Cruise for Macclesfield Despite Makin Heroics

Macclesfield 164 for 5 (40.1 overs) 25 points beat Marple 163 all out (45 overs) 6 points by five wickets

Once more, an  inconsistent Marple side followed up a victory with a batting collapse, as even a battling 63 not out from Mark Makin could not rescue the team against relegation rivals Macclesfield last Saturday. 

There may have been some early movement for the bowlers, but Marple’s batting was blown away by former Cheshire opening bowler Ian Tait and the in form Jack Ward. In no game except the earlier rained off game against Macclesfield, have Marple had any sort of start from the top order. Today, it was left to Makin, and some determined resistance from the lower order, to rescue the side from the depths of 77 for 7. Jake Warner made 20, Chris Wood 9 and Joe Cash a cameo of 24, as Marple struggled to 163 all out with ten overs left to be bowled. Jack Ward had 5 for 63 for the home side, being well supported in the field and by the other bowlers.

The reply started well for the visitors, as Sam Harbinson soon had Keen (9) caught by Morgan, and then the big wicket of Nick Bertus, caught by Greasley at slip first ball for nought. At eleven for two the game was very much on. However, opener Peter Baron dug in, and even though Ward fell at 56, and Porter at 72 he remained resolute. Macclesfield skipper Tom Parfett was in no mood to let Marple in with a chance as he joined Baron in the decisive stand of the game. Parfett determinedly struck ten fours in his innings of 48 not out. The fifth wicket raised the score to 160 before Baron (69) was caught by Eliot Young off Joe Cash. There were no further alarms though, as victory came with almost twenty-five overs of the game remaining.

This was a dispiriting defeat for Marple against Macclesfield, although the victors are a side seemingly on the up, having almost pulled off a shock win against Chester the previous week. Marple face champions Hyde next week at Bowden Lane, a 12.30pm start. They will hope that with five home games out of eight remaining, they can be masters of their own destiny this season.

A rearguard action from Macclesfield second team’s lower order saw Marple seconds have to battle to a losing draw at Bowden Lane last Saturday. At 55 for 5 Marple must have fancied their chances, but Melrose (89) and Adnan Khan (48) helped the visitors post a very competitive 224 for 9. Greg Marsland had 4 for 56, Andy Hayes 2 for 38 and George Clarke 3 for 60. In reply, Marple got an excellent start through Will Darby (49) and Haroon  Ahmed (34). However, although a number of others managed good starts, no one else was able to go on to a sizeable score. 188 for 8 represented a battling effort and losing draw points.

Marple thirds continued their revival with a winning draw away at Bramhall.  In the total of 221 for 3, Matt Leech starred with a superb 103 not out, being ably assisted by Jamie Massey with 67 not out.  Bramhall hung on with the last wicket pair at the wicket at 152 for 9, Andy Massey 5 for 29.

Marple fourths suffered a nine wicket at home to Sale’s third team.  A target of 142 all out posed no problem as Sale cantered home with overs to spare.

Incredible Hall Lifts Marple!

Marple 287 for 4 (55 overs) 25 points beat Bramhall 251 all out (53.2 overs) 5 points by 36 runs

Andrew Hall hit a second successive century for Marple as they beat local rivals Bramhall at Bowden Lane last Saturday.  Records tumbled as Hall flayed the visiting attack to the tune of 182 runs! His remarkable innings contained 126 runs in boundaries, made up of 21 fours and 7 sixes. Visiting captain, Nick Cantello must have rued his decision to insert the home team on a fine, sunny July afternoon. The Marple ground was in excellent shape, with the outfield lighting fast and a pitch that encouraged strokeplay, but also provided hope for skilful bowlers.

Bramhall’s Rupes Kitzinger is one such bowler, and his opening spell was a testing one. He bowled a searching length, and managed to achieve some awkward bounce due to his height of six feet 8 inches. His partner,Danny Lamb was pacy, but both the Marple openers appeared untroubled. Jim Morgan was looking in good touch, but a mix up with Hall saw Morgan (7) run out when the score was only 12. Ryan Lindsay (4) could not stay with Hall this week, and edged a lifting delivery from Kitzinger to stand in keeper uz- Zaman at 29 for 2. This was the high point for Bramhall in the field. Skipper Mark Bennett joined Hall and although Simon Wilkinson settled well at the start of his spell, neither player looked concerned. In fact Bennett was the player to initially attack the normally accurate Wilkinson, hitting him over the infield on a couple of occasions.

