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. 

Bramhall Freeze in Greasley Headlights!

Saturday 21st July

Marple 98 for 2 (17.5 overs) 25 points beat Bramhall 97 all out (48.5 overs) 0 points by eight wickets 

Marple’s veteran off spinner, cementing his legendary status, continued his hoodoo over a Bramhall side totally trapped in a web from which they could not escape. His remarkable figures of 6 for 19 from 17 overs completely bamboozled the visiting side, and got Marple back to winning ways after a run of two defeats.

On an initially overcast Saturday afternoon, Marple captain Paul Wood won the toss and elected to field first. This was to prove a crucial piece of fortune, as there was early movement in the air and off the seam for Marple’s new ball attack of Dylan Moroney and Jack Grundy. Both were on the mark, and it was Moroney who got Marple under way with two wickets in his third over. Latter was well held by Greasley at slip, and then Moroney had the big wicket of his fellow Aussie Liam Banthorpe who aimed a shocking pull at a fullish ball, missed, and was bowled for a duck. At 13 for 2 Bramhall were already on the backfoot. When Jack Grundy also got in on the act to have Hunt safely pouched by Wood at short mid wicket at 21 for 3, Marple were in the position of having broken up the top order before Greasley was introduced.  For Bramhall, the fourth wicket pairing of Wilde and skipper Cantello was one of only two that threatened to rescue the visitors. They added 29 before Wilde was well caught behind by Morgan for 18 at 50 for 4. After this, the Greasley magic had the batting side totally mesmerized. There were some very poor strokes played, but Greasley was unstoppable. A terrible collapse to 64 for 8 followed, with Paul Wood and later Joe Cash supporting Greasley well with some tight bowling. Cantello was joined by Simon Wilkinson, no mug at number 10 in the order. They took the score to 89, before a brilliant catch by Moroney off Greasley did for Cantello. Bramhall’s captain showed lonely application in battling 103 deliveries for his 34. When the final wicket fell, Wilkinson was left 18 not out. 

There was little to worry Marple when they replied. Although Wilkinson may have caused one or two jitters with two wickets in his second over, there were no demons in the pitch any more. Jim Morgan and Mike Schofield, promoted to number four here, played some glorious strokes to put the Bramhall effort in perspective. Both players drove the ball powerfully, and Morgan looks one of the best openers in the premier league on this form. Schofield picked the length of all the Bramhall spinners comfortably, and brutally smashed the ball over the top when he had the opportunity. Both batsmen Morgan, 42 not out, and Schofield 45 not out, delighted the crowd with nine fours each, as Marple completed a demolition job on their near neighbours, both geographically, and also in league position.

 Next Saturday, 28^th July, Marple visit bottom side Didsbury, who are in a terrible run of form. However, they are a competitive side with several players of quality. It is not likely to be an easy afternoon. The game starts at 12.30pm. 

Marple seconds were also back to winning ways with a terrific win on Hyde’s small, picturesque ground at Werneth Low. Hyde put the Marple bowlers to the sword as they rattled up a massive 253 for 3. Ben Balderson, Danny Humhprys and Dave Leighton all passed 70 as Marple’s six bowlers were made to toil. However, Marple had three half centurions of their own. Peter Jackson, 74, James Crisall, 68, and Garry Cash 71, gave Hyde a taste of their own medicine. Sam Stretton brought up a four wicket victory for Marple, smiting a huge six from the first ball he faced, with almost four overs remaining. Max Fitzgerald, standing in as wicket keeper for Marple, did an excellent job behind the stumps.

Davis Too Hot For Marple!

Saturday 14th July 

Neston 115 for 5 (27.4 overs) 25 points beat Marple 114 all out (35.1 overs) 2 points by five wickets

 Neston’s fiery opening bowler, Ash Davis, with a superb haul of 6 for 25, delivered in two sharp spells, undid Marple last Saturday. Despite heavy rain having fallen the preceding evening, the Marple ground still had the colour of the Kalahari desert. Neston skipper David Hurst, elected to field first on winning the toss, as there was still some dampness around, although warm sunshine bathed the ground.

