Dominant Marple Left Frustrated By Stubborn Sale Lower Order

Cricket returned to Marple’s improved ground for the first time since the end of last August, and despite a cool and grey start, by the end of the day, the pitch looked in first class condition in the evening sunshine.

Paul Wood lost the toss and was asked to take first knock as seems to be the custom these days.  For Sale, Barrowman was on the mark straightaway as Makin, caught on the crease, was bowled for a duck at 1 for 0. With Andrew Hall victim of the early season Marple injury jinx, Mark Bennett stepped up to number three for his first innings of the 2017 campaign. Crisall once more looked assured and managed to get a couple of early boundaries away as Nawaz struggled with his line. Both bowlers had to be watched however, as the odd delivery kept low, and Barrowman nipped the odd one back into the right hander Crisall. Bennett survived a number of confident lbw shouts against Nawaz, and it was only after Crisall was dismissed lbw to Nawaz for another promising 25 at 49 for 2 that he began to look more settled.

Marple’s captain fantastic, Paul Wood, once again looked in complete control, and the third wicket partnership proceeded in untroubled fashion, the Marple supporters breathing more easily after a testing start. Both players found the boundary with increasing regularity, and although Sale captain Greenhough switched his bowlers around, he was unable to find a combination that could put a brake on the ever increasing run rate. As in previous games this season, the only way it seemed a wicket would fall was through batsman error, and so it proved as Bennett played too soon at off spinner Macfarlane and was bowled for an excellent 81 at 177 for 3. He hit eight fours in this responsible knock. 

 With Morgan once more in belligerent mood, the scoring rate did not slacken, and Wood really went for his shots as Marple raced past the 200 mark. Wood is in a rich vein of form this year, and he passed his fourth successive half century. Two huge lofted sixes were memorable, but he hit the ball with serious power in this terrific 88. There was a flurry of late wickets as Barrowman 4 for 63 and Macfarlane 3 for 73 reaped some reward after a hard afternoon in the field. With the ball not really coming onto the bat, a score of 234 for 8 looked to be way above par.

This was apparent from the very early stages of Sale’s reply. Andy Wylie and Ed Saxelby, given the new ball in the absence of Pat Morahan, were both on target immediately. Saxleby bowled an excellent spell of six overs, and he was rewarded when keeper Morgan made a fantastic leg side stumping to remove Wellings at 7 for 1. Lancashire starlet Brooke Guest, at number three, could not get his timing going at all, and the response never got off the ground. At 34 for 2 Guest was well taken by Morgan off first change Wood for just 14, an innings that took him the best part of an hour.  At this point the Sale batsmen did not know whether to stick or twist, and it was apparent that confidence was low. Spells, after a promising start made 31, Macfarlane 32 and Watkin 27, but there was no fluency. Andy Massey chipped in with three wickets, and Greasley was his usual accurate self with a miserly 2 for 36 from fifteen overs. At 92 for 7 it looked to be just a matter of time for Marple. However, Watkin, with determined support from Rizvi, Adams and Nawaz, batted with application and resolve to thwart Marple’s attempt to force the win. 134 for 9 represented an afternoon of toil for Sale.

A frustrating end of the game this for Marple, but captain Wood is gradually forging a strong team ethic, and spirits are unlikely to be low for long. Next week sees a trip to Oulton Park’s picturesque and rural ground in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, 1.00pm start.

Marple seconds had a tough day at the office in an away fixture against Timperley. Marple’s bowlers had a torrid afternoon as the home side rattled up an imposing 266 for 3 declared in 48 overs, Ness 100, Prastka 69 and Howarth 82 not out. Faced with such a daunting target, Marple deserve credit for not giving up, and they ended on 152 for 9 and losing draw points. George Pearson made a solid 40 and debutant Stewart Bass a fine 45 in the reply. Mark Nicholson and skipper George Clarke both both battled hard to score 17 and 19 respectivley.

