A stunning all round effort from Max Fitzgerald propelled Marple thirds to a great win in the Sunday Premier League over local rivals Hyde at Werneth Low last Sunday.
Max's fast improving leg spin, he took a fantastic 6 for 32, more than ably supported by off spinner Connor Bergin with 3 for 15, sent Hyde packing for the mythical score of "Nelson", 111 all out. It was a joy for skipper Greg Marsland to see his young and contrasting spin partners weave their magic. Lewis Barham with 33 top scored for Hyde, before he was bowled by the up and coming Tom Reeve.
When Marple replied, Will Darby with 41 not out got things underway. However, when Matt Leech was dismissed at 37 for 2, Fitzgerald wasted no time in getting into his stride. Nine fours and a six in his 48 not out took Marple to an eight wicket win, the runs coming in just 17.4 overs.
It was disappointment though in the third eleven T20 quarter finals against Didsbury thirds on Monday. After a good start through Sam Stretton, 17 and Mark Nicholson, 21, things fell away somewhat. Only Lewis Braddock 22 and Connor Bergin 13 not out made meaningful contributions in a modest final tally of 102 for 8. George Poyser with 5 for 16 from his four overs was the destroyer in chief.
Didsbury were comfortable winners by seven wickets, despite Marsland using seven different bowlers. Opener Richard Daniel with 56 not out steered his side home.
Friday, 31 May 2019
Monday, 27 May 2019
THE THREE ANDREWS LEAD MARPLE TO FIRST WIN!
Marple 185 for 9 (55overs) 25 points beat Oulton Park 130 all out (41.5 overs) 5 points by 55 runs
Marple entertained Oulton Park at Bowden Lane last Saturday on a coolish late May afternoon, but one that remained mercifully dry.
With the Marple batting line up having failed to chase down totals both small and large in recent weeks, captain Jim Morgan was no doubt relieved to win the toss and take first knock in this game between two sides that have struggled early this season. Morgan and his illustrious opening partner Andrew Hall put together by far Marple's best opening stand of the season on a used pitch. Although the pitch had turn and bounce , there was a case that Park skipper Martin East was falsely lured into thinking it was a spinners paradise.
His opening attack of Lancashire Academy and second team left arm seamer Ben Gibbon and veteran Andy Hards were only given four overs between them before off spinners Dufty and Newton took over. Whilst Hall was not initially at his most fluent, he did get the ball away to the boundary two or three times with the aid of a thick outside edge. Morgan looked in fine fettle, lofting Dufty for a huge straight six, and giving the air of a man in prime touch. With Hall finding gradually finding his form, 76 runs came in good time as the ball sped across a lightning quick outfield that was in superb condition. Morgan chopped a ball from Newton on to his stumps for a fine 36 and was visibly annoyed with himself. However, the Marple skipper had done an excellent job with Hall in giving Marple a huge advantage in the game. This was to become apparent immediately, as all subsequent Marple batsmen found the going tough. Forty-six overs of spin were delivered, and Marple were grateful that Hall used his experience and considerable skill to hold the innings together.
Gibbon returned, but now showed Gary Sobers like versatility in delivering 15 consecutive overs of probingly accurate left arm spin. The.tall and talented bowler proved to be a real handful in this surprising role. He eventually trapped Hall for a priceless 74, but Marple were now 134 for 3. Mark Makin, 14 and Mike Schofield, 32, were not able to gain control over the Park spinners, but they helped to grind out a working total of 185 for 9. Gibbon had 3 for 47, Dufty 2 for 50, and Danny Leech chipped in with a handy 2 for 35 as the third off spinner to be used.
When Park's reply got underway, both Liam Brown and Andy Wylie were absolutely on the mark immediately for Marple. Brown showed that there was some carry for a bowler prepared to bend his back, and Wylie was relentless in his accuracy. Marple have missed Wylie's reliability and wicket taking ability in recent seasons, but presently he is back to his best. He quickly nipped out the dangerous top three of New Zealander Ward, Danny Leech, still one of the county's best bats, and Hyslop.
