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.
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