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.