If Marple's third talented Andy, off spinner Greasley, had felt pressure to out bowl the Park spin quartet he didn't show it, luring the powerful East into a simple return catch. At 18 for 4 it was surely just a matter of time? Wylie was rested after eight overs and a superb 3 for 11, Brown returning. After Greasley had trapped the floundering Jamieson lbw at 30 for 5, Gibbon was bowled by a Brown snorter to leave the total at 37 for 6. All the while Mark Latham had watched the middle order disintegrate, and it was not until number 10 Newton joined him at 64 for 8 that there was any resistance. Newton, a left hander, enjoyed some good fortune against Greasley as the ball beat his outside edge on a number of occasions. He dogged it out though, and with Latham playing some fine strokes, this ninth wicket pair took the score to 130. An anxious Jim Morgan then threw the ball to George Clarke who nonchalantly claimed the final two wickets within five deliveries, Latham for a courageous 58, and Hards, bowled for a duck. Newton remained on 14 not out. Greasley, was unstoppable with 4 for 38 from seventeen peerless overs.
This was a vital morale boosting win for Marple, who were mighty relieved to gain a first league victory of the season. They also remain unbeaten in the T20 after brutal 69 from Mark Makin and the pace of Liam Brown with 3 for 11 helped account for a spirited Stockport side at Cale Green last Thursday night, Marple 181 for 6 and Stockport 134 all out. Next Saturday sees a trip to Toft with a 12.30 pm start.
In the second eleven game between Oulton Park and Marple at picturesque Little Budworth, Park edged a fine game by five wickets. Marple 216 for 7, Andy Wild 66, Stewart Bass 62 not out, Oulton Park 217 for 5, Owen Williamson 69 not out, with Joe Cash taking 3 for 35 for Marple.
Marple entertained Oulton Park at Bowden Lane last Saturday on a coolish late May afternoon, but one that remained mercifully dry.
With the Marple batting line up having failed to chase down totals both small and large in recent weeks, captain Jim Morgan was no doubt relieved to win the toss and take first knock in this game between two sides that have struggled early this season. Morgan and his illustrious opening partner Andrew Hall put together by far Marple's best opening stand of the season on a used pitch. Although the pitch had turn and bounce , there was a case that Park skipper Martin East was falsely lured into thinking it was a spinners paradise.
His opening attack of Lancashire Academy and second team left arm seamer Ben Gibbon and veteran Andy Hards were only given four overs between them before off spinners Dufty and Newton took over. Whilst Hall was not initially at his most fluent, he did get the ball away to the boundary two or three times with the aid of a thick outside edge. Morgan looked in fine fettle, lofting Dufty for a huge straight six, and giving the air of a man in prime touch. With Hall finding gradually finding his form, 76 runs came in good time as the ball sped across a lightning quick outfield that was in superb condition. Morgan chopped a ball from Newton on to his stumps for a fine 36 and was visibly annoyed with himself. However, the Marple skipper had done an excellent job with Hall in giving Marple a huge advantage in the game. This was to become apparent immediately, as all subsequent Marple batsmen found the going tough. Forty-six overs of spin were delivered, and Marple were grateful that Hall used his experience and considerable skill to hold the innings together.
Gibbon returned, but now showed Gary Sobers like versatility in delivering 15 consecutive overs of probingly accurate left arm spin. The.tall and talented bowler proved to be a real handful in this surprising role. He eventually trapped Hall for a priceless 74, but Marple were now 134 for 3. Mark Makin, 14 and Mike Schofield, 32, were not able to gain control over the Park spinners, but they helped to grind out a working total of 185 for 9. Gibbon had 3 for 47, Dufty 2 for 50, and Danny Leech chipped in with a handy 2 for 35 as the third off spinner to be used.
When Park's reply got underway, both Liam Brown and Andy Wylie were absolutely on the mark immediately for Marple. Brown showed that there was some carry for a bowler prepared to bend his back, and Wylie was relentless in his accuracy. Marple have missed Wylie's reliability and wicket taking ability in recent seasons, but presently he is back to his best. He quickly nipped out the dangerous top three of New Zealander Ward, Danny Leech, still one of the county's best bats, and Hyslop.
