Marple Squeeze Home In Nailbiter!

Marple, relegated from the premier division of the Cheshire County League last season, visited Congleton, promoted from division two, last Saturday. It proved to be tightly contested affair, the two clubs opting for a 40 per side contest.

Jim Morgan elected to bat for Marple, and batting proved tough, particularly against the quality of Congleton opening bowler Jack Goode. Marple were bowled out in the 31^st over for just 134. Sam Stretton, once more impressing at the top of the order made a fine 27. Mark Makin hit a fluent and at times brutal 53, adding 64 for the fifth wicket with Morgan who made a solid 16. However, from 112 for 4, the innings fell away, Eddie Henshall ending the innings with a hat trick, his final figures being 3 for 20. The impressive Goode had 3 for 15.

Marple were grateful to Jack Grundy who produced a terrific opening burst when Congleton replied. The home side were always under pressure, despite 34 from Jacob Wilshire and 38 from Goode. Grundy, having benefitted from some cricket in Australia during the winter, produced one of his magic spells to take 3 for 15.

 There was good support from all the other bowlers, with Ed Saxelby taking 2 for 18 and off spinner Joe Cash wrapping things up nicely with 3 for 15. It was tense though, the last man falling at 132, to give Marple a tight 2 run victory and four points.

Marple seconds were on the receiving end against a strong and experienced Didsbury second team at Bowden Lane. The visitors totalled a very useful 219 for 4 in their 40 overs, Jason Jeffery 73 and Marcus Fisher 89. Marple did not throw in towel with the bat reaching 102 for 8. Lewis Braddock impressed with 40, Jamie Massey 22 and Stuart Bass 18. However, in this hopefully “one off” season, there were no points this week for the home team in the mini league of six teams.

Cricket Returns, But a Tricky Start For Marple!

Competetive club cricket made a welcome return last Saturday after a three month delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, for Marple, the games did not quite produce the desired results, although for the second team the Massey brothers shone in victory in the first of the two T20 matches.

Marple groundsman Mike Hibbert has kept the Bowden Lane ground in top notch condition during lockdown and in the preparation time before the start of this truncated season. Old rivals Macclesfield were the visitors, and the clubs opted to play two T20 matches. This form of the game has rarely been a favourite or strong suit for Marple, although the side featured a number of very promising young players, now with some good experience behind them.

This first match saw Marple slump to 25 for 7! However, some doughty rearguard action from Ed Saxelby (23) and Jack Grundy (21) saw a recovery to 79 all out after 19 overs. For Macclesfield, opening bowler Pat Turner was unstoppable with 5 for 9. The visitors made light of this target despite Joe Cash picking up an early wicket with his off spin. The hard hitting John Birchall (49*) was severe on all the bowlers, and a nine wicket victory ensued in only the twelfth over.

In the second game, Marple fared a little better, restricting Macc to 125 for 8 in the full 20 overs. Most of the batters reached double figures, but Marple would have been hopeful of gaining some revenge. It was not to be though, as accurate bowling always kept the reply in check. A total of 88 for 8 never threatened to win the match for Marple. Sam Stretton had a good overall day for Marple with 3 for 29 to go with scores of 16 and 19. Of the other bowlers, Max Fitzgerald took 2 for 33 and George Clarke 2 for 21, whilst Mudassar Panchbhaya was miserly with 0 for 11 from his four overs. Mike Schofield hit a valiant 30 in the reply, but he was hampered by the fact that wickets fell at regular intervals, and he could not mount a serious charge on the target. 

It was a slightly better story for the second team away to Macclesfield seconds. In the first game Marple posted 116 for 5, Jamie Massey 38. Macclesfield were sent packing for just 52, with brother Andy demolishing the batting taking a stunning 6 for 10. The second game saw the home side recover well though.  Marple exceeded their first game score with 122 for 4, Conor Ramsey 43 and James Crisall 23. However, a much improved reply by Macc saw them home for the loss of just one wicket, Dan Isherwood 53 not out, and Sam Buckingham 50 not out.

Marple and Compstall Cricket Clubs Merge!

We are pleased to announce that Marple and Compstall Cricket clubs have merged at both senior and junior levels.

Cricket nationally is struggling from a participation point of view, and with this in mind, both Compstall and Marple have taken proactive action to mitigate the impact of this. The merger will see regular cricket played at both grounds enabling us to continue to play an active and valuable role in our communities.

