Batting Woes Afflict Marple at Season’s End!

 All three Marple sides suffered a dose of the batting blues as this truncated season came to an end in glorious September sunshine. 

All three Marple sides suffered a dose of the batting blues as this truncated season came to an end in glorious September sunshine. 

At Bollington, the first team managed to recover from 30 for 6 to reach 91 all out. They were, though,  unable to bat the full forty overs, being bowled out in only the 25^th. Mark Makin made 16, but it was Tom Reeve who top scored with a battling 21. Notable for Marple were two huge sixes clouted by numbers ten and eleven, George Clarke (14) and Andy Wylie (8 not out). Harri Dickinson, 4 for 29, Stuart Plant, 3 for 22 and Julian McGovern were all excellent for Bolly.

Marple bowled and fielded pretty well against a good home line up. Wylie removed the two top men, Calum Rowe, brilliantly caught by Reeve, and Richard Hough, and was tough to face. Indeed, he had a couple of close lbw shouts that might have got Marple back into it after Hough was dismissed. However, a solid third wicket partnership between Jake Dickinson (31) and James Heathcote (28*) took the home team most of the way to victory. Connor Bergin had a deserved wicket when Dickinson skied a big shot to Mike Schofield at cover. Bergin impressed with 1 for 14 from six overs, and Wylie was always a handful with 2 for 7 also from six overs. Although their figures did not flatter them, Jack Grundy and Tom Reeve both bowled well, with some pace and no good fortune. Grundy is now well known as a fine young seam bowler, but Reeve has much potential, with an impressive, strong  action.

It has been a tough mini season for the seconds, and they were outplayed by Alderley Edge at Bowden Lane. Edge 188 for 9 in 40 overs, Joey Chang  74, Henry Stevenson 50. Greg Marsland was very good for Marple with 4 for 38, and Sam Stretton, 2 for 20 and James Crisall both did a decent job. When Marple replied, only Jamie Massey with 71 was able to stay for any time. 135 all out was well short, with Archie Vaughan once more showing his liking for Marple, but this time with the ball in hand, taking 4 for 7. 

Stockport Georgians thirds had their revenge against the third eleven, winning comfortably by 46 runs in a low scoring affair at Bowden Lane on Sunday. Georgians 117 for 8, with Sam Ittig 3 for 26, Sam Stretton 2 for 18 and Chris Lloyd 2 for 23, all doing well for Marple. Marple’s top four, Will Darby (14), Will Cheetham (10), Sam Stretton (23) and Tom Lloyd (12) all reached double figures, but no batter was able to take the team to victory. Five ducks in the innings certainly did not help matters! 71 all out was a disappointing end. 

So, a mixed season for Marple’s senior teams. However, in all three sides, the opportunities for the younger players has been there. A good number of them have returned excellent performances, and this valuable experience should hold them in good stead going forward. Let us all hope for a full and successful 2021! 

Marple bowled and fielded pretty well against a good home line up. Wylie removed the two top men, Calum Rowe, brilliantly caught by Reeve, and Richard Hough, and was tough to face. Indeed, he had a couple of close lbw shouts that might have got Marple back into it after Hough was dismissed. However, a solid third wicket partnership between Jake Dickinson (31) and James Heathcote (28*) took the home team most of the way to victory. Connor Bergin had a deserved wicket when Dickinson skied a big shot to Mike Schofield at cover. Bergin impressed with 1 for 14 from six overs, and Wylie was always a handful with 2 for 7 also from six overs. Although their figures did not flatter them, Jack Grundy and Tom Reeve both bowled well, with some pace and no good fortune. Grundy is now well known as a fine young seam bowler, but Reeve has much potential, with an impressive, strong  action.