If Marple's third talented Andy, off spinner Greasley, had felt pressure to out bowl the Park spin quartet he didn't show it, luring the powerful East into a simple return catch. At 18 for 4 it was surely just a matter of time? Wylie was rested after eight overs and a superb 3 for 11, Brown returning. After Greasley had trapped the floundering Jamieson lbw at 30 for 5, Gibbon was bowled by a Brown snorter to leave the total at 37 for 6. All the while Mark Latham had watched the middle order disintegrate, and it was not until number 10 Newton joined him at 64 for 8 that there was any resistance. Newton, a left hander, enjoyed some good fortune against Greasley as the ball beat his outside edge on a number of occasions. He dogged it out though, and with Latham playing some fine strokes, this ninth wicket pair took the score to 130. An anxious Jim Morgan then threw the ball to George Clarke who nonchalantly claimed the final two wickets within five deliveries, Latham for a courageous 58, and Hards, bowled for a duck. Newton remained on 14 not out. Greasley, was unstoppable with 4 for 38 from seventeen peerless overs.
This was a vital morale boosting win for Marple, who were mighty relieved to gain a first league victory of the season. They also remain unbeaten in the T20 after brutal 69 from Mark Makin and the pace of Liam Brown with 3 for 11 helped account for a spirited Stockport side at Cale Green last Thursday night, Marple 181 for 6 and Stockport 134 all out. Next Saturday sees a trip to Toft with a 12.30 pm start.
In the second eleven game between Oulton Park and Marple at picturesque Little Budworth, Park edged a fine game by five wickets. Marple 216 for 7, Andy Wild 66, Stewart Bass 62 not out, Oulton Park 217 for 5, Owen Williamson 69 not out, with Joe Cash taking 3 for 35 for Marple.
Monday, 20 May 2019
Positive Reaction Required After Thrashing!
Chester Boughton Hall 306 for 1 declared (47 overs) 25 points beat Marple 85 all out (24.2 overs) 0 points by 221 runs
Chester Boughton Hall is arguably the toughest venue in the county for visiting sides, and is especially so when a side low on confidence loses the toss and has to field first.
Chester openers Rick Moore and Warren Goodwin are a formidable combination, and Goodwin, after a lean season in 2018 by his standards, is keen to return to his form of old. At no stage though did the Marple bowlers throw in the towel in the face of the onslaught. It was Goodwin initially who got his side off to a flyer, and then once settled, Moore used his power and timing to catch up with his partner. There were many fours and sixes hit by both men, and it will be of little consolation to Marple that this sort of exhibition has been performed against many teams in the recent past. A superb stand of 221 was posted by current Cheshire captain Moore and former Cheshire and Lancashire 2nd XI batman Goodwin still only 32. A mistimed drive by Moore brought his end for a brutal 107, caught by Wood off Clarke. Although Goodwin lost the strike for a while when number three Jamie Crawley came in, the scoring rate scarcely dipped as another county man showed his class. Goodwin, after posting his second successive century, then really hit the gas to take his side side beyond 300, and bring up his own 150, before Moore mercifully called time at 306 for 1.
Faced with such a daunting total, Marple had no answers to a steady and accurate attack. A combination of good deliveries and loose strokes saw them bowled out for just 85 in the twenty-fifth over. A number of players managed double figures, Paulett top scoring with 29, but could not stay and go on to a big score. The wickets were shared for Chester, with McCormick taking 3, Aspin 2, Harry Killoran 1, and leg spinner Jack Williams bamboozling the tail with 4 for 15.
Marple will need a very quick reaction to this sobering defeat when they entertain fellow league strugglers Oulton Park at Bowden Lane next Saturday, 12.30pm start.
There was better news in the T20 competition with two comfortable victories for a young Marple side against Romiley and Stockport Georgians. Two hard hit half centuries from skipper Jim Morgan saw Marple post solid totals in both games. The third match of four in a round robin mini league takes place at Stockport’s Cale Green ground next Thursday, 6.00pm start.
On a tired and slow pitch at Marple on Saturday, Marple’s under strength second eleven could only manage a meagre 50 all out in response to Chester’s 126 all out. Joel Greasley, in his first game of the season took a splendid 6 for 35 for Marple, but the batsmen, although digging in, could not keep the scoreboard ticking over. They slip from top to fourth in the league.