We will have Four Men's Senior Teams, 3 of which will play on a Saturday and 1 that will play on a Sunday. The 1st and 2nd Team will continue to play as Marple in the Cheshire County League, with a 3rd Team playing as Marple/Compstall in the UKFast League on a Saturday, and a Marple/Compstall team playing on a Sunday. The 3rd and Sunday teams will primarily be about developing younger players, exposing them to senior cricket in a competitive but unpressurised environment and preparing them to move up into the 1st and 2nd team in the coming years. These teams will be a healthy blend of experienced and young players.

Our 1st and 2nd XI Women’s teams play in the Cheshire Women’s League and we welcome new members to our squad.

An extensive junior offering will include multiple teams / sessions at a number of age groups, including an all girls team playing in the Cheshire and High Peak U11 League (max age 13);

We hope you will be pleased to know that we will be continuing to run the Friday Night sessions (Fun) at both Marple and Compstall grounds, where children and parents alike can enjoy the start of the weekend.

Social membership will continue to thrive, with bar and function room facilities at both grounds, Sky Sports at Marple and regular club and community fundraising events. Of course, everybody is welcome to come and enjoy watching a game of cricket.

We encourage you all to be a part of this merger, help us to turn the tide on participation whilst using cricket as a positive force within our community, providing a focal point for community spirit and the development of our youth. We also encourage new players to join our journey and be part of this exciting opportunity for the young and the young at heart. We are keen to expand our teams to encompass over 40's and a Sunday friendly team, along with providing additional junior and senior playing opportunities wherever we can. Get in contact with Andy Wild 07808 609855 or Rob Bradley 07887 743394.

As always, we know we couldn’t do this without the fantastic support of our club volunteers. There are many ways to get involved, from scoring and coaching, to groundwork and maintenance, to social media, events and community projects. Talk to us about how we can help you share your skills.

It’s an exciting new chapter ahead and we look forward to seeing you during the summer.

From all at Marple Cricket Club

Garry Signs Off!

The Cheshire County League’s all time leading run scorer Garry Cash played his final game of cricket when Marple seconds entertained Neston seconds. It could not have gone better for Cash senior, as the side raised itself to win the game by three wickets in a low scoring battle. Garry himself made just fifteen, but his son Joe was acting captain on the day. Joe took four wickets and then hit 38 not out as Marple reached 117 for 7 to win the game and secure their status in the Cheshire County second eleven premier league. Marple’s third eleven also confirmed their Sunday premier league survival after the season’s final game at Stockport Georgians last Sunday. Georgians were dismissed for just 95, Jack Grundy 4 for 17, and Tom Reeve 2 for 27. In reply Marple coasted to a seven wicket win in just 20 overs, Matt Leech 38, Grundy 29 and Sam Stretton 23.

Whilst dropping out of the top level of Cheshire cricket is a disappointment for Marple, there is much good cricket to be played in division one. There will be more opportunity to give younger players extra responsibility, and with a good blend of youth and experience, there is no reason that the side cannot be competitive. The premier league has been tough this season, with consistent run scoring proving difficult for most teams. In a wet second half of the summer, it is no coincidence that the champions are Chester Boughton Hall, with Wirral club Neston finishing runners up. Chester have certainly been the best side this season, but the damper weather in the east has not generally helped teams from that part of the county.

Marple Battle to the End, But Drop to Division One For 2020

Marple’s fate was sealed with two games of a difficult season left to be played. They did, however, battle hard against two strong sides in Neston and Hyde, showing good spirit in both matches.

The home defeat to Nantwich on 31^st August meant that Marple will play their cricket in division one of the Cheshire County League in 2020. This was always likely to be tough fixture against the reigning champions, who were also finalists in the National Club finals due to be played at Lords cricket ground on September 16^th.