 

It has been a tough mini season for the seconds, and they were outplayed by Alderley Edge at Bowden Lane. Edge 188 for 9 in 40 overs, Joey Chang  74, Henry Stevenson 50. Greg Marsland was very good for Marple with 4 for 38, and Sam Stretton, 2 for 20 and James Crisall both did a decent job. When Marple replied, only Jamie Massey with 71 was able to stay for any time. 135 all out was well short, with Archie Vaughan once more showing his liking for Marple, but this time with the ball in hand, taking 4 for 7.

 

Stockport Georgians thirds had their revenge against the third eleven, winning comfortably by 46 runs in a low scoring affair at Bowden Lane on Sunday. Georgians 117 for 8, with Sam Ittig 3 for 26, Sam Stretton 2 for 18 and Chris Lloyd 2 for 23, all doing well for Marple. Marple’s top four, Will Darby (14), Will Cheetham (10), Sam Stretton (23) and Tom Lloyd (12) all reached double figures, but no batter was able to take the team to victory. Five ducks in the innings certainly did not help matters! 71 all out was a disappointing end.

 

So, a mixed season for Marple’s senior teams. However, in all three sides, the opportunities for the younger players has been there. A good number of them have returned excellent performances, and this valuable experience should hold them in good stead going forward. Let us all hope for a full and successful 2021!

Cool Darby Sets Thirds on Course!

 Marple/Compstall thirds returned to winning ways with a fine victory over Hyde’s third eleven at Bowden Lane last Sunday.

Acting skipper Will Darby led from the front on winning the toss. He carried his bat for 85 not out in an above par Marple total of 180 for 6 in the full forty overs. He was given excellent support by Marple stalwart Andy Gichero with 29 and also young wicket keeper batsman Will Cheetham with a fine 30.

When Hyde replied they struggled against Sam Stretton who was returning from a broken thumb. He took a vital 3 for 22, and there were also wickets for Sam Ittig, Chris Sullivan and Paul Roberts. For Hyde, opening bat Mark Kohler made a fine 78 before falling to Stretton. The visitors closed on 148 for 6.

A healthy crowd, supporters of both clubs were present, made use of the Marple club’s excellent facilities.

Hat Trick Hero Clarke Polishes Off Congleton!

 Congleton, promoted to division one this season, travelled to Bowden Lane on a decidedly autumnal afternoon last Saturday, and the two sides agreed to play a forty over contest. Captain Jim Morgan won the toss and elected to take first knock. Chasing down even modest totals has proved tricky at Marple in recent seasons, and he would have hoped his batters could do him proud in the final home game of this unique season.

 Marple did not disappoint. Led by Max Fitzgerald (35) and Mark Makin (49*) they posted a very solid 170 for 7 from the full forty overs.  Mike Schofield also chipped in with a useful 19, whilst Joe Cash reminded his fans that he can still wield the willow, clubbing three late boundaries in his 12 not out. It was heartening to see Fitzgerald continue his good form, for he batted with responsibility and application hitting six fours in his innings. Makin has been Marple’s best player over the last two seasons, and he hit four fours and two sixes in a fluent knock, being deprived of a half century only by Cash’s late brutality. Jack Higginbotham, Ryan Booth and Guy Baxendale each had two wickets for the visitors.

It was not to be the day for Marple’s potent new ball attack of Jack Grundy and Ed Saxelby. They went wicketless, as Tom Leese (16) Higginbotham (38) and Simon Prime (29) got the visitors off to a good start. Morgan had class and experience at his disposal though to follow up. Andy Wylie took 2 for 30, Leese and the dangerous Goode his victims. Joe Cash cleaned up Higginbotham and finished with 2 for 15. However, star man was George Clarke, who wrapped things up for Marple in quick time with a maiden first team five wicket haul. His excellent figures were, 6.1 overs, 1 maiden and 5 for 17. He also finished the match with a hat trick. Clarke deserves his success. A club stalwart since junior days, he has worked hard on his game, making himself one of the most successful bowlers in the County League second eleven premier league over several seasons. He stepped up his fitness and bowling to gain a first team spot last year, only for a serious injury to ruin his season at the half way point. His determination to get back was duly rewarded today.