 Hall was obviously set on a big score, and a good sized crowd was treated to some top quality batting, with both players finding the boundary with increasing regularity. Kitzinger’s worthy spell gave him 1 for 34 from 11 overs, but although Cantello tried several bowlers at the pavilion end, none were able to exert any further control.  Wilkinson was unusually expensive, and even a change of ends was of no benefit to him today.  Youngster, Clarke began well for Bramhall, but he too was soon given harsh treatment as the third wicket raised 148 in quick time. When Bennett was stumped off Clarke for a fine 61, Mark Makin played an unselfish innings of 26 not out, all in singles, in support of Hall. In the fourth wicket stand of 109, Hall became even more dominant. The combination of timing and power on view in this fantastic innings will long be remembered by those present. When he was well caught by Hughes at deep mid wicket in the final over for 182, a Marple individual league record, he received a long ovation on his return to the pavilion.

To chase down a total of 287 requires excellent batting over a long period. Bramhall set off in pursuit with a positive intent with West (34) finding the boundary a number of times. Marple welcomed back Andy Wylie after a long time out with injury, and he settled as though he had never been away. A beauty accounted for Oxford Blue Matt Hughes, caught behind by Morgan standing in for the injured Makin. Runs came at a decent rate, but wickets also fell, and when Bramhall reached 131 for 5, it seemed just a matter of time for Marple. Zaman had made a spirited 25 and former Marple man Crisall a valiant 29, neither player able to go on to a big score. Joe Cash earlier took a sensational one handed diving catch to dismiss Lamb for only 5. 

However,  Bramhall skipper Cantello was joined by Lancashire Thunder’s Emma Lamb. Initially Cantello found his touch with a number of well struck boundaries, and then Ms Lamb after some early good fortune, also played a number of attractive strokes. She timed the ball well, showed courage after receiving a painful blow, and also ran quickly between the wickets, as Marple lost the initiative. Was a miraculous victory on the cards? Both players reached half centuries as a stand of 103 was posted.  However, when Wylie returned, he took three quick wickets, including that of Cantello, bowled for 55. Ms Lamb (59) was eventually deceived by Greasley and stumped by Morgan. This was an innings full of character, skill and timing and contained eight fours. The Bramhall tail was not able to resist, and Greasley took the final wicket when Makin caught Clarke at second slip with ten deliveries remaining. Wylie was the most successful bowler with 4 for 38 from 12 overs and Greasley was not far behind taking 4 for 55 from 18.2 overs.

This was a welcome win for Marple, and moves them out of the relegation places. Next week sees another crucial game with a visit to Macclesfield, a 12.30pm start. 

Marple seconds continued their terrific season with a comfortable 6 wicket win at Bramhall on Saturday. Bramhall struggled to 131 all out in the final over, with the innings following a now familiar pattern in the field for Marple. Matthew Shelton and Greg Marsland bowled useful opening spells, and then skipper  George Clarke, 3 for 46, and Andy Hayes 4 for 27 cleaning up.  Tim Wood with 61 was top scorer for Bramhall. In Marple’s reply, all the batsmen contributed, George Pearson’s 34 being the top score. It was also uplifting to see Jake Warner finish off the game with a flurry of boundaries in his first game of the season. This victory consolidates the team  in second place in the second eleven premier league.

Marple thirds gave a much improved performance, just having the edge in a high scoring draw with high flying Didsbury on Sunday at Bowden Lane. A solid batting card of 206 for 8 was dominated by the Massey brothers, Andy 76 not out, and Jamie 39. Didsbury made a valiant effort to get the runs, but ended on 194 for 8, Arshad  50 and Johnston 49 not out. The wickets were shared, but Andy Massey took two excellent caught and bowled.

The fourths were narrowly defeated at Didsbury by three wickets despite totalling a testing 200, Lewis Braddock 32, Rick Major 42, Animit Kulkarni 32 and Jacob Combey 34. In the Didsbury reply Daniel  (“DD”) Davies was the most successful bowler with three wickets

McCoy Blitz Downs Marple!

