Garry Signs Off!

The Cheshire County League’s all time leading run scorer Garry Cash played his final game of cricket when Marple seconds entertained Neston seconds. It could not have gone better for Cash senior, as the side raised itself to win the game by three wickets in a low scoring battle. Garry himself made just fifteen, but his son Joe was acting captain on the day. Joe took four wickets and then hit 38 not out as Marple reached 117 for 7 to win the game and secure their status in the Cheshire County second eleven premier league. Marple’s third eleven also confirmed their Sunday premier league survival after the season’s final game at Stockport Georgians last Sunday. Georgians were dismissed for just 95, Jack Grundy 4 for 17, and Tom Reeve 2 for 27. In reply Marple coasted to a seven wicket win in just 20 overs, Matt Leech 38, Grundy 29 and Sam Stretton 23.

Whilst dropping out of the top level of Cheshire cricket is a disappointment for Marple, there is much good cricket to be played in division one. There will be more opportunity to give younger players extra responsibility, and with a good blend of youth and experience, there is no reason that the side cannot be competitive. The premier league has been tough this season, with consistent run scoring proving difficult for most teams. In a wet second half of the summer, it is no coincidence that the champions are Chester Boughton Hall, with Wirral club Neston finishing runners up. Chester have certainly been the best side this season, but the damper weather in the east has not generally helped teams from that part of the county.

Marple Battle to the End, But Drop to Division One For 2020

Marple’s fate was sealed with two games of a difficult season left to be played. They did, however, battle hard against two strong sides in Neston and Hyde, showing good spirit in both matches.

The home defeat to Nantwich on 31^st August meant that Marple will play their cricket in division one of the Cheshire County League in 2020. This was always likely to be tough fixture against the reigning champions, who were also finalists in the National Club finals due to be played at Lords cricket ground on September 16^th.

After this game there remained two away fixtures to be played, glorious September sunshine gracing both matches. At Neston, the batting finally functioned well on a superb pitch over on the Wirral. A total of 208 for 7 was competitive, with Andrew Hall finding some form to hit a very welcome 53. Max Fitzgerald continued his development with a fine 37, coming in at number three, where he displayed courage and skill in combating the pace of the league’s quickest Ash Davis. Mark Makin has been Marple’s leading batsman over the season, and here he played with admirable responsibility, hitting an attractive 41, adding 65 with Fitzgerald for the fourth wicket, and then 60 with Hall for the fifth. When Neston replied, they lost wickets regularly to Grundy, Brown, Greasley, and also Ed Saxelby who bowled a fine spell of 2 for 30. Unfortunately for Marple though, it was South African all rounder Mike Eckard’s day. In the Marple knock he took 4 for 42 with his naggingly accurate off spin. Then, when his side was in some trouble at 122 for 6, he took the game by the scruff of the neck. Ash Davis (24 not out) gave good and solid support as Eckard (62 not out) pressed the accelerator. The pair added 87 without looking in too much difficulty to bring up a hard earned four wicket win for the home team.

At Hyde’s scenic Werneth Low ground, the sun also shone for the final game of the season. However, this time, wet weather in the build up to the fixture meant that the pitch used gave considerable assistance to bowlers of all types. Greasley bowled a masterful spell, achieving substantial turn and grip from the surface. He took a fantastic 7 for 48 in 16.5 overs as Hyde were all out for 169. In the Hyde knock, there were two cameo innings that tilted the game Hyde’s way. Firstly, young Lancashire star George Balderson hit a belligerent 34, and then, coming in at number ten, Dan Cranmer whacked a free and easy 31 not out to help his side post a good total in challenging batting conditions.  Earlier, the opening stand of 36 between Hyde’s fine young players, skipper Tom Partridge (16) and Luke Young (20) got the home side away to a good start.

The Hyde bowling attack is amongst the very best in the league, and on this surface they were not going to be denied. Wood and Morgan were both comprehensively bowled, and veteran seamer Jason Whittaker, in particular, was a handful. The umpires gave their fingers a proper work out as five batsmen were adjudged lbw. Only Hall with 31, Paulett, 20, Fitzgerald 14 and Saxleby 11 not out reached double figures as Marple could respond with just 105 all out. The first two mentioned here added 41 for the seventh wicket to give Marple a faint hope, but it was the sort of day when there was always a ball with the batsman’s name on it waiting around the corner. Whittaker had an immaculate 3 for 25, left arm spinner Cranmer 3 for 35 and Luke Young impressed with his left arm over the wicket skiddy seamers to clean up with 2 for 4. Cole Turner, with 1 for 14, chipped in with the vital wicket of Hall at 87 for 7.

Garry Signs Off!

The Cheshire County League’s all time leading run scorer Garry Cash played his final game of cricket when Marple seconds entertained Neston seconds. It could not have gone better for Cash senior, as the side raised itself to win the game by three wickets in a low scoring battle. Garry himself made just fifteen, but his son Joe was acting captain on the day. Joe took four wickets and then hit 38 not out as Marple reached 117 for 7 to win the game and secure their status in the Cheshire County second eleven premier league. Marple’s third eleven also confirmed their Sunday premier league survival after the season’s final game at Stockport Georgians last Sunday. Georgians were dismissed for just 95, Jack Grundy 4 for 17, and Tom Reeve 2 for 27. In reply Marple coasted to a seven wicket win in just 20 overs, Matt Leech 38, Grundy 29 and Sam Stretton 23.

Whilst dropping out of the top level of Cheshire cricket is a disappointment for Marple, there is much good cricket to be played in division one. There will be more opportunity to give younger players extra responsibility, and with a good blend of youth and experience, there is no reason that the side cannot be competitive. The premier league has been tough this season, with consistent run scoring proving difficult for most teams. In a wet second half of the summer, it is no coincidence that the champions are Chester Boughton Hall, with Wirral club Neston finishing runners up. Chester have certainly been the best side this season, but the damper weather in the east has not generally helped teams from that part of the county.