Marple’s third team managed to lighten the gloom with a sterling effort at Cheadle on Sunday against a traditionally strong third eleven. Cheadle took first knock and posted a formidable 224 for 9, with Tom Reeve 4 for 53, Greg Marsland 2 for 53, James Reeve 1 for 44 and Will Darby (a rare opportunity with ball!) 1 for 16 taking the wickets. Dan Cox did well with 0 for 15 from his five overs despite not picking up a wicket. Marple were under pressure in the reply at 20 for3, but a terrific effort saw them close on 182 for 7 and maximum draw points. The side saw four under fifteens included, and they all acquitted themselves well. Jamie Massey 51, Tom Reeve 40, Josh Kirk 28, Tom Headridge 27 not out and Dan Cox 10 not out. The last two mentioned added 33 unbroken for the eighth wicket in a spirited display.
Marple’s improving women’s first eleven comfortably defeated Lymm Oughtrington Park in the side’s first home game of the season on Sunday May 12th. The bowlers, Kat Axon, Rosie Bradshaw, Kat Bennett, Abbi Lamidey, Richmal Giles and Rebecca Edmundson restricted Park to just 23 for 7! Marple openers Laura Cavanagh and skipper Ashley Aspin knocked off the runs without loss to bring up a ten wicket win.
Monday, 13 May 2019
Abrasive Grappenhall Prevail as it is “Deja Vu” for Marple!
Grappenhall 142 for 8 (55 overs) 25 points beat Marple 109 all out (41.2 overs) 3 points by 33 runs
For the second time in successive weeks Marple were defeated by a relatively small margin, after giving another solid performance in the field.
Marple skipper Jim Morgan won his third toss in a row, and elected to field first. The wicket was dry and very firm, but after the recent rains had not received much sunshine. Batting was, once more, tricky, although this pitch was more even that of the previous week at Alderley Edge. The visiting opening pair of Adam Roylance and Albert Pennington got away to a solid if unspectacular start. They added 63, with boundaries hard to come by. This though, was to prove a crucial stand, as once wickets began to fall, it became apparent that any new batsman was going find the going tricky. All four Marple bowlers used did a good job, but it was second change George Clarke who got the breakthrough with a beauty to breach Roylance’s defence for a hard fought 28. Arthur Pennington joined his brother, but although they added 30, they never looked like getting away, and Clarke got a second wicket when Arthur (11) mistimed a rare full toss to Brown at mid off. Albert, a Cheshire Academy batsman, grafted his way to a mature 57, and Adam Green made 18 not out as Grappenhall tottered to 142 for 8 in the full 55 overs. For Marple, Liam Brown, producing good pace once more, had 4 for 26, his second spell of 4 for 11, really keeping the batting side in check. He produced three absolute beauties to shatter the stumps of fellow Aussie Olly Knight, Dan Osbourne and Josh Hayes. Greasley and Clarke were both miserly with 1 and 2 for 38 respectively. Ryan Stringer, a promising young left arm seamer made his first eleven debut in this game, and although wicketless gave a good account of himself, offering a differing angle and shaping the new ball into the right handers. 142 for 8 was not spectacular, but the runs were on the board, and free flowing run scoring was difficult.
Olly Knight had been comprehensively cleaned up earlier, but his main suit is bowling. He is tall, well over six feet, and powerfully built. Although the pitch was slow, the Sydney man produced a hostile opening spell. Jim Morgan (12) looked in good touch, getting a couple of boundaries away early on off Knight’s partner McCabe. However, he reached at a wide one from the same bowler and was neatly taken at slip by Roylance. It got worse for Marple in Knight’s next over as Andrew Hall (7) aimed a loose drive and was safely taken by keeper Osbourne. 20 for 2 was not what the doctor ordered against a vocal and abrasive fielding side, Knight leading the way. The Aussie was rested after castling Ramsay (11) who had struggled to stay with Wood. Paul Wood was a calming influence for Marple though, and he used all his experience to once more steady the ship.
However, Marple contributed to their own downfall. Roylance the Grappenhall skipper has a second string to his bow in the form of slow left arm spin. He has improved steadily in recent years, and needs to be watched. However, even the bowler himself will think that his final excellent figures flattered him somewhat. Makin (0) mistimed a drive from only his second ball and was easily pouched by Bodha at mid off. Then Paul Wood (32), who looked as though he could steer Marple home, was dismissed from a steepler by the same combination. At 68 for 5 Stringer was sent in early with licence to play a few shots. He joined the doughty Paulett and carved a few welcome boundaries, his bravery deserving of some luck that went his way. After adding 29 though, his share 24, he could not resist a flighted delivery from Roylance and put it straight down deep mid wicket’s throat. The end was not long coming now, as Knight was champing at the bit to polish things off. He had his revenge on Brown (2) as Marple’s Aussie snicked to Osborne. Roylance removed Schofield (5) and then had the battling Paulett (11) brilliantly caught at silly mid off by Fell. To jubilant scenes Knight sealed the victory by bowling George Clarke for a duck, and Marple were once more left to rue their failure to chase down a relatively modest total. Knight had 4 for 39 to go with Roylance’s remarkable 5 for 21.
