Marple Show True Ability on the Wirral!

Marple 242 for 7 (50 overs) 25 points beat Oxton 125 all out (44.1 overs) 4 points by 117 runs

At last Marple’s first eleven managed some cricket! The place to be was very definitely in the far west of the county at Oxton’s superb ground.  There can be few club grounds anywhere that can boast such a top class playing surface.  The outfield is like a beautiful smooth green carpet, and the wicket itself was firm and had good carry for the quicker bowlers as well as some turn for the quality spinner. Marple captain, Paul Wood went against the modern trend, and elected to bat first, hoping that his batsmen would respond to the occasion. It was to prove a positive decision.

When Mark Bennett had been bowled by Roberts for 7 and Jake Warner adjudged lbw to Fernando for 4, he may have had second thoughts. However, Wood himself joined Andrew Hall and the pair soon rescued Marple from a precarious position of 15 for 2. Wood showed admirable determination at the start of his innings, being content to let Hall be the dominant partner. Marple’s star opening bat did not look like a man who had batted only once since the 4^th of June. The weather of 2016 has been unkind to Marple, but Hall looked in prime form. Anything wayward was despatched to the fence, and when Roberts and first change bowler Fraser tested the middle of the pitch, they were ruthlessly put to the leg side boundary. Maybe the new restrictions on the bowlers overs in the league inhibits captains, but Oxton skipper Gibson did not introduce former Worcestershire slow armer Choudhry until the twenty second over. Maybe he reasoned that he could bowl throughout the rest of the innings. By saving the use of possibly his best bowler so late, much damage was done to the home side’s cause. Hall was imperious, stroking eight effortless fours, and Wood increasingly began to find fluency, lofting off spinner Shillinglaw over the top when Gibson brought in the field to try and keep Hall from the strike. By the time Choudhry was introduced, both players were in full flow, and the hundred stand came up in excellent time.  

Choudhry did manage to deceive Hall in flight and had him stumped for a terrific 72 at 132 for 3, but Jim Morgan at number five, walked to wicket full of intent. The scoring rate barely dropped as Morgan settled in quickly. Another brisk half century stand was posted, and even though Wood (64) was bowled at 190 for by the returning Fernando, Marple were not put off their stride. This was a first rate knock from Wood, balancing watchful defence with aggression. He knows the old virtue of “getting yourself in” and then making hay. Morgan’s innings of 42, made in exactly one hour at the crease, was a delight. Smart running between the wickets was interspersed with some powerful pulls and drives. Oxton’s bowlers toiled away manfully, but some lusty hitting from James Menzies, who smote Choudhry for a huge six, and some stylish drives from Ed Saxelby helped Marple to an excellent total of 242 for 7 at tea. Choudhry had 3 for 68 from 15 overs, and Fernando battled away for his 2 for 60.

Even with the dampish outfield having dried up as the sun eventually made an appearance, a victory target of 243 is a daunting one. James Menzies was certainly fired up for this game, and with Andy Wylie nagging away at the other end, Oxton got away to a sticky start. Both openers, Gibson and De Brabender, were caught behind by keeper Morgan off Menzies. Shillinglaw and Choudhry threatened a revival, but Menzies was on the mark in the field with a superb direct hit to run out Shillinglaw who had dug in for a patient 22. Wylie produced a beauty that nipped back to remove Choudhry (15) lbw, and Oxton were in trouble, behind the rate and the top four back in the hutch. The home side’s last chance came with the fifth wicket pairing of Crawley and Fernando. Although they posted a fifty stand, the winning post remained a vast distance away. Maybe they did not know whether to stick or twist, as Crawley was bowled for 31 in Menzies’ second spell, and then next ball, Fernando was caught by Menzies off the bowling of Ed Saxelby, who mixed a little waywardness with some useful deliveries in his short spell. The end was not long coming, as Wood switched his bowlers around. Menzies was “quicker than he looked” according to the home players on the balcony, and he finished things off to record a fine individual afternoon with 5 for 33 from 12.1 overs.  Greasley only took one late wicket, but he had to be watched with care, extracting some turn, and also using his arm ball to good effect. Like Andrew Hall, Wylie showed his quality and experience, not bowling a bad ball in his spell of 2 for 20 from 14 overs. This was a very welcome win for Marple, and showed what ability is there within the side when they can actually get out on the field in good conditions!

Marple are at home to Grappenhall next Saturday, 23^rdJuly, with a start time of 1.00pm.

The Marple weather hoodoo of 2016 continued as the second eleven’s game with Urmston was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Four out of the last five Saturdays, and six in all this season, have failed to produce any cricket at Bowden Lane, surely an unprecedented statistic.