Grappenhall 213 for 4 (35.3 overs) 25 points beat Marple 208 all out (54.2 overs) 7 points by six wickets

In a game in which three batsmen were the main players, Grappenhall’s James McCoy produced a stunning display of power and timing, striking 17 fours and 3 sixes in an innings of 96 from just 54 balls faced to inspire his side to victory over Marple at Broad Lane last Saturday.

Home skipper Parkinson elected to field first on winning the toss on a glorious July afternoon.  The home ground looked in excellent fettle, with a lightning fast outfield. However, despite this, the boundary had been brought in by up to thirty yards on the Broad Lane side. After Jim Morgan was caught behind in the first over, the first of the three batsmen to influence the game, Andrew Hall took charge. With solid support once again from Ryan Lindsay, Hall dominated proceedings with a series of glorious strokes all round the wicket. Twenty boundary fours and one effortlessly stroked six flowed from his bat, as the second wicket added 103. After Lindsay fell for a battling 21, Hall was joined by skipper Bennett, who looked to be settling well. A mistimed pull off the belatedly introduced Matthews accounted for Bennett (5), and Hall fell soon afterwards for a superb 109. When Makin was well caught for a single at 144 for 5, Marple were once more in danger of being bowled out early. Paul Wood (26) continued his good form though, and with Eliot Young chipping in with a useful 21 and Chris Wood 16 not out, a respectable total of 208 was posted. After Hall’s excellent knock, this was probably somewhat below par in good batting conditions. For Grappenhall, left arm seamer Guest toiled through almost 28 overs, always giving his captain some control, to finish with 4 for 85. Matthews, possibly indignant at being left until the 34^th over, ran in hard and took a determined 4 for 37.

On the resumption, Marple had a moment of hope when Roylance (0) mistimed a pull stroke from the final delivery of Sam Harbinson’s first over. The powerful James McCoy was not fazed by this early setback, and proceeded to make a mockery of the target. It mattered not where the ball was pitched, as even from the first delivery he faced, it disappeared to all parts of the ground. In a stand of 106 for the second wicket, McCoy (95) dominated the scoring even more than had Hall earlier. He was out five runs short of what would surely have been one of the fastest ever centuries in Premier League history. With 86 of his runs coming in boundaries, all bowlers were put to the sword. When Hall caught him at slip off Greasley, Marple were relieved. 

This optimism was short lived though, as the third of the day’s main batsmen, former Lancashire man Richard Green immediately took charge. Green had been content to watch as McCoy had launched his fireworks, but now he didn’t allow Marple a foothold back into the game. Despite Abrahim (11) falling at 150, Green found the boundary with increasing regularity striking eleven fours and three huge sixes. Matt Brown (28 not out) gave useful if sketchy support. Green (76) fell with just two required, and Brown then finished the game with the eighth six of the innings. Greasley, not enjoying good fortune today, was Marple’s most successful bowler with 3 for 75. Both Brown and Green were missed with the score in the 170’s off his bowling, although it is impossible to say if the final result would have been different.

Next Saturday Marple entertain local rivals Bramhall with a 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds are up to second place in the second eleven premier league. This, after defeating Didsbury seconds by four wickets in a good, competitive game of cricket at Bowden Lane on Saturday. A fine all round performance, with the wickets shared, kept Grappenhall to 169 on an excellent pitch. In reply, Marple slipped to 34 for 3 despite a breezy 24 from Haroon Ahmed. Jack Marshall was then joined by veteran Gary Cash, and Marshall proceeded to dominate a century plus stand for the fourth wicket. After Cash (38) was dismissed, Didsbury claimed another two quick wickets, but skipper George Clarke, provided solid support for Marshall who played a number of delightful strokes in his match winning knock of 83 not out.

Toft Young Guns Down Erratic Marple, but Super Joe Shines for the Seconds to Prove That Class is Permanent!

