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.
No comments:
Post a Comment