With two T20 games scheduled for mid week, Marple will have chance to get back in the middle quickly. Next weekend sees a double header away from Bowden Lane, on Saturday at Chester Boughton Hall, and Sunday in the first round of the Cheshire Cup at holders Oulton Park.
Marple seconds are the early leaders in the second eleven premier league after a comfortable five wicket win at Grappenhall last Saturday. The home side were sent packing for just 75, with Ed Saxelby, Joe Cash and Andy Massey each picking up three wickets. Although wickets fell regularly in the reply, the result was never in doubt as Marple reached 76 for 5 in 25 overs.
The past two weeks have brought mixed fortunes for Marple’s third eleven. The good news was a remarkable performance, spearheaded by Mark Nicholson (84), against Stockport Georgians in the final T20 group match. By posting a mammoth 197 for 4 and restricting Georgians to just 79 for 9 they were able to progress on net run rate to the quarter final stages for the first time in a number of seasons. This was especially satisfying after a disappointing defeat the previous day to Didsbury’s fourth team looked to have put qualification out of reach.
Last Sunday, despite the superb Mark Nicholson (97) almost bringing about a remarkable win, Grappenhall prevailed by 19 runs at the mid Cheshire side’s picturesque venue. The home team, with a strong top order, totalled 219 for 5 with James Reeve 2 for 27, Callum Jones 2 for 26 and skipper Greg Marsland 1 for 37 doing s sterling job for Marple. Marple were not helped by a late cry off which meant they batted a man short. It proved crucial, as they fell to 200 for 9 (all out) with just one over remaining. Nicholson sacrificed personal glory attempting the win, and he was well supported by Matt Leech (26) and Jonny Monk (20) who show admirable temperament and skill at number 8 in support of the fantastic Nicholson.
Tuesday, 7 May 2019
Alderley Allrounders Swing Grim Battle!
Alderley Edge 133 all out (39.5 overs) 25 points beat Marple 101 all out (51.5 overs) 4 points by 32 runs
After the Easter heatwave and then the devastation wreaked by storm Hannah last week, cricket got underway again. However, the temperatures were in single figures, and a bitter northerly wind made conditions anything but pleasant for players and spectators. At Alderley Edge’s attractive Moss Lane venue, Marple faced a home team much changed from recent seasons.
Marple skipper Jim Morgan was lucky again with the toss, and this time he asked Edge to take first knock. The game had few batting highlights, and fluent strokeplay was very difficult on a sluggish, two paced pitch. Marple used just the three bowlers in an Alderley total of just 133 all out. Andy Wylie, in his first game for two seasons due to injury, relished his return, and although he dragged down a couple of short deliveries early in his spell, he soon had the vaunted opening pair of Callum Rowe and Alan Day back in the shed. Day was lbw, a mode of dismissal that was to become common as the game progressed, and Rowe, smartly pouched by Makin at slip. Although Liam Brown did not pick up a wicket in his opening burst, he showed good pace, and even on this unreliable surface, there was good carry through to keeper Morgan. Greasley was introduced early on, as Wylie was getting good seam movement, and Marple’s legendary spinner showed that he is still a big turner of the ball. Today, he was right into his work. These two quality Marple bowlers, with years of experience, caused problems for all the home batsmen. However, the three players that managed to register double figures were to have a crucial part in the posting of a respectable total in trying conditions.