Marple thirds routed Hyde thirds for just 55 on Sunday. Evergreen Mike Smith had 5 for 21 and Jacob Combey 3 for 14. Marple had to battle hard for the win, losing five wickets in reply. Andy Gichero with 25 was top scorer.

Catches Set Marple on Road to Memorable Win! Super Max 130 Undefeated For the Seconds!

Marple 165 for 3 (25 points) 39.1 overs beat Bollington 164 all out (5 points) 48.3 overs by 7 wickets.

Marple followed up last week’s win at Warrington with an even more impressive performance at nearby Bollington last Saturday. The home ground can rarely have had such a firm pitch and quick outfield in the first week of May despite the cloudy and cold conditions,  and when the home openers, Harri Dickinson and Simon Dunn, got Bollington off to a flying start Paul Wood may have rued his decision to field first.

Although Marple opening bowlers Pat Morahan and Andy Wylie had to be watched when on target, both were guilty of serving up a boundary ball each over. The hard hitting Dickinson, strong on the drive, and newcomer Dunn, were both in excellent touch as the new ball was regularly despatched to the fence. Greasley and Wood replaced the openers and managed to put a bit of a brake on proceedings, despite Dickinson lofting Greasley for an enormous straight six.

The partnership reached 66 before the first of several excellent catches brought Marple back into the game. Morahan picked up Dunn (34) at backward point with a brilliant take diving to his left off skipper Wood, and five runs later Andrew Hall took an equally good one at slip to remove Edgar for just 2. What followed was a horrid middle order collapse for Bollington, as further excellent catches from Makin, Wylie, Ed Saxelby and Bennett reduced them to a parlous 81 for 6. There were three wickets apiece for Greasley and Wood at this stage.

Bollington are, however, a side with real depth to their line up this season, and solid efforts from Tom Leese (29) Tom Horsfield (17) and Richard Hough (21) made sure Marple had to work hard to get through the batting card. Captain Hough was carrying an injury, hence his unusual position of number nine game in this game. The second half of the innings was one of tight cricket, with all four Marple bowlers on the mark, and the home batsmen showing good character. A competitive total of 164 all out was a fine recovery after the middle order’s demise. For Marple, Greasley was on song with 3 for 30 from 15 overs, and was well supported by Wood 3 for 31 from 7 and Morahan 3 for 42 from 12.3 overs. Wylie’s figures of just 1 for 56 did him scant justice.

Bollington had convincingly won their first two games of the season, and having a more than handy pace attack, were justifiably confident that they could cause Marple’s excellent line up problems. Both James Crisall and Mark Makin though, cracked some superb boundaries in the opening overs from the bustling Ward and Dickinson.  Ward looked incredulous when Makin hit him high over his head. However, he had the last laugh when Makin (10) played loosely and was bowled at 25 for 1. Dickinson bowled only a short spell, and it was a surprise that Dario Seale had not opened the bowling. Seale, from Barbados, and having represented the island’s youth team, has some serious pace. He has a smooth run up and when loose proved quite a handful. Crisall (24) had once more looked in fine form, but he became the second wicket when adjudged lbw to Seale at 39 for 2.

Marple have two of the premier batsmen in the league in Andrew Hall and Paul Wood. Both have class and experience in abundance, and today they showed why they are a cut above most other players in this division. There was watchful defence, but neither player missed the chance to keep the scoreboard ticking along. Amongst the memorable shots played was a superb backfoot cover drive by Wood off Ward, and the consecutive pull and off drive by Hall off Seale when eleven runs were taken from an over.  Left arm spinner Plant bowled a tidy if wicketless spell, and it began to look as if Marple’s high class third wicket partnership might take them all the way to victory. However, Seale changed ends and bowled Hall (42) when the former Cheshire man played lazily at 133 for 3. Jim Morgan, at number five, is not a man to hang around, and he gave Wood sterling support. Wood now came fully into his own, as the final 32 runs came in quick time. Morgan (14 not out) struck three brutal boundaries in support, but fittingly it was Wood who hit the winning runs with a lofted four off Plant. This was a third successive half century this season for Wood (68 not out), and was probably the best, considering the quality of the opposition bowling. After three games, Marple are top of the Cheshire County League first division.