Toft 189 for 7 (31.4 overs) 25 points beat Marple  186 all out (49 overs) 7 points by three wickets

An ambitious young Toft outfit were ultimately too strong for Marple at Knutsford last Saturday.  Former Cheshire captain Andrew Hall was a late replacement as Marple skipper, and he elected to bat first on winning the toss on a fine and warm late June afternoon.  Hall opened up with Jim Morgan, but Morgan was unable to follow up his fine half century of the previous week, being bowled for a duck by Northants Colt Jack Goode in only the third over. Hall was joined by Ryan Lindsay, promoted from the second eleven on the morning of the game due to the unavailability of normal captain Mark Bennett. Lindsay gave Hall excellent and determined support after the early setback, and the second wicket pair put together a fine stand of 87 in good time. Initially Hall was the dominant partner, being particularly keen to get on top of Lomas when the left arm spinner was introduced. First change for Toft, Pete Talbot bowled a useful spell and helped to stem the run rate as Hall and Lindsay both began to find the boundary. He had Hall lbw for a fine 45, just when it appeared that a really big score was on for Marple’s still top class opener. Sam Harbinson (2) was stifled today and soon bowled by Talbot at 106 for 3, and Lindsay himself, after showing excellent temperament and skill, was out soon afterwards again for 45, lbw to the nagging Lomas at 110 for 4. This was a fine comeback to first team cricket from Lindsay, and the innings says as much about his character as his technical ability.

Marple numbers five and six, Mark Makin and Paul Wood are both in fine form at present, and they began to rebuild the innings for the visitors. Makin was always on the lookout for the loose delivery, and Wood was content to rotate the strike and get himself established. The fifth wicket began to prosper as a stand of 56 came at a good rate. At 166 for 4 with plenty of overs remaining, Marple were surely looking a minimum of 220. Sadly though, Makin’s fine knock of 42 came to an end when he was well caught behind by keeper Lord when leg spinner Rob Jones was belatedly introduced. What followed for Marple was pretty much a disaster. The lower order proved incapable of staying with Wood, and the side succumbed for only 186 all out after 49 overs. Wood had shown that he is in excellent touch with security in defence, and also some fine forcing strokes in front of the wicket.  Paul Wood’s brother Chris can be probably be excused as he was out to a sensational diving catch by Jones, but the others will want to forget the lack of technique and application on view. Paul Wood was left high and dry on 29 not out as Lomas recovered from his earlier harsh treatment to finish with 6 for 71 from 18 overs.

Bowlers at Toft are aware that any inaccuracy usually results in a boundary, and Sam Harbinson got off to a bad start with eleven runs, including three no balls, conceded from his first over to James Drummond and Jake Hancock. Chris Wood, however, knew what was required and immediately turned the tables in his first over having both openers caught by his brother Paul in a double wicket maiden. However, unluckily for Harbinson, Rob Jones is in prime form this season. Even the Marple seamer’s good deliveries were despatched for fours as the Young England and Lancashire second team batsman played a series of glorious off drives.  Despite losing Hughes to the excellent Chris Wood, there was no playing himself in today for Jones, as when Greasley replaced Harbinson, a furious assault was launched on Marple’s venerated off spinner. Last season Greasley had destroyed Toft with a seven wicket return, but today his first three overs went for 36, and Hall had no option but to remove him from the attack. Obviously words had been said in the Toft dressing room as to how to combat Greasley! Ageless left arm spinner for Marple, Andy Hayes, promoted from the second team, then did his team proud by deceiving Jones to bowl him for a rapid 57, with nine fours and two sixes. At 99 for 4 Marple had a sniff of victory, but Jake Dickinson and Ed Stubbs continued where Jones left off. Chris Wood had been the only bowler capable of giving Hall any control on the day, but when he was rested, the runs flowed again, particularly from Dickinson (60) who also hit nine fours and two sixes. Stubbs (30) provided solid support in a stand of 72 for the fifth wicket. Harbinson picked up a couple of wickets when he returned, and Chris Wood removed Dickinson, stumped by Makin when he came back for a second spell.  The victory, which came up in only the 32^nd over, was never in doubt for the home team, despite Marple sticking to their task in trying circumstances.  Chris Wood was the stand out bowler for Marple with 4 for 47 in 13 overs, but the rest took some heavy punishment at the hands of a confident young side that sits on top of the Cheshire County Premier League at the halfway point of the season.