Fearless Meese Sinks Gallant Marple!

Cheadle 136 for 9 (49.3 overs) 25 points beat Marple 132 all out (54.1 overs) 6 points by one wicket

After chasing Marple’s modest total of 132 all out, Kingsway side Cheadle had subsided to 116 for 9, mainly due to a terrific spell of 5 for 40 from up and coming leg spinner Max Fitzgerald. Enter left arm seam bowler Pat Meese at number eleven in the order. Meese was not fazed by the situation facing him. He took the bull by the horns, and his innings of 12 not out is probably one he will remind his team mates of in the future.

The penultimate Saturday of August saw glorious, warm weather and not a cloud in the sky. However, a wet month, combined with a traditionally tough pitch at Kingsway, once more saw batting as an occupation fraught with risk. The Cheadle side is one that has maximised the resources at it’s disposal in the seasons since the club returned to Premier League Cricket. Skipper Dan Brown is not only a fine and accurate right arm seam bowler with terrific control, he is also an intelligent captain. This season has seen the addition of left arm seam bowler Pat Meese to the Cheadle ranks, and this has taken some of the pressure of Brown with the new ball. The Cheadle skipper was immaculate in his line and length, and although Andrew Hall and Paul Wood both looked secure for Marple, it was apparent that run scoring was going to be tough. With the ball not coming on to the bat, and the bounce inconsistent, Jim Morgan’s decision to bat first was looking to be a doubtful one.

Once again, Marple’s fragile batting in the 2019 season was exposed. The only partnership of note came between Mark Makin and Andrew Paulett after the visitors had subsided to 67 for 6. Makin, at number five, showed terrific self control, and he showed determination to try and bat through the full 55 overs. Hall had fallen to Meese, and Brown’s accuracy accounted for Wood, Morgan and Liam Brown. Some gutsy batting from Marple’s seventh wicket stand got them back into the game though, despite left arm spinner Will Holmes settling into a very testing spell. Paulett’s fine knock saw him hoist the talented leg spinner Josh Dooler for tree huge sixes, removing one threat from Cheadle’s talented bowling quartet. When Meese returned for a second spell he was right on the mark though. He bowled Makin for 39 when the Marple man attempted to force the pace as the overs began to ebb away. The nagging Holmes picked up most of the middle and lower order with his accuracy on a helpful surface, Paulett (43) also falling in an attempt to raise the score towards the end of the innings. 132 all out may not have seemed a big score, but batting was never easy, and Marple knew they were in the game. Brown had 3 for 20, Meese 3 for 30 and Holmes 4 for 42 for Cheadle.

When Cheadle replied, their initial response was anchored by the impressive Elliot Bullock. Although he lost Adams and Subhaan Mahmood to Liam Brown and Jack Grundy respectively, he found an excellent partner in Greg Dixon. Dixon did not suggest and air of permanence, but he kept the scoreboard moving, despite Brown in particular, bowling a testing spell. Veteran off spinner Greasley was introduced, and he settled immediately into a probing examination of the home batsmen. However, for Marple the decision of Morgan to throw the ball to young leg spinner Max Fitzgerald was an inspired one. Prior to this, Ed Saxelby had bowled a good spell without luck, seeing two edges flash through the slip area but not to hand. Fitzgerald’s spell was a real shot in the arm for Marple, and one could sense the game changing as he caused real problems for the Cheadle line up. He took four quick wickets, including the impressive Bullock for a classy 37, as huge doubt was cast over the run chase. Greasley, at the other end, was perfect in his control, but was frustrated, not picking up a wicket until he had two in two balls to leave Cheadle on 108 for 8. When the impressive Fitzgerald decieved and bowled Dixon for 49 Cheadle were 116 for 9. Surely that was it? Now Meese had his moment. From the first ball he faced he superbly drove Brown for four and never looked in trouble. Where had Cheadle been hiding their secret weapon?  With Greasley bowled out, and Samuels stout in his support of Meese an unlikely home win beckoned. Meese was unflinching, and saw his team home by one wicket, once more a tenth wicket stand doing for Marple. Fitzgerald became the first Marple leg spinner to take five wickets in an innings (5 for 41) since the volatile Chris Wood way back in 1981, and his performance was a really heartening one, his spin and variation causing problems for all the batsmen. Greasley was pin point in his accuracy, and had no luck during his 2 for 17 from 17 overs.

So, an agonizing defeat for Marple in a low scoring thriller. They have three games left, but just one at home, to reigning champions Nantwich at Bowden Lane next Saturday 31^st August, 11.30am start.

Marple seconds halted a run of defeats with a battling draw at home to Cheadle seconds on Saturday. Cheadle posted an impressive 199 for 8, with Drew Carswell, 41 and Moin Shah , 71, leading the way. Stand in skipper Joe Cash took 4 for 40 from fifteen overs for Marple. Once again several Marple batsmen got starts, but no one could make a half century. Jamie Massey, 30 and Gary Cash 33 threatened to win the game, although the pitch was not conducive to free stroke making. Marple got close, closing on 185 for 8, Tom Whiteley taking a restrictive 3 for 40 for Cheadle. Once again, a junior sized short boundary on one side was a curiosity in a second eleven game at Bowden Lane.

Marple thirds received a drubbing at Didsbury on Sunday. Marple did well in the field, with Didsbury restricted to 174 for 9, Tom Reeve 3 for 23, Connor Bergin 2 for 27 and Lewis Braddock 2 for 40. The Marple batting had no answer to Zain Basharat though. He took 5 for 8 in six overs, as the visitors subsided to just 54 all out, only Braddock (12) reaching double figures.

Super Sam Lifts Marple’s Saturday Gloom!