This was a terrific victory for Marple against a potentially very talented Bollington team. A seven wicket win was probably the team’s best performance since defeating Alderley Edge at Moss Lane at the end of the 2015 season. Next week will see the side play at home for the first time this season with a game against Sale, 1.00pm start.

Max Fitzgerald, fifteen years of age, played an incredible knock of 130 not out, as Marple seconds chased down an imposing score of 209 for 9 by Hyde’s second team at Werneth Low on Sunday. Max’s sensational innings took Marple to a well deserved seven wicket victory, and put their early season woes to one side. Skipper George Clarke had a stronger bowling attack to choose from and they did him proud, with Andy Massey taking four wickets, Clarke three, and Jack Grundy, who bowled a couple of excellent spells two. Marple keeper Andy Wild hit a solid 56 in sharing a terrific 133 opening stand with Fitzgerald.

Despite posting a score of 205 for 5 at Sale, Marple’s third eleven could not prevent a five wicket defeat in their first league game of the season.  There were encouraging performances though from Matt Barrow 72 not out, Jonny Arrowsmith 36, and Ryan Ellis a ferocious 54 not out. Marple toiled hard in the field, with all the bowlers doing a steady job. Jacob Combey was the most successful bowler with 2 for 59. Luke Greasley also hit the stumps directly twice to give him two run outs.

Super Wood Wins it for Marple!

Marple 247 for 5 (50 overs) 25 points beat Warrington 230 all out (48.4 overs) 6 points by 17 runs.

The old nursery rhyme of “wind from the east, no good for man nor beast” looked to be an apt description of the conditions at Warrington on Sunday.  An easterly gale blew across the Walton Lea ground, and that made life difficult for all bowlers. The outfield was also hard as rock, and fielding was a potentially hazardous occupation.

Once again, Paul Wood, the Marple captain, was probably not too displeased to be asked to take first knock. James Crisall has returned to the club looking rejuvenated, and with Mark Makin always a threat, opposition bowlers must be on the mark. The visitors got away to good start, despite former Oxford University paceman Batey bowling a testing opening spell. It was a surprise when Makin (15) was well held by a return catch from Scholes at 23 for 1. This was not good news for the fielding side however, as the imperious Andrew Hall came out to join Crisall. Hall continued from where he left off against Oxton last week, sharing another century stand. This time it was with a fluent James Crisall. With control proving tricky for all the bowlers, both batsmen were ruthless with anything remotely off line.  Hall produced some glorious off drives, and Crisall uncannily found the gaps with some brutal pull shots much to the frustration of the home side. Just when it looked as though there would be no further alarms for Marple, Andrew Hall fell awkwardly when being sent back when going for a tight single by Crisall. The worst was feared as he lay prostrate. Marple seem to have an early season injury jinx. Happily, after some time, Hall rose gingerly to his feet. It was just a twisted ankle and not a sprained or broken one. However, the former Cheshire captain was discomforted somewhat, and Johann Els produced a good one to get through his defences. Hall (60) fell for another excellent half century at 125 for 2.

Paul Wood is in his element as Marple’s number four. With another good start on the board, he was able to play himself in steadily as Crisall continued his memorable innings. In the first class game, the players get a rest after two hours play, but Crisall, fatigued not unnaturally after almost three hours in tough conditions, fell for a terrific 92. This was a very fine knock, with a combination of solid defence, aggression and some unselfish running.  Another century stand with Wood had taken Marple to a formidable total. Wood hit some powerful boundaries in his second half century of the season (55) and with Morgan and Warner lofting effortless sixes to dent Batey’s hard earned figures of 2 for 67, a total of 247 for 5 looked a distant target.