Marple thirds were comfortable beaten by 105 runs at home to Bramhall last Sunday. Chasing a useful 192, they could only muster 87 all out. For Bramhall, Sam Baker produced the remarkable figures of 8 for 21 from only 11.4 overs

Another Saturday Another Washout!

The sixth game and the fifth at Marple, out of twelve this season was abandoned without a ball being bowled at Bowden Lane last Saturday. Marple and the visitors, Weaverham from mid Cheshire, each collected seven points. If this optimism is not too pronounced, Marple visit Wirrall club Oxton next Saturday. The micro climate in that part of the world should probably ensure some play.

Marple seconds could not lift the gloom as they were comfortably defeated in a rain reduced game at Toft.
It was a struggle for the Marple batsmen as they could only muster 119 for 5 from 39 overs against tight bowling. Matt Barrow with 40 not out held the innings together with good support from Andy Massey, in form this season, with 38.
Toft found no such problem scoring, and galloped to the winning post in only 24 overs, Akhil Shah, 35, and Paul Ashley, 42, leading the way in a five wicket win. Marple veteran spinners Andy Hayes and Rick Major fought an uphill battle with two wickets apiece in the losing cause.

Rains Have Final Say Once More!

Marple first eleven reached the halfway mark of the so called summer of 2016 last Saturday. Of eleven scheduled games, five have been either abandoned or cancelled, including four out of seven at Bowden Lane. Groundsman Mike Hibbert proclaimed that unless there are a number of consecutive dry days this week, then even next week's game against Weaverham is under threat. Torrential rain has fallen on many days during June this year, but Marple seems to have suffered particularly badly, with the square in a poor state. At least on this occasion, the umpires tried to get the game on. It was only after a third downpour that hope was extinguished.

Marple seconds game at Macclesfield was also affected by the weather. The game was reduced to 48 overs per side, and Marple totalled a respectable 171 for 9. Mike Fitzgerald, a very classy looking number seven, top scored with 48, and he was well supported by the in form Gary Cash, 37, and Jamie Massey 34. Further rain spoiled the chance of a good finish for either side, Macclesfield finishing on 90 for 5 and a drawn game. There were two wickets apiece for Matt Shelton and Andy Hayes.

A terrific performance saw Marple thirds thrash Stockport thirds by 100 runs at Cale Green on Sunday. Mark Nicholson led the way with a superb 75. He was ably assisted by Max Fitzgerald and Sam Stretton who both showed good temperament in making 20 each. On a tricky surface 163 for 8 looked a useful total.

A fiery opening burst from Jacob Combey helped reduce the home team to 29 for 4. They never recovered, with Combey taking 3 for 11, the wily Rick Major 3 for 14, Albert Connor 2 for 18 and Paul Roberts 1 for 7. Under Andy Gichero's calm leadership, the third eleven looked a good team, all enjoying each other's success. A day to cheer the Marple club in this rain soaked summer.


Fingers crossed for some sunshine this week!

Leaders Too Strong For Marple!

Didsbury 163 for 3 (34 overs) 25 points beat Marple 161 for 8 (50 overs) 5 points by 7 wickets. 

Marple lost their first home game of this so far truncated season when league leaders Didsbury were comfortable winners at Bowden Lane last Saturday. Visiting skipper Nick Anderson inserted Marple, openers Hall (31) and Bennett (22) putting together a solid 59 first wicket partnership before both batsmen fell at the same score.

 The hoped for acceleration then became a problem with two new batsmen starting from scratch against tight bowling. Marple captain Paul Wood made a fine 59 though, adding 40 for the fourth wicket with Mark Makin.

 The pitch began to ease, and the relative comfort shown by Marple young players Ed Saxelby and Jack Grundy at the end of the innings did not fill spectators with hope that 161 for 8 was enough. Simon Normanton was the most successful Didsbury bowler with 3 for 34.

This proved to be the case when the visitors replied. Although four overs were lost to rain the victory target was attained in only 34 overs, Normanton once more leading the charge with 68 from only 69 balls faced. Anderson weighed in with a rapid 36 to add to Marple’s misery. 

Marple are at home once more next Saturday when Davenham are the visitors, 1.00pm start. 

In the second eleven fixture between the two clubs, Marple once more battled to an honourable draw, posting 175 for 8 in response to the home side’s 187 for 8. A determined effort in the field meant that Didsbury never really got away. Andy Hayes, 3 for 45 was well supported by skipper Clarke and Andy Massey in a hard working bowling effort.

As in the previous week’s game at Hyde, all the top five passed the twenty mark, but no batsmen was able to make that match winning half century. Andy Wild and Jamie Massey were joint top scorers with 30 apiece.