Toft 96 for 4 (21.1 0vers) 25 points beat Marple 93 all out (32.5 overs) 7 points by six wickets

Marple’s talented young allrounder Sam Stretton cheered the club on Sunday, as his terrific matchwinning performance of 83 runs and then a spell of 4 for 17 with the ball, took the third eleven to a fine 35 run win over second placed Stockport Georgians last Sunday at Bowden Lane.

Torrential rain all day Friday, and then a prolonged heavy shower on the morning of the match meant that Marple’s crucial league encounter with Toft was reduced to one of 35 overs per side starting at 3.15pm. In years past, this amount of rain would almost certainly have meant no cricket, but the drainage system in place now, meant a reasonable game could ensue. It was hard to know whether Jim Morgan was happy or not to be inserted after losing the toss. He dropped himself down to number three, and asked Andrew Hall to open up with Paul Wood.

The pitch was two paced and had some uneven bounce due to the rain, but it actually played reasonably well. After a steady start, Marple reaching 44 for 1 in the twelfth over, the introduction of third seamer Will Dunkerley completely undid Marple. Jackson and Forster are an opening attack well known to Marple, but first change Dunkerley not familiar to the side. He bowls at a good medium pace, and has a strong economical action. He consistently hit a length around off stump, and nipped the ball back in to the batsmen. On this day, it was far too good. Maybe the shortened game meant that Marple did not manage formulate a plan against him, but he hit the stumps four times in a remarkable spell of 6 for 10 in just nine overs. It was quite a surprise when Lomas took him off, as he had the rare opportunity of taking 9 wickets in an innings. There was not much to cheer in the Marple innings, although Morgan found the boundary four times in his 18 and Mike Schofield once more showed his improvement with a solid 22. Although batting conditions were never easy, 93 all out was probably 30 to 40 or short of a competitive score.

When Toft replied, the attack of Brown and Wylie was steady, but did not find the movement achieved by Dunkerley. Veteran off spinner Greasley was introduced after just six overs as Marple had to take wickets. He gave the home side a brief glimmer of hope, trapping Drummond, Forster and Craig all lbw. At 39 for 3 Toft had their one wobble of the afternoon.

However, in Rob Sehmi, they have one of the league’s best players. Sehmi is the current Cheshire wicket keeper, and is also a leading run scorer for the county this season. Indeed, he made 122 the following day in the county’s fixture against Shropshire. He judges the length of the ball quickly, and his footwork is out of the top draw. Whilst he was watchful against Greasley, he was not going to allow the maestro to just bowl. A huge six was seemingly just stroked, as some vocal home support tried to raise Marple spirits. He found a willing partner at number five in Jackson who appeared in little difficulty, smiting two mighty sixes of his own. The fourth wicket pair comfortably took the score to 91, before Jackson (29) was well caught from a skier by Brown at long on. Sehmi ended on 29 not out though, and Toft were easy victors by six wickets. For Marple Greasley had a valiant 4 for 29, but that was it. Marple remain second from bottom, and visit Cheadle at Kingsway ne3xt Saturday with an 11.30am start.

It proved to be just the start of a fantastic weekend for Toft, as on the Sunday they defeated Liverpool Competition side Ormskirk to go through to the national club T20 finals day at Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Toft made it a Saturday double with a seven wicket victory over Marple seconds. After an opening stand of 50 between Sam Stretton (28) and Jonny Marshall (18), it was an all too familiar collapse for Marple. Once again, no batsman could go on, although Tom Headridge impressed with 18 coming in at eight. 103 all out was a poor show. James Hodgson’s off spin proved too good and he finished with 6 for 24. All of the home team’s top four managed starts, and Ewan Williams 24, and Max Nightingale 36 not out, wrapped up a straightforward seven wicket win. Stewart Bass chipped in with 3 for 22 for Marple.

Hyslop Onslaught Swings it Park’s Way!

Oulton Park 153 all out (34 overs) 25 points beat Marple 82 all out (35.3 overs) 4 points by 71 runs

A brutal assault on the bowling by Oulton Park’s powerful all rounder Tom Hyslop took this crucial game away from Marple at scenic Little Budworth in rural Cheshire. This, after they had put the home side under real pressure, chiefly through a penetrative and hostile spell from paceman Liam Brown.

A brisk south westerly wind kept the rain at bay for this lower half of the table clash. On winning the toss, Jim Morgan inserted the home team under leaden skies, and in the hope that his young opening seam attack of Brown and Jack Grundy could make early inroads. Brown, in particular, was a handful for the Park line up. Cheshire skipper Danny Leech was bowled for a duck, and although the imposing Martyn East struck a couple of huge sixes, he soon hit a mistimed drive to mid off, where Max Fitzgerald took a smart catch. At 24 for 2, Marple had the upper hand. Matt Jamieson looked in good order, but after he was struck a painful blow by Brown, his early fluency deserted him. Latham was also struck on the body by Brown, before he edged to keeper Morgan who took a brilliant catch off Grundy at 49 for 3. Ward soon followed in similar fashion to the bowling of Brown for 5 at 54 for 4. The pitch was not unplayable, but had some variable bounce, and there was movement off the seam for all the bowlers.

