood (28) both bowled, as Cheadle put Marple under some pressure. Andy Massey did not stay long, but Mudasser Panchbhaya joined Mike Schofield at 131 for 5, and Marple had their sights on around the 180 mark. They added 31 more, but Schofield had played himself in nicely. He is a strong right hander who can hit the ball with serious power. The Cheadle attack wilted in the closing overs as Schofield found the boundary with regularity. His jubilantly received maiden half century for Marple came up in the final over as Marple broke the 200 barrier for the first time this season. Despite the quickness of the Cheadle outfield, a final tally of 201 for 7 was well above what the home side anticipated, and their body language at the break suggested as much.  Schofield (56 not out) became the sixth different Marple batsman to post a half century in 2018. For Cheadle, Dooler bowled an excellent spell of 3 for 42 from 17 testing overs, and Brown was also miserly with 2 for 38. The rest of the Cheadle bowling suffered some heavy punishment though, as Marple took control of the game. Cheadle are to be congratulated on their excellent over rate, bowling the 55 overs in ten minutes under three hours.

The Cheadle reply never once threatened to pull off a victory. Jack Grundy continued his happy knack of taking an early wicket, that of Brien (7), and with Moroney generating some good pace and lift to have Dixon (15) superby caught at slip by Greasley, the home side had two new batsmen in, and had to try and rebuild. Greasley, despite dragging down a couple of rare short deliveries in his opening over was soon into his spell. Carswell and Bullock are capable players, but seemed daunted by the distant target, batting in frenetic fashion. Marple’s spinning magician soon had both batsmen as Cheadle’s position worsened. Dooler continued his fine day with solid resistance with the bat and was joined by Muazzam who attempted to get his side back into the game with some unorthodox strokes. The sixth wicket added useful runs without looking totally secure, Muazzam dominating the scoring. A brilliant catch at short leg by Ramsey did for Dooler (16) though, the fieldsman scooping a one handed chance off the face of the bat. Mahmood was soon yorked by the returing Moroney, and  Muazzam contributed a breezy 33, but spooned the wily Greasley to Massey at backward square leg. At 120 for 9 the game was surely up, but a stubborn last wicket stand of 23 in nine overs delayed Marple celebrations. Nicholson ended on 16 not out when Greasley had the final say, Burchall being lbw at 143 all out. Greasley had 6 for 46, but he was well supported by all the other bowlers, Moroney 2 for 33, Grundy 1 for 13, and Panchbhaya 1 for 20 who was right on the mark after a couple of stiff early overs. Ed Saxelby, although wicketless, was testing for all the Cheadle batsmen.

Marple are now seventh in the league and welcome Nantwich to Bowden Lane next Saturday 9^th June, 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds made it a fifty point Saturday as they thrashed Macclesfield seconds by 83 runs at Bowden Lane. Another new opening pair, this time of Andy Wild and the returning Stuart Jackson, added 98 for the first wicket. Both batsmen made 48 apiece. After a couple of further quick wickets, Joe Cash joined Jamie Massey, and the fifth wicket posted a century plus stand as Macc wilted. Cash was 61 not out at the close, and Massey 56 not out. On the resumption, Macclesfield reached 110 for 2, but then crumbled to Joe Cash with four wickets, Josh Kirk two and skipper George Clarke two. 150 all out represented a serious collapse on a good batting surface, albeit against some quality bowling.

Marple thirds were unable to make it three from three for Marple sides as they went down by five wickets at Alderley Edge on Sunday. A below par performance saw Marple only able to reach the mystical score of Nelson, 111 all out. Sam Stretton top scored with 25, with Jacob Combey and DD Davies both reaching 16. Edge reached 115 for 5 in reply with Combey the pick of Marple’s bowler’s with 3 for 33.