After this game there remained two away fixtures to be played, glorious September sunshine gracing both matches. At Neston, the batting finally functioned well on a superb pitch over on the Wirral. A total of 208 for 7 was competitive, with Andrew Hall finding some form to hit a very welcome 53. Max Fitzgerald continued his development with a fine 37, coming in at number three, where he displayed courage and skill in combating the pace of the league’s quickest Ash Davis. Mark Makin has been Marple’s leading batsman over the season, and here he played with admirable responsibility, hitting an attractive 41, adding 65 with Fitzgerald for the fourth wicket, and then 60 with Hall for the fifth. When Neston replied, they lost wickets regularly to Grundy, Brown, Greasley, and also Ed Saxelby who bowled a fine spell of 2 for 30. Unfortunately for Marple though, it was South African all rounder Mike Eckard’s day. In the Marple knock he took 4 for 42 with his naggingly accurate off spin. Then, when his side was in some trouble at 122 for 6, he took the game by the scruff of the neck. Ash Davis (24 not out) gave good and solid support as Eckard (62 not out) pressed the accelerator. The pair added 87 without looking in too much difficulty to bring up a hard earned four wicket win for the home team.

At Hyde’s scenic Werneth Low ground, the sun also shone for the final game of the season. However, this time, wet weather in the build up to the fixture meant that the pitch used gave considerable assistance to bowlers of all types. Greasley bowled a masterful spell, achieving substantial turn and grip from the surface. He took a fantastic 7 for 48 in 16.5 overs as Hyde were all out for 169. In the Hyde knock, there were two cameo innings that tilted the game Hyde’s way. Firstly, young Lancashire star George Balderson hit a belligerent 34, and then, coming in at number ten, Dan Cranmer whacked a free and easy 31 not out to help his side post a good total in challenging batting conditions.  Earlier, the opening stand of 36 between Hyde’s fine young players, skipper Tom Partridge (16) and Luke Young (20) got the home side away to a good start.

The Hyde bowling attack is amongst the very best in the league, and on this surface they were not going to be denied. Wood and Morgan were both comprehensively bowled, and veteran seamer Jason Whittaker, in particular, was a handful. The umpires gave their fingers a proper work out as five batsmen were adjudged lbw. Only Hall with 31, Paulett, 20, Fitzgerald 14 and Saxleby 11 not out reached double figures as Marple could respond with just 105 all out. The first two mentioned here added 41 for the seventh wicket to give Marple a faint hope, but it was the sort of day when there was always a ball with the batsman’s name on it waiting around the corner. Whittaker had an immaculate 3 for 25, left arm spinner Cranmer 3 for 35 and Luke Young impressed with his left arm over the wicket skiddy seamers to clean up with 2 for 4. Cole Turner, with 1 for 14, chipped in with the vital wicket of Hall at 87 for 7.

Garry Signs Off!

The Cheshire County League’s all time leading run scorer Garry Cash played his final game of cricket when Marple seconds entertained Neston seconds. It could not have gone better for Cash senior, as the side raised itself to win the game by three wickets in a low scoring battle. Garry himself made just fifteen, but his son Joe was acting captain on the day. Joe took four wickets and then hit 38 not out as Marple reached 117 for 7 to win the game and secure their status in the Cheshire County second eleven premier league. Marple’s third eleven also confirmed their Sunday premier league survival after the season’s final game at Stockport Georgians last Sunday. Georgians were dismissed for just 95, Jack Grundy 4 for 17, and Tom Reeve 2 for 27. In reply Marple coasted to a seven wicket win in just 20 overs, Matt Leech 38, Grundy 29 and Sam Stretton 23.

Whilst dropping out of the top level of Cheshire cricket is a disappointment for Marple, there is much good cricket to be played in division one. There will be more opportunity to give younger players extra responsibility, and with a good blend of youth and experience, there is no reason that the side cannot be competitive. The premier league has been tough this season, with consistent run scoring proving difficult for most teams. In a wet second half of the summer, it is no coincidence that the champions are Chester Boughton Hall, with Wirral club Neston finishing runners up. Chester have certainly been the best side this season, but the damper weather in the east has not generally helped teams from that part of the county.

Fearless Meese Sinks Gallant Marple!

Cheadle 136 for 9 (49.3 overs) 25 points beat Marple 132 all out (54.1 overs) 6 points by one wicket

After chasing Marple’s modest total of 132 all out, Kingsway side Cheadle had subsided to 116 for 9, mainly due to a terrific spell of 5 for 40 from up and coming leg spinner Max Fitzgerald. Enter left arm seam bowler Pat Meese at number eleven in the order. Meese was not fazed by the situation facing him. He took the bull by the horns, and his innings of 12 not out is probably one he will remind his team mates of in the future.