Firstly, Ed Foster, a very useful acquisition from Birmingham League side, Shrewsbury, ghosted his way to 26. This elegant left hander could well prove to be a superb signing for Alderley, and it was with some relief for Marple that he was adjudged lbw to Greasley at 52 for 3. This brought in Richard Wilkinson at number five. The former Cheshire allrounder is well known to Marple players, but today he looked fitter and sharper than in recent seasons. He clubbed Greasley for a brutal six, but the young, talented, home batsmen at the other end could not stay with him. It was left to veteran and former Lancashire opening bat, Mark Currie at number 8, to make a third vital contribution of 24. Wilkinson made the game’s top score of 35, and his frustration at being lbw to Greasley was apparent at 106 for 7. Currie was brilliantly stumped by Morgan off Greasley at 123 for 8, who was right on his game, spinning the ball sharply and being miserly with his length. Liam Brown returned to mop up the tail, and Marple were reasonably happy with having to chase just 134 for victory, although mindful that batting conditions were far from straightforward. Greasley had 5 for 42 from 14 overs, Wylie 3 for 53 from 17 overs delivered in a single spell, and Brown 2 for 26.
There was an element of farce to the start of the Marple reply. After just two overs, there was a problem with a damaged ball. It took more than five minutes to locate a suitable replacement, but this delay undoubtedly affected Jim Morgan’s concentration. He followed his superb century at Timperley two weeks ago, with a duck, lbw to Wilkinson, who settled immediately into a demanding spell. Ramsay followed, caught at slip, three balls later, and Marple were 1 for 2. The home attack gave absolutely nothing away, sensing that the game was there was the taking. Wilkinson’s partner, JakeHill was wicketless in his initial spell, but was nonetheless, very hard to get away. It took all the experience and nous of Marple’s third wicket pair, Andrew Hall and Paul Wood, to steady the ship with some gutsy and determined batting. Boundaries were rare, but Wood played a couple fine back foot drives off Hill to ease the visiting supporter’s nerves a little. Wilkinson and Hall, old Cheshire teammates, had a battle royal, with the batsman desperate not to give it away, and Wilkinson beating the outside edge regularly and also rapping Hall a painful blow on the fingers.
Keeper and Captain for Alderley, Adam Worrall now came into his own. He had made a duck earlier in the afternoon, but now set a largely defensive field once Wilkinson has established a degree of control on the proceedings. His played his trump card next with the introduction of Foster to replace Hill. Foster is a medium paced bowler of metronomic accuracy, and conditions suited him to a tee. Worrall is a fine keeper and he stood up to stumps as his bowlers found a length just short of being drivable, and delivered gun barrel straight at the stumps. Runs dried up, with a scoring rate of under two per over being the norm from now on. Marple’s normally free flowing scorers just could not get on top, despite battling to gain ascendancy. Wood (22) looked in good form, but both he and Hall (21) fell lbw. From 49 for 4 it was always going to be an uphill struggle, although Makin and Paulett also reached the 20’s showing commendable application. When Paulett was eighth out at 93 the game was up, despite George Clarke showing resolution with a hard fought 9 not out. Like Brown earlier, Hill with 2 for 19, returned to clean up the tail, and Marple’s determined battle of almost 52 overs for 101 runs was ultimately in vain. A rejuvenated Wilkinson had 3 for 22 from 13 overs, and Foster 4 for 27 from 17, being almost impossible to score off.
This was not a great spectacle as a game, with the pitch not conducive to free flowing shot making. However, the skill of the more experienced players of both sides shone through, with the all round performances of Wilkinson and Foster proving decisive. Next Saturday, May 11th, Marple are at home to Grappenhall with a 12,30pm start.
Marple seconds were well on top in a drawn game against Alderley seconds at Bowden Lane. A total of 218 for 6 proved far too many for the visitors who could only manage 112 for 8. The Marple top three of Andy Wild, Matt Barrow and James Crisall once more enjoyed making hay on a good early season Marple track. The Marple bowlers all did a decent job, but could not quite prise out the last two wickets. Young seamers Ed Saxelby and Ryan Stringer looked a good combination, and off spinner Lewis Clarke bowled an immaculate line and length, also spinning the ball sharply. Marple showed here that there is competition for places throughout the club. It is worth mentioning that legendary batsman Garry Cash made his first appearance of the season in this game. This will be his 43rd consecutive season in the Cheshire County League, and although Garry has not played first eleven cricket since 2013, his aggregate total of runs at that level is unlikely ever to be beaten. One of the most destructive batsmen ever to play amateur cricket in any era, Garry’s devotion and dedication to the game is an example to any young player today.
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