In a rain ruined game at Bowden Lane on Sunday, Marple thirds drew with their counterparts from Sale. Marple battled to 114 all out, Tom Travis 42, skipper Andy Gichero 32 and Matt Barrow 23. With 29 overs lost to the weather Sale reached 79 for 8, with neither side particularly happy. Conor Bergin with 4 for 15 and Sam Stretton 2 for 19 once more impressed with the ball.

Early Decision Frustrates Marple!

Marple's important game at home to Sale last Saturday was called off by the officiating umpires about half an hour before the start time of 1pm. It was not raining, and nor was there any prospect of further rain during the afternoon. Like all grounds in the county, Marple had suffered bouts of very heavy rain during the week. Certainly the square was not in the best condition, but the pitch itself was relatively dry, and the outfield playable. With a bit of covering of one or two patches on the square, and use of the mopping up equipment, a reduced game could probably have taken place from about 3pm. 

It was therefore very surprising that that there appeared to be little desire to hold fire with the cancellation decision and wait a while. The example of nearby Bramhall should be used here. Even after they had played a prestigious T20 game the previous evening in difficult conditions, a full Premier League game went ahead on the Saturday, albeit not in ideal circumstances.

So Marple go again next week with another home game against high flying Didsbury. With four games out of nine falling victim to the weather this season, things are beginning to resemble the record breaking wet summer of 2012, when seven games fell foul of the elements.

Marple seconds, with youngsters, Max Fitzgerald, Ed Saxelby and Jacob Combey to the fore, held on for a deserved draw against Hyde at Werneth Low last Saturday. A feisty encounter saw Marple bowl out the hosts for 207 in the 47th over. George Clarke and Andy Massey were the leading wicket takers with three and four respectively. Marple made a good fist of chasing this demanding target. However, although the top five, Pearson, Radford, Brook, Lindsay and Massey all passed the twenty mark, no batsman was able to go on and make a score of 60 or 70 that might have brought victory. Ryan Lindsay with 34 was the top scorer, and when he fell it looked as though a defeat was on the cards. However, the above mentioned Marple young players batted with resolution 
and no little skill to deny the home bowlers. Marple finished on 177 for 8.

On Sunday Marple thirds eagerly awaited fixture at Alderley Edge was abandoned at teatime due to heavy rain. The home side had reached a useful 150 for 4 after 38 overs. Conor Bergin with 2 for 43 was Marple's most successful bowler, and he was well supported by Rick Major, 1 for 24 and Paul Roberts 1 for 40. Although wicketless, Sam Stretton, Albert Connor and Tom Travis all bowled well without luck.

Park Openers Efforts in Vain!

The monsoons that affected most of Cheshire did not materialise at Oulton Park’s picturesque and welcoming ground at Little Budworth last Saturday. However, the rain became heavy and persistent enough to bring an end to proceedings with the home side in a strong position, having amassed an impressive 233 for four after 45 overs.

Marple captain Paul Wood won a rare toss this season, and inserted the home side in overcast and gloomy conditions. Any hopes of making early inroads were soon dashed in no uncertain terms by East, who proceeded to crash good and bad deliveries alike to the boundary. Menzies suffered in particular at the start of the innings, with six blistering fours being taken from his opening salvo of four overs.  It was not that he bowled badly, more that East, who had been spotted smashing the ball hard from some throw downs in the nets prior to play, did not bother to play himself in, but just trusted his skill and judgment. Former Cheshire man, Danny Leech, gave unselfish support, pushing singles and was content to play second fiddle.

Wood switched his bowlers, and after the hundred stand came in rapid time, found that Heginbotham and Jack Grundy gave him a modicum of control. Nelson struck as East, much to his annoyance, edged to keeper Morgan off Heginbotham for 77 at the mystical total of 111. He had blasted fourteen brutal boundaries in this innings. When Tomlinson fell at 123, once more caught by Morgan this time off Grundy, Marple were almost back in the game. Grundy bowled his most impressive spell in first eleven cricket for Marple here.  In his seven overs (age restrictions did not permit more in the one spell) he took 1 for 19, and did not concede a single boundary. However, with Leech now coming in to his own, and Mills giving good support, this hope was soon snuffed out. Greasley did not appear to gain much turn from the pitch, and both left handed batsmen scored freely. They added 86 for the third wicket, before Mills chipped a simple catch to Grundy for a useful 41 at 213 for 3 to give Greasley a first wicket of the afternoon. The rains came at 233 for 3, and although a brief respite allowed Greasley a further wicket, that of Hyslop stumped by Morgan, that was the end of proceedings. Leech, finding fluency toward the end, finished on 85 not out, with seven fours and a six.