The penultimate Saturday of August saw glorious, warm weather and not a cloud in the sky. However, a wet month, combined with a traditionally tough pitch at Kingsway, once more saw batting as an occupation fraught with risk. The Cheadle side is one that has maximised the resources at it’s disposal in the seasons since the club returned to Premier League Cricket. Skipper Dan Brown is not only a fine and accurate right arm seam bowler with terrific control, he is also an intelligent captain. This season has seen the addition of left arm seam bowler Pat Meese to the Cheadle ranks, and this has taken some of the pressure of Brown with the new ball. The Cheadle skipper was immaculate in his line and length, and although Andrew Hall and Paul Wood both looked secure for Marple, it was apparent that run scoring was going to be tough. With the ball not coming on to the bat, and the bounce inconsistent, Jim Morgan’s decision to bat first was looking to be a doubtful one.

Once again, Marple’s fragile batting in the 2019 season was exposed. The only partnership of note came between Mark Makin and Andrew Paulett after the visitors had subsided to 67 for 6. Makin, at number five, showed terrific self control, and he showed determination to try and bat through the full 55 overs. Hall had fallen to Meese, and Brown’s accuracy accounted for Wood, Morgan and Liam Brown. Some gutsy batting from Marple’s seventh wicket stand got them back into the game though, despite left arm spinner Will Holmes settling into a very testing spell. Paulett’s fine knock saw him hoist the talented leg spinner Josh Dooler for tree huge sixes, removing one threat from Cheadle’s talented bowling quartet. When Meese returned for a second spell he was right on the mark though. He bowled Makin for 39 when the Marple man attempted to force the pace as the overs began to ebb away. The nagging Holmes picked up most of the middle and lower order with his accuracy on a helpful surface, Paulett (43) also falling in an attempt to raise the score towards the end of the innings. 132 all out may not have seemed a big score, but batting was never easy, and Marple knew they were in the game. Brown had 3 for 20, Meese 3 for 30 and Holmes 4 for 42 for Cheadle.

When Cheadle replied, their initial response was anchored by the impressive Elliot Bullock. Although he lost Adams and Subhaan Mahmood to Liam Brown and Jack Grundy respectively, he found an excellent partner in Greg Dixon. Dixon did not suggest and air of permanence, but he kept the scoreboard moving, despite Brown in particular, bowling a testing spell. Veteran off spinner Greasley was introduced, and he settled immediately into a probing examination of the home batsmen. However, for Marple the decision of Morgan to throw the ball to young leg spinner Max Fitzgerald was an inspired one. Prior to this, Ed Saxelby had bowled a good spell without luck, seeing two edges flash through the slip area but not to hand. Fitzgerald’s spell was a real shot in the arm for Marple, and one could sense the game changing as he caused real problems for the Cheadle line up. He took four quick wickets, including the impressive Bullock for a classy 37, as huge doubt was cast over the run chase. Greasley, at the other end, was perfect in his control, but was frustrated, not picking up a wicket until he had two in two balls to leave Cheadle on 108 for 8. When the impressive Fitzgerald decieved and bowled Dixon for 49 Cheadle were 116 for 9. Surely that was it? Now Meese had his moment. From the first ball he faced he superbly drove Brown for four and never looked in trouble. Where had Cheadle been hiding their secret weapon?  With Greasley bowled out, and Samuels stout in his support of Meese an unlikely home win beckoned. Meese was unflinching, and saw his team home by one wicket, once more a tenth wicket stand doing for Marple. Fitzgerald became the first Marple leg spinner to take five wickets in an innings (5 for 41) since the volatile Chris Wood way back in 1981, and his performance was a really heartening one, his spin and variation causing problems for all the batsmen. Greasley was pin point in his accuracy, and had no luck during his 2 for 17 from 17 overs.

So, an agonizing defeat for Marple in a low scoring thriller. They have three games left, but just one at home, to reigning champions Nantwich at Bowden Lane next Saturday 31^st August, 11.30am start.

Marple seconds halted a run of defeats with a battling draw at home to Cheadle seconds on Saturday. Cheadle posted an impressive 199 for 8, with Drew Carswell, 41 and Moin Shah , 71, leading the way. Stand in skipper Joe Cash took 4 for 40 from fifteen overs for Marple. Once again several Marple batsmen got starts, but no one could make a half century. Jamie Massey, 30 and Gary Cash 33 threatened to win the game, although the pitch was not conducive to free stroke making. Marple got close, closing on 185 for 8, Tom Whiteley taking a restrictive 3 for 40 for Cheadle. Once again, a junior sized short boundary on one side was a curiosity in a second eleven game at Bowden Lane.