Davis, given the new ball, was right on target from ball one. He began with a maiden, but his partner at the Seven Stiles End, Matt Stewart was initially a little wayward, and both Morgan and Ramsay were able to find the boundary with some pleasing strokes. However, in his third over, Davis, bowling full, quickly and straight, was through Ramsay (5) shattering his stumps, Marple on 16 for 1. Mark Bennett always looks to have time against the quicker bowlers, and he got the ball away for a couple of early fours. Davis though, switched his line of attack to round the wicket, and Bennett (9) met the same fate as Ramsay, being comprehensively bowled at 33 for 2. Mark Makin was also castled in Davis’s next over for a duck, and the Neston paceman certainly had the wood on the Marple top order, his figures at this stage being 3 for 14 from only five overs. Marple skipper Paul Wood joined Morgan, and the fourth wicket pair managed to see off Davis’s initial spell. The scoring rate had slowed though, as both young slow left arm spinner Jones, and Stewart, in a much tighter second stint, put the squeeze on the Marple batting. Morgan had battled well to reach 27, but he was anxious against Jones and, trying to force the pace, played a loose shot outside the off stump and was smartly taken by keeper Evans, the score just 55 for 4.

Andrew Hall, at number six played responsibly in partnership with Wood, and they added a further 33 runs to seemingly stabilise the innings. Neston’s fourth bowler though was a mystery leg spinner,  Prithvi Sarvaiya. Hall (11), usually an excellent reader of wrist spin, failed to pick a perfectly pitched googly in the bowler’s first over and was bowled playing no stroke. This was a real blow to Marple as Davis had been reintroduced for a second spell, and one end was now open. Wood (25) followed soon after at 98 for 6, caught by Evans off Davis, maybe feeling he had to try and push things along. From this stage, although Mike Schofield battled to an undefeated 6 not out, Davis was not to be denied. He was too much for the lower order, and Sarvaiya’s wiles also proved to be unsolvable. He ended with 3 for 14 from just 4.1 overs. Marple collapsed to a meagre 114 all out. Despite the bowling being generally of a high standard, and the pitch offering some assistance, this was a very disappointing batting effort. Davis, in particular, deserves special mention though. He bowled at a pace not regulary seen in Saturday afternoon cricket, and kept a fullish length at all times, resisting any temptation to dish up any short stuff on a pitch were the ball skidded through at times.

With such a modest total to defend, Wood opted to open with his most successful bowler this season, veteran off spinner Andy Greasley. He was his usual accurate self, and picked up the early wicket of Evans, as the Neston wicket keeper batsman played an ugly hoick and was caught at point by Ramsay.  Hurst’s new partner, Dom Smith (38), did not look totally convincing, but he was the dominant partner in a second wicket stand of 54. He began with a flurry of boundaries as Hurst looked to anchor the reply. Marple had a faint ray of hope as three quick wickets fell to leave the visitors on 85 for 4. Greasley was still causing problems, and then Moroney and later Wood asked the batters questions. Hurst  though was there at the end though with 43 not out as a comfortable five wicket win ensued for Neston. Greasley had a commendable 3 for 48 for Marple.

Batting Woes Continue at T20 Finals!

Marple contested the first semi final of Fred Graham T20 competition at Bramhall on Sunday. The host club got away to a rapid start, but Marple, inspired by some outstanding wicket keeping from Jim Morgan then took wickets at regular intervals. From 66 for 0, Bramhall slumped to 130 for 9, before a late flurry from skipper Nick Cantello (38 not out) propelled them to a very useful 156 for 9.  Dylan Moroney had 3 for 30 for Marple.  Marple’s reply never got going, and only MarkBennett with 20 and Mark Makin 42 reached double figures in a total of only 105 all out in response.

Bramhall came off second best in the final to the very powerful Nantwich side. Facing a daunting 187 for victory, they managed just 120 all out in reply. Nantwich will now be worthy representatives of the Cheshire County League as they attempt to get to national T20 finals day, and coverage on SKY television.

After two disappointing weeks, and three poor performances with the bat, Marple will look to try and rectify matters quickly. They have an important run of games coming up, with four out of the next five fixtures featuring contests against teams close to them in the league. The first of these will be at Bowden Lane next Saturday with another home game versus Bramhall, 12.30pm start.

Seconds Thrashing at Neston Completes a Miserable Weekend!

Marple seconds were soundly beaten by 96 runs at Parkgate on Saturday. Despite a steady bowling performance from the visitors, the home batsmen “got the job done” with five of the top six scoring between 29 and 40 in a final total of 205 all out. Marple spinners Stewart Bass with 4 for 30, and Andy Massey 3 for 58 did a good job. They were well supported by Mudasser Panchbhaya with 2 for30 and Ed Saxelby 1 for 29. Marple, faced with a target of 206 for victory, were always up against it. The consistent Matt Barrow top scored with 31, and although Andy Wild, 18, Garry Cash 20, and Mudasser 20 all got starts, the winning post was always too far away. Against steady bowling, particularly from Harry Donelan with 5 for 27, Marple failed to cling on for the draw, just three overs remaining to be bowled when the final wicket fell.