Marple 212 all out (50 overs) 15 points, had a winning draw against Macclesfield 188 for 9 (50 overs) 8 points
Marple had not played at Macclesfield since a memorable game at Victoria Road back in 2017 saw Marple promoted to the Cheshire County Premier League. Although both teams are now in division one, this latest encounter was another good game of cricket to go with the many between the clubs in past seasons.
Despite the weather being once more glorious, Macc skipper James Cross elected to field first. With James Crisall an early victim, he maybe thought the under strength, on paper, Marple line up would be vulnerable. However, Will Darby, although never a first team regular, has plenty of experience, and also a good technique against the new ball. He and Jim Morgan steadied the ship after the fall of Crisall, both players finding the boundary with attractive strokes. Although neither player went on to a big score, they both did useful jobs, Darby falling to the persevering Bradshaw for 15 at 34, and Morgan for 21, at 66 for 3, to Chris Moores.
This was a crucial time in the game, but Mark Makin, out of form and luck so far this season, seized the moment. When on song, there are few more attractive players to watch, and with Max Fitzgerald settling in securely, the fourth wicket partnership took root. This stand of 76 excellent runs was one of Marple’s best partnerships of the season so far. Makin was dominant, striking 11 fours and a huge six in a superb knock of 67. A really welcome return to form for his side this. In each game so far this season, there has been one half century for Marple. What a difference when there are two! Max Fitzgerald’s growing maturity was there to see in this lovely innings of 64. He was supportive of Makin when first coming to the crease, but as the score increased, played some delightful strokes, hitting eight fours. He was well supported by Sam Stretton who made a confident 20, and the two added 34 for the sixth wicket. The lower order eked out a few between them, and a final tally of 212 was Marple’s highest of the season, and ensured maximum batting points. For Macc, opening bowler Miles Bradshaw was impressive with 5 for 56.
When the home side replied, Andy Wylie picked up an early wicket, that of Thomson caught behind by Morgan for 5. Now, it was time for Macclesfield’s batters to shine. Chris France, 41, and Jack Mattsson, 45, added 81 for the second wicket. Marple’s attack, buoyed by the win the previous week against Bramhall, did not panic though, and kept to the basics. Joe Cash is on song this season, and he is certainly proving to be a handful for all opposition players. Today he was held back by Morgan, but when introduced he immediately settled. George Clarke, although a little expensive this game, picked up the key wicket of France. Cash then got to work, ripping out the middle order, and Macc were up against it. Harry Elms made a rapid 36, but Marple were the only side likely to win now. The overs were running out, and Brad Porter and Cross showed good temperament in keeping Marple at bay. Makin picked up a late wicket, to leave the score on 188 for 9, and Marple will be pretty pleased to come away with maximum draw points and general domination of the game at a ground often tricky for opposition sides. The excellent Cash had 4 for 38, Wylie 2 for 39, Grundy a testing 1 for 34, Clarke 1 for 52 and Makin 1 for 20.
Marple are back at Bowden Lane next Saturday, 19th June with a 12.00 start against Warrington. They will be wary of a possible backlash, the mid Cheshire side having been soundly thrashed in their last two games.
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