Marple will look at this defeat with some concern as it leaves them in eleventh position in the league. In this game, seven players managed just five runs between them including four ducks in an innings of 186 containing 20 extras.  The bottom five in the order could muster a mere three runs. Marple have to accept that they are in a relegation battle with four other teams this season. The league is not tight this season, and maybe a handful of wins will be enough to stay up. Next week sees a key game for the side with a visit to bottom club Grappenhall, a 12.30pm start.

It was a very different story at Bowden Lane as Marple seconds comfortably defeated Toft seconds by 92 runs. The now vaunted opening pair of Will Darby (72) and Haroon Ahmed (33) put together another fifty plus stand for the first wicket. Joe Cash, called up in place of the promoted Ryan Lindsay, then made hay with a superb undefeated 81 as Marple motored along to a dominant 225 for 3.

With the wicket good, and the outfield fast Marple still needed to bowl and field well against the second eleven premier league champions. A useful early spell from the fit again Matthew Shelton (2 for 23) was followed up with 3 for 26 from skipper George Clarke and 3 for 27 from man of the match Joe Cash.

Toft were routed for 133 with ten overs remaining. Six good catches were taken by six different fielders, and Marple are back in the mix in the league moving up to third place at the half way mark.

 Marple’s Sunday teams once more struggled, with the thirds hammered by 205 runs at Hyde. Chasing a mammoth 292 to win, the side was sent packing for only 86, this despite a short boundary and fifty overs to get the runs. Earlier, captain Andy Gichero had taken three wickets and held two fine catches for Marple. The fourths were beaten by seven wickets at Marple by a strong Heaton Mersey third team.  Skipper Rick Major held the fort with a fine 70 out of Marple’s 147 all out. Although the visitors cruised to victory, three Marple youngsters caught the eye in the field. Ed Saxelby bowled with some pace and hostility, being unlucky not to take a wicket and Jordan Worrall picked up two wickets on his senior debut. Albert Connor also held two fine catches at mid on to remove the Mersey openers.

Morgan Leads the Way For Marple!

Marple 207 for 4 (48 overs) 14 points drew with Alderley Edge 205 for 9 (34 overs) 7 points

Marple edged the points in an exciting drawn game with Alderley Edge at Bowden Lane last Saturday. This was supposed be the day before the summer solstice. However, the game began forty minutes late in conditions that would not have been out of place in mid November. Mark Bennett was delighted to win the toss and bat first in the gloom and damp. Groundsman, Mike Hibbert had though, prepared an excellent pitch that was well protected against the elements. The visitors soon had to contend with a wet ball, but despite this handicap, Alderley bowlers Windle and Foreman bowled tidily, and certainly demanded respect from Andrew Hall and his new partner Jim Morgan.  Both batsmen looked to be in good touch, and settled well, although Windle was accurate and Foreman managed to get the ball through to keeper Worrall with good carry on occasion. Hall (14), in particular, seemed to be timing the ball well, but after taking two effortless fours from Foreman, inexplicably played around a straight delivery and deflected the ball into his stumps with the score at 19 for 1.

Skipper Mark Bennett then joined his former Loughborough colleague Morgan, and the pair played with skill and application. Morgan was the dominant partner, dealing in boundaries initially, but then rotating the strike well with Bennett. Two superb cover drives from both players were highlights of the partnership.  The bowling was steady, but neither batsman was unduly troubled. Alderley skipper Worrall soon introduced his spin partnership of Reid and Aussie Chinaman bowler Sean Sturrock.  Off spinner Reid gave his captain control, not turning the ball a great deal, but bowling a searching line and length. Sturrock is an interesting bowler, and of the type rarely seen in any form of cricket. Conditions were certainly against him today, with a wet ball and temperatures in the mid teens. He was not economical, but seemed able to produce some unplayable deliveries at times. One of these was a perfect Chinaman to Bennett (25), which the Marple skipper snicked to Worrall when the total had reached 103 for 2. 

Morgan (63) had played possibly his best inning for Marple, and looked set for three figures, when he miscued Reid to deep midwicket where Rowe safely pouched the catch, with the score 113 for 3. Morgan had hit ten beautifully timed fours in his knock.