 

 By contrast, it was a day of disaster for the second team at Didsbury. Against a traditionally strong second eleven, Marple were blown away for just 48, admittedly on a pretty spicy pitch. Jamie Massey, with 16, was the only batter to reach double figures. Matt Laker, 3 for 17, and Raza Mian 3 for 5, did most of the damage for Didsbury. They only needed 11 overs to bring up a crushing ten wicket victory, Jason Jeffery 14 not out, and Basil Sultan 32 not out.

Another weekend of ups and downs for Marple Teams

as able to dominate the nagging 

Marple’s first eleven travelled to Macclesfield for two return T20 matches in this unusual and truncated season. In the first game, the home side struggled to 109 for 5 in the full twenty overs. They had been 24 for 4 at one point, with Jack Grundy, once again, producing a fine opening burst of 3 for 16. He was without his regular opening partner, Ed Saxelby today, but Andy Wylie was right on target with 1 for 11, and Tom Reeve had an impressive first team debut, despite being wicketless. Jack Massey and Finlay McCance, both with scores in the thirties, dug Macc out of a hole.

The Marple reply was sluggish on a tricky surface, and although four of the top five reached double figures, Mike Schofield top scoring with 17, no batsman was able to dominate the nagging attack led by Tom Key and Massey.  A final score of 74 for 9 was well short.

 

Marple’s batters put up a much improved performance in the second game, raising 129 for 5 in the twenty overs. Max Fitzgerald and Mark Makin hit score of 21 and 24 respectively, but it was a brutal 51 not out from skipper Jim Morgan that propelled the total up to very respectable proportions. Facing only 29 deliveries, Morgan smashed three fours and four sixes on a ground that he has enjoyed spectacular success on previously. Marple were, sadly thwarted in their bid to even things up on the day, as persistent rain meant that the game had to be abandoned at the break; no Macclesfield reply being possible.

 

In the two games between the respective second elevens at Bowden Lane it was one apiece, and honours even. The side batting second in each game were the victors both times. Marple 93 for 5, Muhammad Salman Hanif 25, Greg Marsland 23.  Canny off spinner, the veteran Rob Porter, had 3 for 9. Macc were made to work hard, but reached the target in the twentieth over for the loss of just three wickets, James Coombes 39 not out.

The second game produced a higher scoring and exciting contest. The visitors made 134 for 4, Coombes again undefeated with 41.  Porter bludgeoned 57 not out from just 36 deliveries to give Macc hopes of a double. Connor Bergin was impressive for Marple with 3 for 17. The Marple response was an excellent one, with openers Hanif (43) and Matt Barrow (30) adding a quickfire 78 for the first wicket. Good and sensible batting form Josh Kirk (22) and Greg Marsland (11*) ensured a fine five wicket  win, brought up in the last over.

A spirited effort in the field, after an underwhelming performance with the bat, brought Marple thirds some respectability at Heaton Mersey on Sunday. After openers Will Darby and Lewis Braddock had both made double figures, Marple slumped to 32 for 6. However, doughty resistance from Dan Cox (11), Tom Lloyd (14) and Sam Ittig (12) took the score to 80 all out after 30 overs. Akil Saleem, with 4 for 15, was the most successful Mersey bowler. 

When Mersey replied, despite losing Freddie Payne to Chris Lloyd for 5, they looked on course for an easy win. Once more Connor Bergin took centre stage for a Marple team. His superb 4 for 7 from eight overs almost brought up a win for Marple. Salim, with 15 not out, was calm under pressure though, and steered his side over the line. 84 for 6 (Jack Humpage 27) meant a victory for the home side, but Marple are to be commended on a fine effort after an earlier batting collapse had threatened a very short afternoon.

