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.