The Warrington innings got away to a sticky start, with Jack Grundy and Pat Morahan picking up both openers, and only 23 on the board, both caught behind by Jim Morgan. However, Johann Els in partnership with Brad McIntosh, produced an excellent third wicket stand. Almost without playing himself in, South African Els, seven fours and four sixes, showed he can hit the ball a long way like his golfing namesake Ernie. All Marple bowlers were dealt with harshly, as the scoreboard rattled along. Fortunately for Marple though, Paul Wood has rediscovered some of his zest for bowling this season. He persuaded McIntosh (38) to pull to square leg where Crisall took a fine catch, and then had the big wicket of Els (71) with an absolute beauty that pitched middle and hit off! Warrington had been well ahead of the asking rate, but now slumped to 134 for 4. Greasley had been severely treated early in his spell, but he came back well, using his experience as a foil for Wood who had found an awkward length.

Warrington are though, a side with character, and despite having fresh batsmen at the crease they continued to chase the imposing target. Haughton (27) showed little respect for the bowling as Wood shuffled his attack round, and Batey (28 not out) belied his lowly position of number ten in the order with a hard hitting assault. It was to the home side’s credit that they kept on going for the win at all times, and Marple were a relieved side when number eleven Scholes was deceived and stumped by Jim Morgan off Greasley at 230 all out with just eight deliveries remaining.

Both sides deserve great credit for producing a fine game of cricket in very challenging conditions. Paul Wood was undoubtedly man of the match. He was the game’s stand out bowler with a Marple best of 6 for 49 to go with his 55 excellent runs.

A first win of the season for Marple, and they are away again next week with a short trip to Bollington next Saturday, 1.00pm start.

Marple seconds put up a much improved batting display at Nantwich on Saturday, totalling a respectable 178 for four in the 50 overs. There was a lot to be praised in Max Fitzgerald’s maiden second team half century. His 51 was a great effort, and he was well supported by Ryan Lindsay with 30, Andy Massey 33 not out and David Brook 18 not out. However, the bowlers toiled once again as Nantwich eventually coasted home by nine wickets.

Marple thirds made it two wins from two in the round robin T20 competition at Urmston. In the usual batsman friendly conditions at Urmston, Marple totalled a formidable 163 for 3, Matt Leech 79 not out and Joe Yates 38. This was far too many for the home team.

Erratic Marple Suffer Early Reverse

Oxton 205 for 3 (46.1 overs) 25 points beat Marple 204 for 9 (50 overs) 9 points by seven wickets.

On a glorious April day at Oxton’s superb ground, Marple were ultimately comfortably beaten by the home side.

With the weather resembling midsummer and the Oxton outfield short and lightning fast, Marple skipper Paul Wood was probably not too displeased to be asked to take first knock in the first game of the new season. The returning James Crisall and Mark Makin took strike to Oxton’s bustling young left arm Australian seamer, Patrick Magann, and curiously, off spinner Richard Fennah. Both batsmen looked confident, and Crisall was watchful in defence, but did not allow either bowler to dominate. Some early boundaries from both players eased Marple into the season, but both batsmen fell to shortish deliveries. Makin (9) was bowled by Fennah attempting a pull at 14 for 1, and just as the second wicket partnership between Crisall and Andrew Hall was beginning to flourish, the former pulled a long hop from first change bowler Fraser to Hillyer at square leg at 43 for 2. This was a promising return for Crisall (22) after a spell away from the club.