Hyslop entered the fray at this point, and the remainder of the innings was dominated by him. Jamieson (25), not the same after being laid low, gave Morgan his third catch behind at 77 for 5. Brown had 4 for 41 at this point. Paul Wood, after a loose long hop first ball which was carved over backward point for four by Hyslop, now bowled a canny spell when he replaced Grundy who had supported Brown well with 1 for 30. He nipped in with three quick wickets, and Brown accounted for the free scoring Ben Gibbon to leave Park in tatters at 106 for 9. Hyslop now sensed his moment. He had dealt mainly in boundaries, powerfully driving anything loose, but now upped the ante. It was Brown, now tiring somewhat who suffered mainly under this assault. Number eleven Harry Newton gave stout support, blocking assiduously, as Hyslop flayed the ball to all parts. When he was finally bowled by Wood for 77 attempting a sixth maximum, his Park side were well above par on a tricky surface. Hyslop smote five sixes and nine fours, not being too bothered with singles! The last wicket stand of 47 was the highest of the entire match, and it was an enthusiastic home support that welcomed their hero back to the pavilion. Brown suffered towards the end, and he was obviously fatigued. He ended with 5 for 81. Paul Wood weighed in with a very handy 4 for 27. Jim Morgan also had the rare feat of five catches behind the stumps.

Marple’s reply never threatened this total. Ben Gibbon, the young left arm quick bowler, was encouraged to hit just short of a good length. His accuracy, no doubt grooved in the Old Trafford nets, was a real problem for Marple. With the ball inconsistent in bounce, run scoring proved nigh on impossible. Gibbon has played for Lancashire’s second team, and has also performed well for Cheshire this season. However, it was East who picked up the first two wickets. Morgan fretted during his short stay, and after hitting a straight six off East to get off the mark, he mistimed a pull to be comfortably caught by keeper Kettle running towards square leg. Wood was yorked soon afterwards, and at 6 for 2, and the bowling tight and hostile, victory looked a very long shot.
Marple’s only partnership of note came from Mark Makin (30) and Mike Schofield (16). They added 45 to take Marple to 73 for 4. Max Fitzgerald had earlier once again shown promise in making 12, but got a little ahead of himself, hitting a return catch to East. When Gibbon returned for a second spell, he was far too much for Marple’s lower order, and Hyslop also picked up three wickets along the way with his skiddy medium pace. Gibbon polished off the tail in short order to finish with 4 for 14 from 11 overs. Medium pacers East and Hyslop had 3 for 27 and 3 for 16 respectively in solid support.

Marple are now in a precarious position in the Cheshire County League, remaining second from bottom with five games remaining. Toft, the side just above them, visit Bowden Lane next Saturday with a 12.30pm start.


Marple seconds were also soundly beaten by a strong Oulton Park second eleven at Bowden Lane. In a rain reduced game, Park reached an excellent 180 for 8 declared in 38 overs. Andy Mills 45, Jimmy Guest 52 and Owen Williamson 39 had the upper hand, but Joel Greasley 4 for 40, Sam Stretton 2 for 30 and Greg Marsland 1 for 34 did well for Marple. Off spinner Connor Bergin was wicketless in his 0 for 38 from ten overs, but had to treated with respect by the batsmen.

Although four of Marple’s top five got good starts, reaching the teens and the twenties, no player was able to stay around long enough to mount an attempt at victory. Bergin stubbornly held on with 7 not out, but Richard Smith 4 for 11, and veteran seamer Andy Hards 3 for 9 always had Marple under control. A curious feature of this game was the decision to use a junior size boundary on one side of the ground. The Marple ground is a large one, and the pitch was centrally located. This oddity could not aid Marple in their victory quest though, and 105 all out was a disappointment. The side are still in good shape in the league though, despite a couple of tough defeats against the top two teams.


It was a triple defeat weekend for Marple as the thirds also succumbed at Sale last Sunday. Viraj Sorathia with 107 not out, carried his bat as Sale reached an imposing 192 for 6. There was a terrific debut for Marple though from U15 player Adam Garside. He took a fantastic 4 for 30 to remove the Sale middle order. In reply Marple could only muster 112 all out. Lewis Braddock, with 34, once again impressed, and Jonny Monk continued his improvement with a gutsy 18 coming in at number 9. The wickets were shared amongst the Sale bowlers.

Lacklustre Marple No Match For League Leaders!

Chester Boughton Hall 136 for 2 (28.3 overs) 25 points beat Marple 134 all out (54 overs) 2 points by 8 wickets

This game was not a close contest, and Marple were on the back foot immediately, as skipper Jim Morgan and Andy Paulett were dismissed for golden ducks in Lloyd Aspin’s first over to leave the home side 1 for 2, and already looking down the barrel.

This precarious start came after Morgan had won the toss and elected to bat first after a week of some of the heaviest rainfall seen in the area in living memory. Remarkably, the Marple ground was in fair condition, as the new drainage system had left the outfield in fantastic shape. The ground staff had done an incredible job on the actual pitch, and whilst it was slow and had a green colour, it played pretty well, gradually easing throughout the afternoon. Morgan’s reasoning was fair enough, as sides have had the very devil of a job winning games batting second at Bowden Lane this season.

Not unnaturally after such a bad start, Paul Wood and Liam Brown played circumspectly for a period, and visiting skipper Rick Moore soon changed to a two pronged spin attack. First it was young and emerging slow left armer Charlie Fleet, and then the more experienced but still young leg spinner Jack Williams. It was Fleet who had a stranglehold on the Marple batting, and at one point he bowled six consecutive maidens. Wood and Brown showed good application though and added 49 runs for the third wicket. Wood has looked to be  Marple’s most secure batsman in recent weeks, and here he once again set a fine example, making a stubborn 41. Brown (24) gave good support, and the middle order of Makin and Schofield also weighed in with scores on the 20’s. Although they ensured that Marple batted almost the full quota of overs, no player was able to dominate the Chester spin twins. Fleet’s metronomic accuracy (he took 3 for 23 from 17 overs) was rewarded with the wickets of Wood, Brown and Makin, whilst Williams, although more expensive, bamboozled the tail to finish with 3 for 57 from 16 overs. 134 all out against the strongest batting line up in the league was way under par, even though Marple had defended a similar total against Alderley Edge a fortnight ago.