A spirited effort in the field, after an underwhelming performance with the bat, brought Marple thirds some respectability at Heaton Mersey on Sunday. After openers Will Darby and Lewis Braddock had both made double figures, Marple slumped to 32 for 6. However, doughty resistance from Dan Cox (11), Tom Lloyd (14) and Sam Ittig (12) took the score to 80 all out after 30 overs. Akil Saleem, with 4 for 15, was the most successful Mersey bowler. When Mersey replied, despite losing Freddie Payne to Chris Lloydfor 5, they looked on course for an easy win. Once more Connor Bergin took centre stage for a Marple team. His superb 4 for 7 from eight overs almost brought up a win for Marple. Salim, with 15 not out, was calm under pressure though, and steered his side over the line. 84 for 6 (Jack Humpage 27) meant a victory for the home side, but Marple are to be commended on a fine effort after an earlier batting collapse had threatened a very short afternoon. 

Marple’s batters put up a much improved performance in the second game, raising 129 for 5 in the twenty overs. Max Fitzgerald and Mark Makin hit score of 21 and 24 respectively, but it was a brutal 51 not out from skipper Jim Morgan that propelled the total up to very respectable proportions. Facing only 29 deliveries, Morgan smashed three fours and four sixes on a ground that he has enjoyed spectacular success on previously. Marple were, sadly thwarted in their bid to even things up on the day, as persistent rain meant that the game had to be abandoned at the break; no Macclesfield reply being possible.

 

In the two games between the respective second elevens at Bowden Lane it was one apiece, and honours even. The side batting second in each game were the victors both times. Marple 93 for 5, Muhammad Salman Hanif 25, Greg Marsland 23.  Canny off spinner, the veteran Rob Porter, had 3 for 9. Macc were made to work hard, but reached the target in the twentieth over for the loss of just three wickets, James Coombes 39 not out.

The second game produced a higher scoring and exciting contest. The visitors made 134 for 4, Coombes again undefeated with 41.  Porter bludgeoned 57 not out from just 36 deliveries to give Macc hopes of a double. Connor Bergin was impressive for Marple with 3 for 17. The Marple response was an excellent one, with openers Hanif (43) and Matt Barrow (30) adding a quickfire 78 for the first wicket. Good and sensible batting form Josh Kirk (22) and Greg Marsland (11*) ensured a fine five wicket  win, brought up in the last over.

 respectability at Heaton Mersey on Sunday. After openers Will Darby and Lewis Braddock had both made double figures, Marple slumped to 32 for 6. However, doughty resistance from Dan Cox (11), Tom Lloyd (14) and Sam Ittig (12) took the score to 80 all out after 30 overs. Akil Saleem, with 4 for 15, was the most successful Mersey bowler. When Mersey replied, despite losing Freddie Payne to Chris Lloyd for 5, they looked on course for an easy win. Once more Connor Bergin took centre stage for a Marple team. His superb 4 for 7 from eight overs almost brought up a win for Marple. Salim, with 15 not out, was calm under pressure though, and steered his side over the line. 84 for 6 (Jack Humpage 27) meant a victory for the home side, but Marple are to be commended on a fine effort after an earlier batting collapse had threatened a very short afternoon.

Marple’s batters put up a much improved performance in the second game, raising 129 for 5 in the twenty overs. Max Fitzgerald and Mark Makin hit score of 21 and 24 respectively, but it was a brutal 51 not out from skipper Jim Morgan that propelled the total up to very respectable proportions. Facing only 29 deliveries, Morgan smashed three fours and four sixes on a ground that he has enjoyed spectacular success on previously. Marple were, sadly thwarted in their bid to even things up on the day, as persistent rain meant that the game had to be abandoned at the break; no Macclesfield reply being possible.

 

In the two games between the respective second elevens at Bowden Lane it was one apiece, and honours even. The side batting second in each game were the victors both times. Marple 93 for 5, Muhammad Salman Hanif 25, Greg Marsland 23.  Canny off spinner, the veteran Rob Porter, had 3 for 9. Macc were made to work hard, but reached the target in the twentieth over for the loss of just three wickets, James Coombes 39 not out.