Hall is still in his prime as a batsman, and Paul Wood has an innate ability to bat according to the situation at hand. Hall’s timing was effortless, as he found the boundary with ease. Both batsmen had played themselves in, and taken sensible opportunities to score up until the drinks break after 25 overs. Marple were 86 for 2 at halfway.  After the refreshment, a goodish crowd was treated to some excellent strokeplay from both players as the run rate increased. It took Oxton captain, Jack Smith, some time to find his best bowling combination, but when Fraser returned he immediately had Hall lbw for a terrific 78 including 11 fours at 164 for 3. With Dane Williams also having settled well in his second spell, scoring began to look a little more difficult. Morgan supported Wood well, but when Wood was well caught for 53 at 182, Marple’s free scoring was at an end. Morgan threatened a cameo, but he was smartly held by Gibson for 20. It was a disappointing end to the innings as the lower order struggled against tight bowling. 204 for 9 was maximum batting points, but probably about 25 short of what looked on the cards during the Hall and Wood stand. Dane Williams was Oxton’s most successful bowler with 4 for 48.

When Oxton replied, with the experienced pair of Gibson and De Brabander, Marple knew that they would have to be consistent in line and length.  Pat Morahan looks to be a good acquisition, able to bowl a testing line from his height. He had an early wicket when Gibson was brilliantly caught behind by Morgan diving to his right. However, this only brought in Dane Williams who must have been buoyed by his success with the ball. They say things come in threes. Firstly, Will Darby dislocated a finger making a brilliant stop, and had to go to hospital, second Andy Massey strained his side and was only able to bowl two overs. Thirdly, Morahan fell awkwardly diving to try and stop four byes. He took a while to recover, but in the meantime, the Oxton second wicket stand progressed rapidly. There was a flurry of boundaries as a hundred partnership came up. Only Marple’s veteran off spinner Andy Greasley was able to offer any control. At the halfway point, the home side were way ahead of the asking rate with only one wicket down. Marple came back well, with Morahan putting his fall and any initial nerves behind him to bowl a testing spell in partnership with Greasley. Only 16 runs were ground out from the next ten overs, and Morahan produced a good one to remove Williams for a solid 54. However, De Brabander, despite some alarms against both bowlers, held firm and rediscovered his fluency. He made an excellent 100 not out, being aided in two partnerships of 39 and 38 by Chris Williams and the secure Mahdi Quadri. Oxton ran out comfortable winners with almost four overs remaining.

This was a disappointing start for Marple, but they should not be too despondent. There were enough signs to show that with application and perseverance, success can achieved this season. Next week the side travel again, this time on Sunday 30^th April, to Warrington with a twelve noon start.

Marple seconds had a nightmare start at Toft, suffering a ten wicket defeat after being bowled out for only 74.

It was left to the third team to record the club’s first win of the season with a comprehensive 66 run victory in the round robin T20 competition. Marple 144 for 7 (Matt Leech 56) Heaton Mersey 78 for 7 (Albert Connor 3 for 17).

Davenham Prevail in Mid Table Finale!

Davenham 157 for 6 (35.5 overs) 25 points beat Marple 155 all out (41.1 overs) 6 points by six wickets.

This game did not produce a memorable finish to the 2016 cricket season, as Marple ended the campaign as they began it with an away defeat to a mid Cheshire side.

The early overs of the Marple innings were though, dominated by a fine knock from Andrew Hall. Hall produced some scintillating stroke play with boundaries all around the wicket.

Sadly for the visitors, this exhibition did not inspire his teammates, George Pearson excepted. Maybe a makeshift middle order was deluded into thinking that batting was an easy occupation after watching Hall at work, for from the heady heights of 113 for one, Marple collapsed to just 155 all out. Hall (73) and Pearson (55) added 99 for the second wicket, but no other Marple batsman reached double figures as the rest of the innings became a procession on a blameless if slowish surface. Ed Saxelby remained undefeated as he held his end up in support of Pearson. 

The home attack was steady but by no means unplayable, with Taylor taking 5 for 55 and Blackie 3 for 14.
Led by South African Christian (58), Davenham made light of the target. A flurry of late wickets gave the score line a slightly flattering look from a Marple point of view. Andy Greasley was Marple's best bowler, seemingly having the ball on a string and being the only one to give a semblance of control. He fully deserved his 3 for 25 from 14.5 overs. Joe Cash battled away to take 3 for 46. 