This time though, the bowling was not accurate enough. A mixed bag was served up, and with two of the county’s best at the top of the order in Moore and Goodwin, a rapid start ensued. It was not enough that some good deliveries were bowled, as there was always a get out delivery for the batsmen, with bowlers of all types erring in length and direction. A ten wicket win looked to be odds on, but Ed Saxelby, in his initial first eleven game this season, induced Moore, Marple’s nemesis once again with a hard hit 59, to play slightly too early and he was well caught by Paulett at mid on at 96 for 1. Saxelby ran in well for his 1 for 21, but Chester were in no mood to hang about. Although Greasley deceived and bowled Jamie Crawley for just 13 at 115 for 2, Goodwin with 46 not out and Alex Money 13 not out, brought up the inevitable win by eight wickets, plenty of overs remaining.

This was always likely to be a tough fixture for Marple, but they will be disappointed to not have competed as well as they would have liked, or indeed are capable of doing. It was far too comfortable a victory for Chester. Marple will hope that they can repeat the feat of bouncing back strongly after each of the heavy defeats they have suffered this season. They remain next to bottom in the league, and have a crucial away fixture next Saturday at fellow strugglers Oulton Park, 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds were defeated by seven wickets in their fixture at Chester Boughton Hall last Saturday. Marple totalled 162 all out, with Andy Wild top scoring with 39. Andy Massey hit 35 and Tim Radford 27. There were a number of other double figure scores, but no player made the necessary half century that could have seen a score around 200 posted.  Matt Brayne took 4 for 45 for Chester.

Chester seconds are also top of the second eleven premier division, and are a traditionally strong side. Matt Griffiths has first team premier league experience at the top of the order, and his 67 set Chester on course. Although wickets fell to Joel Greasley and Sam Stretton to leave the home side on 50 for 2, Griffiths, in company with Metcalf, 55 not out, took his side well past the hundred mark. After Griffiths fell to Andy Massey at 114 for 3, Wyatt with 22 not out saw that victory was achieved without further loss.

Dan Cox, 13 not out and Tom Headridge, 1 not out, ensured a draw for Marple thirds against Toft thirds on Sunday. Toft made a challenging 221 for 7, with openers Tom Maddock (68) and David Blackburn (70) adding 150 for the first wicket. A remarkable spell of 5 for 15 from fourth change bowler Lewis Braddock kept Toft at bay though, and Marple were in the game at the tea interval.  Wickets fell regularly in the reply though, although Braddock must have thought it was really going to be his day before he was unluckily run out for 21. Tom Travis hit a fine 43, but Marple never threatened to win the game, ending on 141 for 9, the two young players showing admirable character in not giving up their wickets.

Another Damp Squib!

Countywide torrential and persistent rain meant no cricket for any of Marple's teams last weekend.

The first eleven host league leaders Chester Boughton Hall next Saturday, 3rd August 12.30pm start. The seconds travel to Chester.

Wylie Leads Marple to Welcome Win Over High Flying Alderley!

Marple 133 all out (47.5 overs) 25 points beat Alderley Edge 121 all out (40.3 overs) 4 points by 12 runs

This game between second from bottom Marple and second from top Alderley Edge saw Marple come out winners in a low scoring encounter at Bowden Lane last Saturday.

Despite rain having fallen the previous evening and during the morning of the game, Marple captain Jim Morgan was probably not too displeased to be asked to bat first, despite the heavy overhead conditions. Chasing down even modest totals has proved tough at Bowden Lane this season. Although at the time, Morgan and his opening partner Paul Wood , were probably both frustrated at getting out in the twenties, they did add 45 for Marple’s first wicket. This proved to be the highest stand of the game. The four Alderley seamers, Hill, Foster, Wilkinson and Foreman all had to be watched with care, and although the openers, Hill and Foster this game, were seen off, the experienced Richard Wilkinson and Thomas Foreman were right on target. Both Morgan and Wood were out to good deliveries, Morgan bowled by Foreman for 21, and Wood caught behind by keeper Worrall of Wilkinson.  Wilkinson bowled a destructive spell, taking four quick wickets, and putting Marple in trouble at 67 for 5. Both Liam Brown and Andrew Hall were dismissed first ball to excellent deliveries.

Andy Paulett at three, battled away though, and with Mike Schofield digging in at number seven, there was stout resistance from Marple’s middle order. Even though Paulett fell to Foreman at 79 for 6, Marple were not done. Max Fitzgerald showed his increasing confidence, timing the ball better than anyone in the game. He played some delightful strokes in making the matches highest score of just 28, adding a vital 33 with Schofield for the seventh wicket.  The gritty Schofield showed excellent application and character to end on 22 not out, as Marple ground out 133 all out after 48 overs. Free flowing strokplay was never easy on this track, but the runs were on the board. Wilkinson had 4 for 28, and the deceptive off spinner Reid 3 for 14 for the visitors.

There was an air of optimism as Marple took the field, despite the undoubted quality of some of the visiting batting line up. Lancashire second teamer Sam Perry was immediately lbw to Wylie for a duck. Then in Liam Brown’s second over, Cheshire opener Calum Rowe mistimed a pull and was very well held by Schofield at extra cover  for 14. This, after Rowe had eased three boundaries away on the on side from Marple’s Aussie. Wylie was right on target this game though, and Foster played loosely and was well held at slip by Makin for just 3. At 18 for 3 it looked to be an uphill struggle for Edge.  Ed Fluck batted responsibly though with Adam Worrall. They added 44 with some determined batting. However, Jack Grundy then embarked on one of his game changing spells. It has been a tough season for Marple’s young seamer, but here he was back on song. He took three quick wickets, those of both Fluck (27), caught at slip by Makin, Worrall (12) clean bowled and then the experienced Alan Day (6) lbw. With the irresistible Wylie also accounting for Wilkinson for just a single, Alderley were in the mire at 71 for 7. In George Bell though, Edge have a talented young batsman. With Reid giving solid support, the without eighth wicket stand added 28 without looking as though they would cruise to victory in a straightforward manner. Enter Joe Cash.  The worst delivery of his spell accounted for Bell, as a full toss was hit straight to Makin at short mid wicket who took his third catch of the innings. Bell had made a promising 19, but at 99 for 8 surely that was it? Foreman, at number ten, is no mug with the bat though, and he looked in control. Cash looked the likely wicket taker as he found turn and got the ball to grip. Nelson, 111, struck as Foreman was bowled, and then after Reid had struck the returning Brown for a couple of boundaries, number eleven Hill was lbw to Cash again at 121. Reid ended 16 not out. For Marple, Wylie was immaculate with 3 for 23 from 17 overs with 9 maidens, Grundy also had 3 for 23, and his spell turned the game Marple’s way. It was heartening to see Joe Cash bowl so well to polish off the tail and finish with 3 for 2 from four and a half overs.