The second game produced a higher scoring and exciting contest. The visitors made 134 for 4, Coombes again undefeated with 41.  Porter bludgeoned 57 not out from just 36 deliveries to give Macc hopes of a double. Connor Bergin was impressive for Marple with 3 for 17. The Marple response was an excellent one, with openers Hanif (43) and Matt Barrow (30) adding a quickfire 78 for the first wicket. Good and sensible batting form Josh Kirk (22) and Greg Marsland (11*) ensured a fine five wicket  win, brought up in the last over.

 

A spirited effort in the field, after an underwhelming performance with the bat, brought Marple thirds some respectability at Heaton Mersey on Sunday. After openers Will Darby and Lewis Braddock had both made double figures, Marple slumped to 32 for 6. However, doughty resistance from Dan Cox (11), Tom Lloyd (14) and Sam Ittig (12) took the score to 80 all out after 30 overs. Akil Saleem, with 4 for 15, was the most successful Mersey bowler. When Mersey replied, despite losing Freddie Payne to Chris Lloyd for 5, they looked on course for an easy win. Once more Connor Bergin took centre stage for a Marple team. His superb 4 for 7 from eight overs almost brought up a win for Marple. Salim, with 15 not out, was calm under pressure though, and steered his side over the line. 84 for 6 (Jack Humpage 27) meant a victory for the home side, but Marple are to be commended on a fine effort after an earlier batting collapse had threatened a very short afternoon.

A spirited effort in the field, after an underwhelming performance with the bat, brought Marple thirds some respectability at Heaton Mersey on Sunday. After openers Will Darby and Lewis Braddock had both made double figures, Marple slumped to 32 for 6. However, doughty resistance from Dan Cox (11), Tom Lloyd (14) and Sam Ittig (12) took the score to 80 all out after 30 overs. Akil Saleem, with 4 for 15, was the most successful Mersey bowler. When Mersey replied, despite losing Freddie Payne to Chris Lloyd for 5, they looked on course for an easy win. Once more Connor Bergin took centre stage for a Marple team. His superb 4 for 7 from eight overs almost brought up a win for Marple. Salim, with 15 not out, was calm under pressure though, and steered his side over the line. 84 for 6 (Jack Humpage 27) meant a victory for the home side, but Marple are to be commended on a fine effort after an earlier batting collapse had threatened a very short afternoon.

Washout for the Firsts, but Defeats for the Twos and Threes

 The current spell of rain put paid to Marple first eleven’s home fixture with Urmston last Saturday, with no play possible. The second team managed some cricket at Cheadle, but heavy defeats in the two T20 games probably had them wishing that they had not had any play!

Marple seconds batted first in both of these games. In the first one, admittedly played on a challenging pitch, they could only muster 66 for 8 in the twenty overs, with Lewis Braddock, 26, and Tom Reeve, 15, the only batters to register double figures. Cheadle were made to fight reasonably hard by Connor Bergin and Andy Massey, but ran out comfortable winners by 8 wickets after 14 overs.

Although Marple managed 88 for 3 in the second game, Andy Massey, 40 not out, Braddock 22 and Stuart Bass 14, Cheadle romped home, again by eight wickets after only 7 overs of carnage. Bergin and Sam Ittig were the wicket takers. 

 The Marple/Compstall Sunday third eleven also made the trip to Cheadle on Sunday. They put up a determined performance, just being defeated by five wickets with just three deliveries of the thirty overs per side game remaining.  Marple 108 for 4, Will Darby 38, and Chris Sullivan 41 not out. Cheadle 109 for 5 from 29.3 overs, Rocky Kapoor, 28, and Joe Nuttall 36 not out. Following Cheetham’s impressive knock, Tom Chalmers was a handful for the home side taking 2 for 7; Connor Bergin and Dan Cox being the other wicket takers for Marple.

Topsy Turvy Day Ends With Honours Even!