This situation might have provoked a crisis for Marple, but Sam Harbinson and Mark Makin, at five this game, continued almost without incident. Makin took three fours from a Sturrock over, and the pair ran well between the wickets. They were content to be watchful against Reid, but took toll of some short deliveries from Sturrock.  Worrall’s decision to bring back Windle in place of Sturrock backfired, as Makin took 28 runs from two overs including three sixes. Harbinson played in controlled fashion throughout an excellent fourth wicket stand of 87, always playing pure cricket strokes. Makin completed a superb and unselfish 52 before falling to Reid at 200 for 4. Harbinson ended on 43 not out, once more showing secure technique and good judgement throughout. The final total of 207 for 4 saw Marple bring up maximum batting points for only the second time this season.

Two rain delays earlier in the afternoon meant that Alderley had only 34 overs to reach their target. However, in Calum Rowe and Alan Day, they have the two form openers in the league this season. Anything remotely off line from Marple bowlers Harbinson and Chris Wood, was despatched to the boundary, and both players looked in top form as a stand of 114 was posted for the first wicket.

 However, despite the batsmen’s dominance, it seemed that a couple of wickets could change things dramatically due to the required run rate. Spinners, Young and Greasley replaced the seamers, and it became apparent that scoring was not quite so easy, as Greasley in particular managed to get the ball to grip. Day (54), after a classy half century, was well caught by Jack Marshall, and then Rowe was deceived in flight and bowled by Greasley at 136 for 2. Former Lancashire opener Mark Currie (32) threatened to win the game for Alderley with his bold improvisations, but after Reid and Wildig fell cheaply, he was well taken by Morgan with the score at 174 for 5. Marple had put down a number of chances of varying difficulty, Young three times the unlucky bowler, but the overs were running out for the visitors. With 29 needed from two overs, a tame ending looked on the cards. However, Sturrock was not about to give up the chase. 23 runs came from the penultimate over bowled by Young, Sturrock (25) striking three mighty sixes.  Crucially though, he was off strike for the final over bowled by Greasley.  When he managed to get on strike, he lofted the ball to long on, only to be taken by Bennett.  From the last ball of the game, Alderley managed to lose a ninth wicket to a third run out, as the batsmen desperately hoped for miraculous overthrows. 205 for 9 was Alderley’s final total as the game produced a frantic finale. Andy Greasley bowled with skill and held his nerve to finish with 6 for 52, whilst Eliot Young was far better than his final figures would suggest.

Marple were probably happy to come out just on top in this game, with satisfaction at a solid batting performance. The number of missed chances was once more a concern, but the tide seems to be turning as summer takes over from spring. Next week sees a visit to league leaders Toft, with a 12.30pm start.

Marple seconds lost a tight game by two wickets at Alderley Edge. A determined eighth wicket stand between Andy Wild (40 not out), and skipper George Clarke (33) gave Marple hope as they recovered from 40 for 4 reach a competitive 143 all out.  For Alderley, the scourge of all Marple sides, left arm spinner Mark Warnes, had 6 for 52. Clarke led his bowlers after tea with another fine return of 4 for 35 from 14 overs. He was supported well by Greg Marsland and Andy Hayes who took a couple of wickets apiece. Jonathan Usher was Alderley’s match winner with a commanding 56 not out.

It was double defeat for Marple’s Sunday teams against Cheadle. The thirds collapsed form 70 for 1 to 141 all out at Bowden Lane, Matt Leech 33 and David Brook 29. Marple’s bowlers made their talented opponents work hard for victory, but a five wicket win was achieved with three overs remaining. The fourths were bowled out for only 49 at Cheadle and lost by eight wickets.

Marple Down to Earth Despite Brotherly Heroics. Seconds Back on Track, as Darby and Ahmed Post Two Hundred Plus Opening Stand!

Bowdon 198 for 3 (42.3 overs) 25 points beat Marple 196 for 8 (50 overs) 7 points by seven wickets

Marple slumped to a seven wicket defeat at Bowdon’s picturesque South Downs Road ground last Saturday, as the previous week’s victory failed to inspire the visiting batsmen. In a game reduced to fifty overs per side due to heavy overnight rain, Marple were always on the back foot in a fixture that has seen results seesaw between the two sides in recent seasons.