In contrast to the glorious September sunshine, the Marple effort had very much the feel of the end of the season, with the fielding slack, and a number of chances going down. The side finished a wet season, (seven games lost to rain) in the lower half of division one of the Cheshire County League.

 Skipper George Clarke, with 6 for 25, was well supported by Andy Massey 3 for 21, as Marple seconds were comfortable winners over Macclesfield seconds at Mellor on Saturday. Marple were in trouble at 30 for 4, but Andy Mummery hit a fine and sometimes brutal 44 to to rescue the home side in partnership with Ryan Lindsay, 37. A total of 150 was way too many for Macclesfield on a tricky surface, as they succumbed for only 70 all out.

Marple thirds lost an entertaining game of cricket at Cale Green Stockport on Sunday. Chasing a huge 243 to win, Marple were eventually bowled out for 220.

Valiant Menzies Efforts in Vain!

Didsbury 140 for 4 (30.4 overs) 25 points beat Marple 138 all out 49.3 overs) 3 points by six wickets

At first glance on paper this game looks to have been a comfortable win for the league leaders Didsbury. With this victory, they assured themselves of promotion back to the Cheshire County Premier League. However, it was a game of what ifs (?) for Marple.

The visitors, with a number of players unavailable for this game, were inserted by Didsbury captain Nick Anderson. This practise has become the norm in the league this year, with sides generally believing that they are better at chasing than setting a target, whatever the conditions. On this occasion, the Didsbury pitch appeared to be a good cricket wicket. There was some movement for the seamers, and also some turn for the spinners. Also, if the bowler strayed, there was opportunity for the watchful batsman to play strokes, there being some good carry, and short boundaries square of the wicket.

Although Anderson was variable in line and length, his partner White settled well against Hall and Pearson.  The latter received a good one which he edged to keeper Leech at 6 for one.  This brought in Mark Makin at number three. After some careful appraisal of the conditions, the second wicket pair once again began to make batting look ridiculously easy. White’s early control deserted him, and with Anderson struggling for consistency, the runs began to flow as both players found the boundary with some glorious strokeplay. Maybe there was an element of over confidence from both players, as inevitably Anderson changed his attack at both ends. Off spinner Normanton is a deceptive bowler. Unusually, for the modern spinner, he has a longish run up. This enables him to vary his pace cunningly. Hall, seemingly not wanting to allow him to settle, danced down the pitch, misread the length and was bowled for a promising 27, the fifty having come up at an excellent rate. No panic yet for Marple though, as Makin appeared unfazed, and Wood is normally unflappable. However, the alarm bells began to ring for Marple when Makin aimed a pull at a ball from the left arm seamer Davenport that was too full. He too was comprehensively bowled for 30. When the promoted Joe Cash fell lbw for a duck, also to Davenport, Marple were 60 for 4, and the initial free scoring period was at an end.

Matt Barrow at six was playing his maiden first eleven game of the season.  With the home attack now gaining the ascendancy, the omens looked bleak for the visitors, especially as Barrow made several swishes at fresh air, and Wood, not unnaturally, was not at his most fluent. However, catastrophe was averted as Barrow began to play well in support of Wood who once again looked as though he was turning the game his side’s way. Although progress was slow, the fifth wicket stand added 33. Anderson then played his trump card of the afternoon in the shape of left arm spinner Matt Gregson. Once again, Marple became like rabbits in the headlights against this form of attack. Wood (26) was adjudged lbw, and although Menzies stayed with Barrow a while, there was no sense of permanency.  A brilliant throw from Hughes ran out Barrow for a gutsy 32 at 118 for 6. Barrow’s innings was a welcome bonus for Marple, and he showed his usual determination, and also hit a lofted a six off Gregson. The only other innings of note for Marple came from Ed Saxelby, who played a stylish little knock of 12, the highlight being a glorious extra cover drive off Anderson when the home skipper returned. Although Marple batted into the final over, Gregson polished off the tail with little resistance to finish with 5 for 19 from 9.3 overs. A final total of 138 looked to be somewhat below par.