 An excellent crowd, including numerous past players of both clubs, gathered at Bramhall’s scenic Church Lane ground for two T20 contests between Bramhall and Marple. After the recent heatwave, the weather was fair, but mercifully, not too hot, and there was much to admire from both teams on an entertaining afternoon.

Bramhall elected to bat first in game one, but struggled against the blossoming Marple opening attack of Jack Grundy and Ed Saxelby. Both bowlers were on top, but it was Saxelby who made the inroads in his spell of four overs, taking what would be a match winning 3 for 10. The home side limped to 96 all out after 19.5 overs, with no batsman other than Ashley West, 43, able to dominate. Saxelby was supported well by stand in skipper Joe Cash with 3 for 28, George Clarke 2 for 25, Jack Grundy 1 for 12 and Andy Wylie a stingy 0 for 16.

When Marple replied, they got a way to a good start with Sam Stretton 19 and Jamie Massey 28. Massey hit some attractive boundaries, and although both men would have been disappointed not to finish off the job, there were no alarms as Mike Schofield with a belligerent 33 and Mark Makin 14 not out, brought up an easy win at 102 for 4 after 16.3 overs. Makin smote Lachlan Anson for a huge six to finish the game. 

A feature of many of the double header T20 games played this season in all Cheshire County League divisions has been the ability of the side beaten in the first game to bounce back quickly. Bramhall must have had “words” at the break because, on electing to bat again on winning a second toss, they showed the ability that is within their line up. The Marple bowlers once more did a decent job, but the wicket had eased somewhat since 12 noon, and with a rapid outfield, there were some scorching boundaries for the bumper crowd to enjoy. Greg Dixon led the way with a very impressive 79 not out. Dixon looks a terrific acquisition for Bramhall, having made the short move from premier league side Cheadle. He is well known to Marple players, having had some success against them with his former club. He was well supported by all the home batters on this occasion, but it was skipper Nick Cantello, with 24, who helped add a fluent 63 runs for the fourth wicket. A final tally of 153 for 4 from the full 20 overs was a challenging score, but with a good pitch, fast outfield and confidence high after the first game, Marple must have felt reasonably confident.

However, despite, Max Fitzgerald, Massey and Makin, promoted to open, trying to set themselves, the Bramhall attack proved more accurate than in match one. Makin looked in fine touch, but did not receive enough of the strike, particularly when Massey was dismissed, and any momentum was lost. The asking rate grew too high, and Marple never threatened a win. When Makin fell for a fine 39, at 56 for 4, any fleeting chance of a win went with him, despite Ed Saxelby once again showing his fine all round qualities with 27 good runs.  A final total of 96 for 6 was well short. Kieran Berrington with 3 for 12 was the home side’s most successful bowler. 

Whatever the merits of playing two T20 games in an afternoon, this was enjoyable entertainment, no promotion and relegation worries this season, between two old, but generally friendly,rivals! Next Saturday, Marple entertain Urmston at Bowden Lane, time and format of the afternoon still to be decided. 

Marple seconds put up a much improved performance against Hyde at Bowden Lane, despite losing the game by 20 runs. A good effort from Marple in the field saw Hyde bowled out for 159 in the fortieth over. James Crisall’s part time left arm spin is deceptive, and here he had the impressive figures of 5 for 30 in his eight overs. He was well supported by Tom Reeve with 2 for 25. Greg Marsland, Connor Bergin and Andy Massey all did a very good job of containing the Hyde batters. Ben Balderson, 29, Dave Leighton, 44, and Jason Ebbrell, 34, were the main run scorers. When Marple replied, the game was in the balance until very near the end. Tim Radford returned to form with a solid 32, and there was another excellent half century from Lewis Braddock, who hit exactly 50. Marple were all out for 139 with nine deliveries remaining, Steve White 3 for 26 for the visitors. This game was also notable for the number of spectators watching from both clubs.

Sadly, the third team game with Romiley on Sunday had to be cancelled due to a Covid 19 case at Romiley CC.