This was a vital win for Marple. Although they remain second from bottom, a couple of sides above them are now within reach. Next week sees a key fixture away to bottom side Grappenhall, 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds ensured it was a fifty point Saturday with a six wicket win away to Alderley Edge seconds. The home side made 163 for 8, with Ed Saxelby once more bowling a good spell for Marple. A solid reply saw Marple home by six wickets. James Crisall made 60, the blossoming Sam Stretton 53 and Connor Ramsay 27 not out.

Double dose of misery

Marple's defeat at Widnes last Saturday meant that they slip into the bottom two of the Cheshire County Premier League.

With the seconds also losing by six wickets to Didsbury seconds at Bowden Lane, it was a double dose of misery. There were two encouraging performances for Marple 2nds though. Sam Stretton made a cultured 45 not out, and Ed Saxelby bowled a fine opening spell with the new ball. Although he only took just the one wicket, a number of chances were spilled which could have, if taken, made a big difference to the result. 

There was no third eleven game this weekend.

Gritty Timperley Prevail Over Battling Marple

Timperley 199 for 5 (48.4 overs) 25 points beat Marple 198 all out (53.2 overs) 8 points by five wickets


This keenly contested match, the third successive home game for Marple’s first eleven, saw the star studded visitors Timperley, run out winners. After a sticky start, Marple, managed to get themselves into a position of strength, but the middle and lower order were unable to garner quite enough runs to seriously pressurize the opposition.

Despite rain having fallen during the morning before the game, Marple captain Jim Morgan had no hesitation in electing to bat first on winning the toss. The pitch was a good one, although there was certainly some assistance there for the visitors’ opening attack of New Zealander Scott Johnstone and the evergreen Chris Page. It was the nagging accuracy of Page that put Marple in some early difficulty when he first bowled Morgan (4) with absolute beauty and then had Ramsay (0) caught behind by Timperley’s new skipper Lancashire’s Brooke Guest. At 11 for 2 it was time for some serious application. Over the past few seasons, Marple have had no one more determined than Paul Wood. Here, in his new role as opener, he looked in total command of the situation. The pace of Johnstone was comfortably negated, and when the Kiwi erred in length, he was gloriously put away to the cover boundary by Wood. Wood received excellent support from Liam Brown at number four again. The third wicket pair managed to see off the early threat of Page, and were also not troubled by left arm seamer Galley who replaced Johnstone when the score was 49 for 2.

The half century stand was passed, and as conditions fully dried out, the goodish crowd was treated to some fine strokeplay, particularly from Wood, who was in superb touch off front and back foot. Dominic Ashling replaced Page, and whilst he was accurate, he did not pose a serious threat. The first spell of leg spinner Chidamibaran was also successfully negotiated, his initial six overs producing a return of 0 for 23. Guest brought his opening bowlers back, and Wood tucked into Johnstone again with relish. However, Page got one to nip back and Brown was adjudged lbw at 121 for 3 for a proficient and sound 45. Once more, his timing and placement were of a high standard. Chidamibaran was tried again for a second spell, and although he bowled a mixed bag, it was to prove a crucial part of Timperley regaining their early ascendancy. Wood took his personal score to 87 when he smote a huge six out of the ground. However, the very next ball, a full toss from the leg spinner, was hit firmly, but Furqan Shafiq at shortish mid wicket, took a fine catch and Wood was on his way at 151 for 4. Wood, out on the Aussie unlucky number of 87, was obviously disappointed to miss out on a deserved century. This was though, one of his best innings as a Marple player. Secure in defence, and playing wonderful strokes all round the wicket. He hit twelve fours and one six.

The remainder of the Marple innings was something of a disappointment. Whilst the middle order of Makin, Hall and Schofield all reached double figures, none of them were able to go on and get a score of around 40 or so. Marple were dismissed for 198 in the 54th over. This was a competitive score on a ground where chasing down a total is tricky, but probably around 30 or so short of being able to put real pressure on the opposition. The outfield was quick, and conditions for batting had
improved as the sun came out in the late afternoon. Page was excellent for Timperley with 4 for 44, and Chidamibaran was gifted one or two late wickets, finishing with a fortunate 5 for 58.