When Didsbury began their reply, Menzies looked to be fired up for the battle. He was right on target in the first over, as he found an excellent rhythm, his pace up. The prolific Hughes was beaten all ends up and bowled for a duck.  Marple were unable to capitalise on this early success though. Menzies, overstretching himself, then bowled a succession of no balls, and Jack Grundy was unable to find his usual line and length at the other end, even bowling five wides. These extras let Didsbury off the hook, despite Menzies mixing up some absolute snorters, which just missed the batsmens’ outside edge, amongst the no balls. Andy Greasley replaced Grundy, and immediately settled into a probing spell, soon having Normanton (15) beautifully caught by Joe Cash at mid on. Menzies had settled again, and produced yet another beauty to bowl Taylor for 16, and Didsbury were tottering at 47 for 3. It was not to be Greasley’s day though as Marfani and Anderson groped around, and Marfani survived two confident lbw appeals that must have been very close. This fourth wicket stand rode its luck and began to prosper once Menzies was rested.  They added 64, with the powerful Anderson being the dominant partner. Menzies returned to shatter his stumps at the mythical total of Nelson, 111 for 4. Anderson (40) had played a fine knock for his side, and any thought Marple might have at getting back into the game were dashed as Gregson capped an excellent day with a rapid 15 not out including a huge six. Marfani was undefeated on 37 at the end as the victory was achieved. Not a fluent innings this, but it was his day in the sun. Menzies bowled with real venom throughout his two spells marred only by some overstepping, and his figures of 3 for 41 from 11 overs did him scant justice.

Marple’s final league game of the 2016 season is also away at Davenham, next Saturday 17th September 12.30pm start.

Marple seonds lost to Didsbury seconds by five wickets in a game played at Mellor’s Longhurst Lane ground due to improvements taking place at Marple. On another difficult surface Marple were bowled out for 106, with Ryan Lindsay and Andy Massey both battling into the thirties. Didsbury decided on an aggressive policy in pursuit of the target, and although losing five wickets on the way, ran home comfortable victors by the margin of five wickets with overs to spare. The good news for Marple was that they maintain their place in the second eleven premier league for 2017 with results elsewhere going in their favour.

There was also relief for Marple thirds on Sunday at Toft, when a last over two wicket win assured them of cricket in the Sunday third eleven premier league for next year. Toft made 145 for 9 with Connor Bergin taking 3 for 8, Paul Roberts 2 for 49 and Sam Stretton 2 for 31. Marple slumped to 27 for 4, but a stand of 91 between Matt Leech, 67, and Dav Tomlinson, 19, brought Marple back into it. A further flurry of wickets had hearts pounding, but Sam Stretton with 15 not out coolly saw Marple home with three balls to spare!

Washout at Sale and a tough day for the seconds

Torrential rain once more forced Marple's game at Sale to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. All games in the Cheshire County League were rained off on a dire Saturday.

With seven out of twenty games lost to the elements for Marple, the 2016 season already equals that of 2012 which was the wettest since 1912! A trip to league leaders Didsbury awaits the team next Saturday, 10th September, 12.30pm start.

Runs were hard to come by in Marple's second eleven game played at Mellor on Sunday.

 A number of dropped catches allowed the visitors Hyde to reach a way above par score of 128 all out on a treacherous pitch. Skipper George Clarke had a 4 for 36 return with Andy Hayes and Andy Massey taking three apiece. Marple's reply never got going, with only Mike Fitzgerald (14) registering double figures as Marple collapsed to just 60 all out. For Hyde, Humphries had the fine figures of 5 for 16 from 15 overs.

Marple cricket chairman and club legend Chris Lees leads the Cheshire over 60 side in the national over 60's final against Kent at Lutterworth, Leicestershire, on Tuesday. The club wishes Chris and his troops all the best after a terrific season for veterans cricket in Cheshire.