Marple thirds received a drubbing at Didsbury on Sunday. Marple did well in the field, with Didsbury restricted to 174 for 9, Tom Reeve 3 for 23, Connor Bergin 2 for 27 and Lewis Braddock 2 for 40. The Marple batting had no answer to Zain Basharat though. He took 5 for 8 in six overs, as the visitors subsided to just 54 all out, only Braddock (12) reaching double figures.

Super Sam Lifts Marple’s Saturday Gloom!

Toft 96 for 4 (21.1 0vers) 25 points beat Marple 93 all out (32.5 overs) 7 points by six wickets

Marple’s talented young allrounder Sam Stretton cheered the club on Sunday, as his terrific matchwinning performance of 83 runs and then a spell of 4 for 17 with the ball, took the third eleven to a fine 35 run win over second placed Stockport Georgians last Sunday at Bowden Lane.

Torrential rain all day Friday, and then a prolonged heavy shower on the morning of the match meant that Marple’s crucial league encounter with Toft was reduced to one of 35 overs per side starting at 3.15pm. In years past, this amount of rain would almost certainly have meant no cricket, but the drainage system in place now, meant a reasonable game could ensue. It was hard to know whether Jim Morgan was happy or not to be inserted after losing the toss. He dropped himself down to number three, and asked Andrew Hall to open up with Paul Wood.

The pitch was two paced and had some uneven bounce due to the rain, but it actually played reasonably well. After a steady start, Marple reaching 44 for 1 in the twelfth over, the introduction of third seamer Will Dunkerley completely undid Marple. Jackson and Forster are an opening attack well known to Marple, but first change Dunkerley not familiar to the side. He bowls at a good medium pace, and has a strong economical action. He consistently hit a length around off stump, and nipped the ball back in to the batsmen. On this day, it was far too good. Maybe the shortened game meant that Marple did not manage formulate a plan against him, but he hit the stumps four times in a remarkable spell of 6 for 10 in just nine overs. It was quite a surprise when Lomas took him off, as he had the rare opportunity of taking 9 wickets in an innings. There was not much to cheer in the Marple innings, although Morgan found the boundary four times in his 18 and Mike Schofield once more showed his improvement with a solid 22. Although batting conditions were never easy, 93 all out was probably 30 to 40 or short of a competitive score.

When Toft replied, the attack of Brown and Wylie was steady, but did not find the movement achieved by Dunkerley. Veteran off spinner Greasley was introduced after just six overs as Marple had to take wickets. He gave the home side a brief glimmer of hope, trapping Drummond, Forster and Craig all lbw. At 39 for 3 Toft had their one wobble of the afternoon.

However, in Rob Sehmi, they have one of the league’s best players. Sehmi is the current Cheshire wicket keeper, and is also a leading run scorer for the county this season. Indeed, he made 122 the following day in the county’s fixture against Shropshire. He judges the length of the ball quickly, and his footwork is out of the top draw. Whilst he was watchful against Greasley, he was not going to allow the maestro to just bowl. A huge six was seemingly just stroked, as some vocal home support tried to raise Marple spirits. He found a willing partner at number five in Jackson who appeared in little difficulty, smiting two mighty sixes of his own. The fourth wicket pair comfortably took the score to 91, before Jackson (29) was well caught from a skier by Brown at long on. Sehmi ended on 29 not out though, and Toft were easy victors by six wickets. For Marple Greasley had a valiant 4 for 29, but that was it. Marple remain second from bottom, and visit Cheadle at Kingsway ne3xt Saturday with an 11.30am start.

It proved to be just the start of a fantastic weekend for Toft, as on the Sunday they defeated Liverpool Competition side Ormskirk to go through to the national club T20 finals day at Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Toft made it a Saturday double with a seven wicket victory over Marple seconds. After an opening stand of 50 between Sam Stretton (28) and Jonny Marshall (18), it was an all too familiar collapse for Marple. Once again, no batsman could go on, although Tom Headridge impressed with 18 coming in at eight. 103 all out was a poor show. James Hodgson’s off spin proved too good and he finished with 6 for 24. All of the home team’s top four managed starts, and Ewan Williams 24, and Max Nightingale 36 not out, wrapped up a straightforward seven wicket win. Stewart Bass chipped in with 3 for 22 for Marple.