Commiserations are due to Sam Stretton, who broke his thumb whilst fielding a ball at Bramhall. Very unfortunate, just as Sam has been establishing himself in the first eleven. Although his season is over, we wish him a speedy recovery.

Stay safe everyone.

Mark

Bergin Lifts Spirits!

 Connor Bergin took a maiden five wicket haul for Marple on Sunday as the third eleven clinched a dramatic one wicket win at Stockport Georgians. Connor also hit 25 not out as the thirds chased down a challenging 200 runs for victory.

This brought welcome joy for the club after a dire Saturday. Both the first and second teams were hammered, with the batting blues afflicting both sides. The first team bowlers did a decent job in dismissing Bollington for 149 in 40 overs. Ed Saxelby and George Clarke had three wickets apiece, and Andy Wylie was on the spot in his first game of the season, taking a miserly 1 for 16. An old Marple adversary, Calum Rowe, back at Bollington after years of success with Alderley Edge and Cheshire, top scored with 69. 

With the bat, Marple had no answers to a consistent visiting attack, and were blown away for just 75. Ed Saxelby showed his growing maturity to be undefeated on 18 not out.

It was another tale of woe for the seconds at Alderley Edge. A Marple total of 80 all out was knocked off in only 13 overs by the home side for the loss of just two wickets. Archie Vaughan, son of former England captain Michael, hit an impressive 43 not out. Marple's man of the day was James Reeve who top scored with 17 and also took both Alderley wickets to fall.

Marple Squeeze Home In Nailbiter!

Marple, relegated from the premier division of the Cheshire County League last season, visited Congleton, promoted from division two, last Saturday. It proved to be tightly contested affair, the two clubs opting for a 40 per side contest.

Jim Morgan elected to bat for Marple, and batting proved tough, particularly against the quality of Congleton opening bowler Jack Goode. Marple were bowled out in the 31^st over for just 134. Sam Stretton, once more impressing at the top of the order made a fine 27. Mark Makin hit a fluent and at times brutal 53, adding 64 for the fifth wicket with Morgan who made a solid 16. However, from 112 for 4, the innings fell away, Eddie Henshall ending the innings with a hat trick, his final figures being 3 for 20. The impressive Goode had 3 for 15.

Marple were grateful to Jack Grundy who produced a terrific opening burst when Congleton replied. The home side were always under pressure, despite 34 from Jacob Wilshire and 38 from Goode. Grundy, having benefitted from some cricket in Australia during the winter, produced one of his magic spells to take 3 for 15.

 There was good support from all the other bowlers, with Ed Saxelby taking 2 for 18 and off spinner Joe Cash wrapping things up nicely with 3 for 15. It was tense though, the last man falling at 132, to give Marple a tight 2 run victory and four points.

Marple seconds were on the receiving end against a strong and experienced Didsbury second team at Bowden Lane. The visitors totalled a very useful 219 for 4 in their 40 overs, Jason Jeffery 73 and Marcus Fisher 89. Marple did not throw in towel with the bat reaching 102 for 8. Lewis Braddock impressed with 40, Jamie Massey 22 and Stuart Bass 18. However, in this hopefully “one off” season, there were no points this week for the home team in the mini league of six teams.

Cricket Returns, But a Tricky Start For Marple!

Competetive club cricket made a welcome return last Saturday after a three month delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, for Marple, the games did not quite produce the desired results, although for the second team the Massey brothers shone in victory in the first of the two T20 matches.

Marple groundsman Mike Hibbert has kept the Bowden Lane ground in top notch condition during lockdown and in the preparation time before the start of this truncated season. Old rivals Macclesfield were the visitors, and the clubs opted to play two T20 matches. This form of the game has rarely been a favourite or strong suit for Marple, although the side featured a number of very promising young players, now with some good experience behind them.