This season, Marple’s top order has failed to fire as a unit since the first game back in mid April. Bowdon has historically been a tricky ground on which to score freely, but last Saturday saw a superb batting track prepared by the home groundsman, a worthy successor to the late lamented Peter Marron.  Marple do not know whether to “stick or twist” at present. Do they bat time and get themselves “in”, or go for broke from ball one and attempt to dominate the opposition as is the modern way? Either way, nothing is working for Marple’s undoubtedly talented top order. Muddled thinking would appear to be hampering progress and continues to keep the side on the lower rungs of the Cheshire County Premier League this season.

Five of the top six managed double figures, and Sam Harbinson and Jim Morgan will have been particularly annoyed to get out in the twenties when appearing to be well set, having seen off the threat of Bowdon’s quality opening bowler  Chris Ashling. Aussie off spinner Richard Carter had chipped in with three wickets and Marple looked down and out at 89 for 8. However, form man Paul Wood was joined by his brother Chris, unbelievably low in the order at number ten. Sanity prevailed, as with sensible application and quality strokeplay from both players, Marple reached a respectable and competitive total of 196 for 8, using up the full fifty overs in the process. The brothers in arms added a superb 107 unbroken for the ninth wicket, with thirteen fours and a six apiece entertaining a good sized crowd of all ages.  Paul Wood finished on 70 not out, and Chris 39 not out. For Bowdon, Carter was the most successful bowler with 3 for 41 from 13 overs.

When Bowdon replied, despite Chris Wood demanding respect with his testing opening spell, Marple were never able to put the home side under any serious pressure. Jack Tipton grafted his way to 41, much in the manner of his illustrious father Paul, the former Cheshire and Lancashire second team opening bat. A solid base was provided for Carl Hey (30), skipper Simon Marshall (63 not out) and Patrick Ashling (28 not out) to see Bowdon comfortable winners by seven wickets with almost eight overs remaining.

Next Saturday Marple are back at Bowden Lane with an always eagerly awaited meeting with high flying Alderley Edge, 12.30pm start.

Top quality centurions Will Darby and Haroon Ahmed with a 200 plus opening stand saw Marple seconds get back on track with a fifth win of the season against Urmston seconds at Bowden Lane last Saturday. Urmston must have felt that they were in the box seat, having rattled up a formidable 247 for 6 in the fifty overs, veteran Andy Hayes another five wicket haul. However, Darby and Ahmed, centuries apiece, produced what is probably a Marple second eleven record opening partnership as victory by seven wickets was achieved with time to spare.

Marple thirds battled to a losing draw at Toft on Sunday. Toft totalled a challenging 224 for 5 in the 45 overs with Danny Lord 106, and Chris Drummond 53 leading the charge. Rick Windsor weighed in with 3 for 47 for Marple. The visitors gave a good account of themselves in reply, reaching 203 for 8. Seven players reached double figures, with Windsor (38) top scoring.

Marple fourths were well on top against Ashley thirds, but could only take seven wickets as Ashley posted 137 for 7 in response to Marple’s 217 for 5. Skipper Rick Major led the way with a hard hit half century for Marple, adding 100 with Paul Roberts. He was well supported by Muz Tariq with 59. When Ashley batted, Abdul Khan was impressive with 4 for 9 in 10 overs of accurate seam bowling.

Victory at Last as Wood Stars!

Marple 162 for 6 (59.2 overs) 25 points beat Cheadle 161 all out (43.4 overs) 6 points by four wickets. 

Marple’s long awaited first win of the 2015 finally came over old rivals Cheadle at Kingsway last Saturday. Cheadle’s veteran skipper Paul Sperring elected to bat on winning the toss on the first June Saturday of the season. The pitch appeared to be well grassed although it was sluggish in pace, and the outfield, whilst lush, was fast, with the ball racing away to the boundary in the early overs of the home side’s innings. 

It was a good job for Marple that stand in opening bowler Paul Wood picked up three quick wickets. Joe Prince (19) and later Dan Brown (46) both played some extravagant strokes, with some off the outside edge,  against the new ball, and the scoreboard rattled along at over five runs per over. This was not what Marple needed in a crucial game against fellow strugglers in the league this year. A number of sharp catches were also missed, with Sam Harbinson and later Eliot Young failing to hang on to hard hit caught and bowled chances. Even after Wood had bowled the dangerous Elliot Bullock, the score continued to mount, and unfortunately for Marple, a back twinge meant that Wood had to be rested from the attack after taking 3 for 30 in just six overs. Only Andy Greasley was able to give his captain any real control, as fellow spin twin Eliot Young struggled with his length, possibly being affected by the strong westerly wind that blew across the ground in the early part of the afternoon. Brown and Will Holmes added fifty for the fifth wicket, but when both fell at 117, Marple may have felt that the back of the Cheadle innings was broken. Although Sperring did not last long, Ben Samuels (26) and Drew Carswell (11) showed character to give the home side a reasonable score of 161 on what was to prove a tricky surface.