So Marple suffered a third game of 2016 lost to the weather. Whether they could have chased down an imposing total even on a relatively small ground is pure speculation. However, the side’s away form this season is giving cause for concern.  They will hope that, with four home league games in succession, starting next Saturday 18^th June, against Sale, they can maintain the 100 per cent home record. 

Marple’s second team game at home to Chester Boughton Hall did not get as far as the one at Little Budworth. When Chester had reached 67 for 4 after 18 overs, torrential rain flooded the Bowden Lane ground and that was that. For Marple, skipper Clarke had two more wickets in another impressive display.

The third eleven game at home to Grappenhall on Sunday was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Menzies Pace Lifts Marple!

Marple 178 all out (48.4 overs) 25 points beat Tattenhall 134 all out (5 points) by 44 runs. 

A devastating burst of pace from James Menzies raised Marple’s spirits as they ultimately proved comfortable victors over West Cheshire visitors Tattenhall at Bowden Lane last Saturday. 

Appearances can be deceptive. A glorious June Saturday at Marple, with Mike Hibbert’s ground looking in top class order, seemed the perfect place for a run fest. The pitch had a straw coloured look to it, and the outfield was quick as lightning. Following the modern fashion, visiting skipper Sadler inserted Marple, with early spectators expecting some leather chasing from the fielding side. However, when both Andrew Hall and Mark Makin fell victim to long hops from Johnson, the mood changed. Sadler was in heaven at 18 for 2, with Marple’s best two players of 2015 back in the shed. With Mark Bennett and Paul Wood keeping up an excellent scoring rate, the loss of the early wickets did not seem to be too much of an issue. Bennett looked in prime form. Regularly finding the boundary with powerful drives mixed with pure timing. Wood also appeared in little trouble. The fifty partnership came in rapid time, but the introduction of slow left armer Shewring caused a change in proceedings. This is a form of attack that has caused Marple problems in recent seasons. Shewring seemed to find the correct pace for the pitch, and proved a handful for the home batsmen. Wood was caught behind for 21 at 69 for 3, and with Owen Williamson’s nagging medium pace providing good support, Tattenhall looked to be seizing the initiative.

Bennett was possibly finding it all a bit too easy. He located the middle of the bat effortlessly and appeared to want to keep the run rate up despite the loss of three top order men.  Surely a hundred was there for him, but his aggression got the better of him. He attempted to pull a ball from Owen Williamson that was too full and was bowled for a quality 51.

Marple were tottering at 90 for 4. Morgan was not yet established, and Warner was concerned not to give his wicket away. The pair batted with good sense though and added 39 runs before Warner (13) was caught at slip off Shewring. Morgan (33), who had looked to be on course for a big score followed soon afterwards, adjudged stumped from the same bowler.  He had played a fine innings,full of good timing and placement.

 At 136 for 6, and with two new men at the crease, the game could go either way. Fortunately for Marple, Dylan Heginbotham (25) chose this moment to play his best knock yet for the club. He received good support from Ed Saxelby and Greasley (12) as the last three wickets added an invaluable forty runs. However, 178 appeared to be a below par total. Shewring had a deserved 4 for 47 and Johnson a more fortunate 4 for 31 for Tattenhall.

The visitors’ reply followed a similar pattern to that of the Marple innings. Two early wickets, and then a good stand of 42 between Siebert and Coppack. However, once Siebert (40) was dismissed, caught by Warner off Heginbotham who bowled a useful spell, wickets fell regularly. Menzies proved too hot for the lower order to handle, and he received excellent support from Greasley. The end came pretty quickly with Menzies rapping things up with his hostility. He finished with 5 for 46, and Greasley was in miserly mood garnering 3 for 32 from 13 tight overs. Tattenhall were all out for 134 with fourteen overs remaining.

This was a very welcome win for Marple, and lifts them a couple of places in the league. The fact that it was not a high scoring day will not unduly worry them. They will hope to get things underway on the road next Saturday with a game at Oulton Park, 1.00pm start. 

Marple seconds once more lost a tight game by two wickets at Tattenhall.  Father and son combination, Mike and Max Fitzgerald with 40 and 18 were the main contributors to Marple’s modest 122 all out on a sluggish pitch. Veteran Mel Dobson had 4 for 40 for the home side. When Tattenhall replied, Paul Kettle with 64 not out proved to be the match winner, and even then he needed the support of number ten Brock with 10 not out to see his side over the line. Marple welcomed back veteran spinner Andy Hayes, and he took 5 for 29 from fifteen overs with skipper Clarke equally hard to get away, 2 for 31. 

Marple thirds were well beaten by 8 wickets at Hyde last Sunday. This was a first defeat of 2016 for Andy Gichero’s men. They remain in good shape in the Sunday 3^rd XI Premier League despite this reverse.