This first match saw Marple slump to 25 for 7! However, some doughty rearguard action from Ed Saxelby (23) and Jack Grundy (21) saw a recovery to 79 all out after 19 overs. For Macclesfield, opening bowler Pat Turner was unstoppable with 5 for 9. The visitors made light of this target despite Joe Cash picking up an early wicket with his off spin. The hard hitting John Birchall (49*) was severe on all the bowlers, and a nine wicket victory ensued in only the twelfth over.

In the second game, Marple fared a little better, restricting Macc to 125 for 8 in the full 20 overs. Most of the batters reached double figures, but Marple would have been hopeful of gaining some revenge. It was not to be though, as accurate bowling always kept the reply in check. A total of 88 for 8 never threatened to win the match for Marple. Sam Stretton had a good overall day for Marple with 3 for 29 to go with scores of 16 and 19. Of the other bowlers, Max Fitzgerald took 2 for 33 and George Clarke 2 for 21, whilst Mudassar Panchbhaya was miserly with 0 for 11 from his four overs. Mike Schofield hit a valiant 30 in the reply, but he was hampered by the fact that wickets fell at regular intervals, and he could not mount a serious charge on the target. 

It was a slightly better story for the second team away to Macclesfield seconds. In the first game Marple posted 116 for 5, Jamie Massey 38. Macclesfield were sent packing for just 52, with brother Andy demolishing the batting taking a stunning 6 for 10. The second game saw the home side recover well though.  Marple exceeded their first game score with 122 for 4, Conor Ramsey 43 and James Crisall 23. However, a much improved reply by Macc saw them home for the loss of just one wicket, Dan Isherwood 53 not out, and Sam Buckingham 50 not out.

Marple and Compstall Cricket Clubs Merge!

We are pleased to announce that Marple and Compstall Cricket clubs have merged at both senior and junior levels.

Cricket nationally is struggling from a participation point of view, and with this in mind, both Compstall and Marple have taken proactive action to mitigate the impact of this. The merger will see regular cricket played at both grounds enabling us to continue to play an active and valuable role in our communities.

We will have Four Men's Senior Teams, 3 of which will play on a Saturday and 1 that will play on a Sunday. The 1st and 2nd Team will continue to play as Marple in the Cheshire County League, with a 3rd Team playing as Marple/Compstall in the UKFast League on a Saturday, and a Marple/Compstall team playing on a Sunday. The 3rd and Sunday teams will primarily be about developing younger players, exposing them to senior cricket in a competitive but unpressurised environment and preparing them to move up into the 1st and 2nd team in the coming years. These teams will be a healthy blend of experienced and young players.

Our 1st and 2nd XI Women’s teams play in the Cheshire Women’s League and we welcome new members to our squad.

An extensive junior offering will include multiple teams / sessions at a number of age groups, including an all girls team playing in the Cheshire and High Peak U11 League (max age 13);

We hope you will be pleased to know that we will be continuing to run the Friday Night sessions (Fun) at both Marple and Compstall grounds, where children and parents alike can enjoy the start of the weekend.

Social membership will continue to thrive, with bar and function room facilities at both grounds, Sky Sports at Marple and regular club and community fundraising events. Of course, everybody is welcome to come and enjoy watching a game of cricket.

We encourage you all to be a part of this merger, help us to turn the tide on participation whilst using cricket as a positive force within our community, providing a focal point for community spirit and the development of our youth. We also encourage new players to join our journey and be part of this exciting opportunity for the young and the young at heart. We are keen to expand our teams to encompass over 40's and a Sunday friendly team, along with providing additional junior and senior playing opportunities wherever we can. Get in contact with Andy Wild 07808 609855 or Rob Bradley 07887 743394.

As always, we know we couldn’t do this without the fantastic support of our club volunteers. There are many ways to get involved, from scoring and coaching, to groundwork and maintenance, to social media, events and community projects. Talk to us about how we can help you share your skills.

It’s an exciting new chapter ahead and we look forward to seeing you during the summer.

From all at Marple Cricket Club