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 31st 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.
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