The top four in the Timperley order are a formidable quartet. It was ominous for Marple that Shafiq played watchfully. He is capable of blazing away right at the start of an innings, but here he bided his time. He and Kulkarni were content to rotate the strike and put away the loose deliveries. For Marple, Wylie was not quite at his best, and his first five overs cost him23 runs. Brown was also not quite as accurate as in the previous game against Hyde, and Morgan changed the bowling, with Grundy and then Greasley taking up the attack. Shafiq played two glorious on drives for four off Grundy, but Marple’s young seam bowler settled well after his first couple of overs, and troubled both players. It was Greasley though, at the pavilion end for a change, who looked the more threatening. He got the break through when Shafiq was trapped lbw for 34 at 67 for 1. Then at 82, his partner, the secure looking Kulkarni (34) aimed a drive over mid off, mistimed and skied the ball to Wylie who safely took the catch. The third wicket pairing of Grant Hodnett and Brooke Guest is one of players who are the opposite ends of their first class careers. Hodnett played first class cricket in South Africa, and also had a stint with Gloucestershire, whilst Guest has recently made his first class debut with Lancashire. They had to be watchful against Greasley who managed to exert some turn and bounce, and also Grundy who found some late movement. They added 47, before Brown returned and bowled a testing second spell. He yorked Guest for 35 at 129 for 3. Guest is a technically sound player, and keeps the ball on the ground, usually not giving the bowlers anything. Hodnett continued on his way, but Greasley found more turn and was lbw at 153 for 4 for a painstaking 36. When Godhamgaonkar was also trapped in front at 156 for 5, Marple had a sniff of victory. However, Nathan Brown and Galley saw off Greasley and then managed to press the accelerator when the Marple wizard had finished his stint of 17 overs returning an excellent 4 for 46. There were no real further alarms as Brown cover drove the part time spin of Makin for four to bring up a gritty five wicket win for the visitors. Brown ended 19 not out and Galley a stylish 26 not out.

Marple remain third from bottom of the premier league, and have a trip to Widnes next Saturday, 13th July with a 12.30pm start.


Marple seconds made the long trip to Wirral side Upton last Saturday. With a number of players unavailable, they were pleased to come out on top in a drawn contest. Marple made 204 for 5, with Joe Cash hitting a punishing 83. He was well supported by Jamie Massey 41, and Stuart Bass 43. Upton subsided to 121 for 7, but stout resistance from Rick Battersby, 22 not out and James Woods, 33 not out, ensured that no more wickets fell. Joe Cash had two wickets, but encouragingly for Marple, young bowlers Connor Bergin 1 for 22, Tom Reeve 2 for 19, and Sam Ittig 2 for 16 all picked up wickets and bowled accurately. Upton ended on 163 for 7.

A high scoring game at Bowden Lane between Nantwich and Marple’s third elevens saw some fine entertainment in glorious weather last Sunday. Nantwich reached a formidable 257 for 7 declared. Dan Cox took 2 for 55, Matt Leech 2 for 69, and Ed Saxelby 1 for 47. This was a patched up attack, with skipper Marsland unable to bowl his full stint due to injury. In reply Marple made a valiant attempt. Will Darby, 83 and Mark Nicholson 66, shared 149 for the first wicket. Saxelby 22, Grundy 17, and Jonny Monk 10 not out all acquitted themselves well, but in the end Marple were happy with a draw, closing on 226 for 7.

Marple’s under 19’s made it two from two in the T20 competition with a 9 wicket trouncing of Bredbury last week. Bredbury made just 82 all out in 18 overs with Dan Evans top scoring with 29 not out. For Marple, Max Fitzgerald had 2 for 12 and James Reeve an impressive 4 for 16. Marple made light of this total, and the winning runs were brought up in just 7.2 overs. Max Fitzgerald hit a brutal 49 not out, and he was well supported by Ryan Stringer with 25.

Marple’s two ladies teams suffered three defeats in the space of a week against Didsbury’s first and second elevens, and also Lindow last Sunday. Kat Axon and Alex Smith continue to be amongst the wickets, but run scoring remains a problem. Nicola Wilcox made two double figure scores, and Rebecca Edmonson was run out for 14 when in full flow against Lindow. Laura Cavanagh with 14 and promising young player Freya Jones with 10 not out, almost saw Marple to victory against Didsbury seconds. Team spirit remains high though, and there are still a good number of fixtures to be played this season.

Cricket the Winner as Marple and Hyde Serve Up Thriller!

Marple 255 for 7 (55 overs) 15 points drew with Hyde 250 for 9 (55 overs) 8 points

For an excellent crowd of supporters drawn from both clubs, this was a terrific game of cricket, both teams having a chance of victory right up the final delivery. There were fine individual performances on both sides, with the two Australian quick bowlers showing their true worth.

After a grim afternoon the previous week against Neston, Marple captain Jim Morgan was mighty relieved to win the toss and bat first on an even hotter afternoon. He had also decided to change the batting order. Although not all the changes worked, there was a fresh feel to things, and one sensed the players relished the altered line up. Paul Wood opened with Morgan this game. Wood is not an especially lucky batsman, and bowlers always seem to be right on target when he comes to the crease. After appearing secure, he got one that lifted from Glen Hannah, and inside edged the ball to keeper Allcock for 8. Ramsay and Morgan were also both dismissed by Hyde’s tall Aussie. Ramsay (10) mistimed a pull shot and was caught by Baker at mid wicket ad then Morgan (14) fell, caught at gulley by Balderson, to a slower delivery which seemed to leave the batsman off the pitch. At 46 for 3, Marple were in some trouble, and when Andrew Hall shouldered arms and was lbw to Balderson for just 11 at 70 for 4, the situation became precarious. George Balderson, a young Lancashire starlet is a fine prospect. He has a smooth and easily repeatable action, not that dissimilar to England’s Chris Woakes. Here, he bowled a useful spell of 1 for 30 in seven overs, being somewhat quicker than he looked. Hannah’s initial impressive spell had brought him 3 for 21 from 8 overs.