Harbinson came back well to clean up the tail and finished with 4 for 44 from 11 .4 overs. The brilliant diving left handed catch by keeper Makin to dismiss Matt Fotia was the highlight of the day in the field for Marple. Greasley, in good form again this season, ended with 2 for 33 from 14 overs of guile. Marple had managed to take all ten wickets for the first time this summer, and were glad to have the use of eleven extra overs in the run chase. 

On the resumption after tea, Marple were delighted to have former Cheshire skipper Andrew Hall back at the top of the order again. Hall has been out of action for a month with a rib injury, and with Matt Fotia opening up for Cheadle, his skill and experience were much needed. Fotia, still only twenty years of age, has represented Australia U/19’S on a number of occasions with some success.  He has a strong and easy approach to the wicket, and even on this pitch with low bounce, got the ball through to keeper Bullock with good pace. He is also accurate, and Hall was particularly careful to leave any deliveries around off stump when he could. Mark Makin (5) was soon bowled by Fotia, and when skipper Bennett (5) was unluckily given lbw to Sperring at 27,

Marple may have feared the worst. However, Harbinson showed good technique and application along with Hall, and they led a recovery, seeing off Fotia’s initial burst. The scoring rate was kept below three runs per over though, as Will Holmes settled into an accurate spell of left arm spin. When Fotia returned, Hall effortlessly hooked a short delivery into the pavilion for six, and Marple began to breathe a little more easily. However, Harbinson’s (13) patience ran out when he chased a wide one from Fotia and was caught behind. Morgan (0) soon dragged onto his stumps, and when Hall (40) was brilliantly taken one handed by keeper Bullock off Holmes, Marple were suddenly 69 for 5, with not out batsmen Young and Wood both on nought. Cheadle, vociferous and sharp in the field, were now well on top. Marple’s sixth wicket pair now batted with resolution and skill though. Wood was absolutely secure in defence against the threat of Fotia. Using his experience, he gauged the pitch before attempting any attacking strokes, and Young also was solid, but ruthless as well whenever a scoring opportunity presented itself. Possibly Marple’s best stand of the season so far grew as frustration mounted for the home side. 

Sperring  used himself for a second spell, but was expensive, and was forced to bring back the willing Fotia for a third stint. The tireless Aussie produced a beauty to hit the top of Young’s off stump after he and Wood had added 66 priceless runs. Young departed for an excellent 34, made against tight bowling on a difficult pitch, and his improvement can be seen each game. With 27 still needed the game was far from won, but Wood now took charge. He waited for the time to pounce, cover driving Fotia for four and lofting Holmes for a straight six to see Marple almost to victory. With gutsy support from Jack Marshall (7 not out), the pair then added the few remaining runs in singles, the winning line being crossed in the sixtieth over. Wood’s innings of 47 not out was not his highest for Marple, but in terms of character and concentration in a winning cause, it may well be his best. For Cheadle, the excellent Fotia finished with 4 for 55 from 23.2 high class overs. 

Much needed relief this for Marple and a hard earned win. Next week sees another away fixture at Bowdon, a 12.30pm start. 

Marple were beaten by four wickets in the second team fixture with Cheadle at Bowden Lane on Saturday. The home side did well to recover from 50 for 4 to post 182 for 5, Will Darby 33 and Gary Cash 56 against his old club. Cheadle were forced to work hard for the win, but picked the right times to attack in reaching the victory target. Marple skipper George Clarke was again in form with the ball, picking up another five wicket haul in a losing cause. 

Marple thirds were in the runs against Urmston thirds on Sunday at Bowden Lane. Marple rattled up 246 for 8 in 45 overs with Urmston collecting losing draw points on 175 for 7.