Morgan had decided to promote Liam Brown to number 4, no doubt impressed by his sound technique and good judgment the previous week. He was joined by Mark Makin, keen to do well against his former club. Both batsmen did not allow slow left armer Cranmer to settle, and the bowler was noticeably frustrated, never bowling a consistent line or length. Makin began with a flurry of boundaries, and Brown timed the ball well finding the gaps.  The runs came at a good pace, although Eliot Young replaced Cranmer and bowled tidily. The batsmen were now set though, and there was not much spin for Hyde’s second left arm spinner. 56 runs came in excellent time, before Brown mistimed a full toss from Young to be safely pouched by Duffy at deep mid on for a very fine maiden 50 for Marple. Andy Paulett joined Makin and looked in control at once. Makin had reined himself in somewhat, seemingly determined on batting through the innings. This sixth wicket added 38 brisk runs, before Paulett (15) got a little ahead of himself and chipped a simple catch to Eliot Young at mid wicket off Cole Turner, who initially came back well after an inconsistent first spell with the new ball. At 164 for 6 the innings was in the balance. Max Fitzgerald though took his chance, and partnered Makin the the highest stand of the match. He hoisted a Turner for a big six over mid wicket, and square cut Hannah twice for four in successive deliveries when the paceman replaced Turner who had suffered somewhat. Fitzgerald made an excellent 29 before falling to Hannah at 223 for 7. Jack Grundy then gave Makin good support with 12 not out. Makin played a superb innings of 92 not out with 13 fours and one six. It was a trademark Makin knock, a combination of power and timing. Here, his management of the situation was first class. For Hyde, Hannah was the star with 4 for 54 from 14 overs. Marple will have been glad to restrict left arm spinners Cranmer and Young to 1 for 104 from 22 combined overs in the final tally of 255 for 7.

With Hyde having four left handers at the top of their order, veteran off spinner Greasley bowled the second over. Maybe this threw Hyde skipper Tom Partridge, for after heaving wildly at fresh air, he fell in similar vein to Brown earlier, from a top edged full toss safely caught by Wood at mid off and Hyde were 3 for 1. Greasley was removed from the attack after just two overs, and Grundy replaced him at the north end. Both Brown and Grundy bowled well, but in Luke Young and Balderson, Hyde have two of the best young batsmen in the league. Anything slightly wide was beautifully put away through the cover area. Brown did beat the outside of the bat though, and having had Young (23) pinned down for a period, managed to induce a thick edge from a hard slash outside the off stump. Makin took a spectacular catch above his head from a ball that flew to him at a rate of knots. Brown was now fired up and confident after his batting earlier. He produced a beauty to clean bowl Duffy who played loosely at 64 for 3, Marple were delighted to get the former Cheshire star early this game. Eliot Young now joined Balderson, and he played a fine innings in a good fourth wicket stand.

Marple had a serious setback when George Clarke, Marple’s third seamer, suffered a nasty shoulder injury when diving to stop the ball on the boundary edge. Poor Clarke left the field gingerly, and it looks as though he will be out of action for the rest of the season. As a result of this unfortunate accident, Paul Wood, not himself 100 per cent fit, was drafted in to bowl a spell. He probably did not anticipate being asked to bowl 16 overs in two spells! The dual between Eliot Young and Greasley was a fascinating one. Young is a powerful batsman, but he seemingly just caressed the ball over boundary with exquisite timing for four huge sixes off the master craftsman.  Wood got into his work at the other end and managed to induce the excellent Balderson to chop a ball onto his stumps for a classy 54 at 115 for 4. Young mixed studious defence with his power, but Greasley had the last laugh  when the batsman skied the ball to long on and Brown cooly took the catch. Young was gone for 42 with the total 141 for 5.

The Hyde middle and lower order contains some dangerous players, and with the wily Fitzsimmons anchoring things, Turner was able to play with freedom. A further 45 runs came before Brown returned to shatter  the stumps of Fitzsimmons (29) at 186 for 6. With Turner set though, the scoring rate did not slacken, and wicket keeper Allcock continued the charge. Hyde now looked likely winners, and Marple seemed unable to stem the flow of runs. Both players cleared the ropes and were rapid in their running between the wickets. The heroic Wood managed to induce Turner to edge to Morgan for a fine 43 though at 230 for 7, and the spell was broken. Allcock fought gamely on, but ice cool Brown held his nerve to defeat Cranmer and Baker both lbw to full straight deliveries. Hannah, at number 11, and Allcock ran for everything though, including byes and leg byes. With one delivery of the game remaining six were required. Again, Brown kept calm and Allcock was unable to hit the winning boundary. He ended 23 not out. For Marple, Brown gave a fantastic allround performance taking for 5 for 59 and achieved the rare feat of a half century and five wickets in a game. He was well supported by Greasley 2 for 64, the courageous Wood 2 for 79, and a slightly unlucky Grundy with 0 for 33.

Both sets of players were applauded from the field by an appreciative crowd, in what was a terrific game of high class club cricket. Marple will hope to take the confidence gained into another home game next Saturday against Timperley, 12.30pm start.

Hyde defeated a young Marple second team at Werneth Low by seven wickets. Although Marple laboured to just 128 for 8, there were encouraging knocks from Sam Stretton (18), Ed Saxelby (34) and Lewis Braddock(17). The Hyde bowlers shared the wickets. Ben Balderson with 54, made the identical score to his brother in the first team game, as a solid response brought up a comfortable home win.

In the first game of the round robin under 19 T20 competition, Marple defeated Mottram by seven wickets. Mottram 105 for 6, Jordan Swann 30 not out, with Sam Ittig 2 for 20 and skipper Connor Bergin 2 for 16. Marple paced the reply well with Sam Stretton 40 not out and Ed Saxelby 40 leading the way, two overs remaining.

Marple women’s first team had a tough day against Ashton on Mersey women last Thursday. The home team rattled up 127 for 5 in their 20 overs, with Beth Caunce top scoring with 25. Bella Wood  with 2 for 10 and Freya Jones 2 for 12 bowled well for Marple.  The visitors were dismissed for just 33 though, with only Kat Axon (12) and Amy Seddon (8) offering much resistance. Jordy Matthews, 3 for 3, and Sarah Sutcliffe 2 for 3, were unstoppable for Mersey.