Wood and Morgan Fire up Marple!

Marple 197 for 3 (47.2 overs) 25 points beat Upton 196 for 5 (50 overs) 7 points by 7 wickets

At the tea break of this game, it was difficult to know who was the happier of the two sides. Wirral club Upton’s innings had progressed nicely, but maybe they were twenty runs short of a par score on what was an excellent home pitch. Marple, on the other hand, had kept the opposition to a manageable total, but had not really dominated proceedings.

With temperatures about 15 degrees cooler than the previous week, Marple captain Paul Wood opted to insert the opposition at Bowden Lane last Saturday. His decision was rewarded when Ed Saxelby picked up both openers, Matt Owen, brilliantly caught one handed by keeper Morgan, and the dangerous Stowell- Smith lbw for a promising 25. Marple were though unable to fully capitalise on this good start, as the Upton middle order of McArthur, Dan Owen and the experienced Neil Cross played sensibly. It was Cross, (58) who was the most dominant of the three after he came in at 92 for 3, McArthur being well held by Morahan off Greasley for 33. Cross and Owen (50) added 74 for the fourth wicket without fully getting away. Cross did hit three huge sixes, but did not inspire the other batsmen to aggression. Owen’s half century occupied 108 deliveries, despite some pleasing drives.  A final total of 196 for 5 represented neither feast nor famine. Greasley was in miserly mood, picking up 1 for 21 in his 15 overs. Morahan also picked up the late wickets of Owen and Cross, well caught by Crisall off a skier.

In Marple’s reply, Crisall and Makin were in watchful mood, but neither player appeared unduly troubled by the useful opening attack of Ingram and Sundue. However, things changed dramatically after Crisall (14) edged a good one from Ingram to keeper Marsland at 32 for 1. Makin, who was again looking in ominous form was adjudged lbw to first change Maguire for 28 at 45 for 2. Andrew Hall, also fell lbw, once more to a slow left arm bowler, Williams, for just 3 and Marple were in a hole at 45 for 3.

Maybe the visitors’ total of 196 was a good one after all? Williams settled into an accurate spell against Wood and Morgan. Maguire, although bowling some excellent deliveries, did help relieve the pressure on the batsmen with the occasional loose one. Paul Wood has such a presence at the crease this season, born of confidence in his technique against all types of bowlers, and the fact that he has a game plan and cool head to put it into operation. Of the two, it was Morgan who fretted at times, but as he increasingly found the middle of the bat, he began to play some glorious strokes all round the wicket. This period produced by far the best cricket of the afternoon. The bowling was good, but Marple’s fourth wicket pair was more than up to the task.  Upton’s decision to introduce Cross into the attack though did not pay dividends and his seven overs cost 39 runs and three lost balls as both players deposited him out of the ground!

After the 100 partnership was raised, the batsmen looking rock solid by now, Upton heads began to drop a little although they never threw in the towel. A good crowd cheered some searing boundaries from both players as the winning line came into sight. Fittingly, on his birthday, it was captain Wood who cut the winning 4 with almost three overs remaining. His stand with Morgan was worth 152 runs undefeated.  Both players hit ten fours apiece, and also Wood smote two sixes and Morgan one. Morgan ended 77 not out, and Wood 73 not out. This was the Marple captain’s eighth half century in eight innings this season, and sees him past 500 league runs, a remarkable sequence. Morgan’s powerful driving also drew audible gasps from spectators as the ball scorched the turf.

Match ball sponsor was former Marple and Cheshire wicket keeper Tom Hodson.

Marple are now in fifth place in what has become a very tight league. There is still very little between the top six clubs, but at the other end of the table, two or three sides are already looking in trouble. Next Saturday sees Marple visit old rivals Macclesfield with a 1.00pm start.

In a seesaw game at Upton, Marple seconds ended up on slightly the worse side of an entertaining drawn game. Two uneven scorecards saw the home team post 171 for 9 after being 21 for 4 and 61 for 6, Newhouse, 34, Williams, 39, and Livingstone 51. Jack Grundy was the pick of the Marple bowlers with 3 for 40. Marsland, Clarke and Bass had two apiece.

In the reply, Marple got away to a good start, with Will Darby 18, Mark Nicholson, 40, and Andy Wild 33 leading the way. The middle order collapsed though, and it was left to skipper Clarke and Tom Travis, 16 not out, to save the day, Marple closing on 142 for 7.

On Sunday, Marple thirds got back to winning ways with a nine wicket thrashing of neighbours Bramhall. The visitors struggled to 132 for 9, with Jacob Combey 3 for 29, Mike Smith 2 for 31 and Ryan Ellis 2 for 16. Despite being 1 for 1, Marple, led by stand in skipper, the inform David Brook (70 not out) and Jonny Arrowsmith (49 not out) cantered home to a welcome victory.

Run Fest Then Frustration For Marple at Widnes!

Marple 270 for 7 (50 overs) 15 points had a winning draw against Widnes 193 for 9 (50 overs) 6 points

On the first really hot day of the 2017 season, Marple captain Paul Wood was probably happy to win the toss and elect to bat first at Widnes’s Beaconsfield Road last Saturday. The home side’s pitch was to prove tough for the seam bowlers all day, and Marple’s opening pair of James Crisall and Mark Makin were not unduly troubled as they amassed a first wicket stand of 123. Crisall was slightly the more dominant during this partnership, although he did receive the lion’s share of the strike. Both players though, were in top form with the boundary being found regularly. There were also a number of threes run which did not impress the batsmen in the heatwave, the home outfield not being as short as it could be.

The Widnes seam trio of Moore, Nawaz and Hewitt posed few problems, and the Marple travelling support was royally entertained. Both batsmen drove exquisitely through the covers, and Makin pulled the ball brutally through the leg side when anything short was served up. However, when Widnes skipper Kirby introduced the off spin of Naughton and the slow left arm of Fourie, the complexion of the game changed. It was not as though the ball was turning square, but that both bowlers bowled a testing line and length. They had to be treated with respect. Naughton first deceived Crisall in flight and had him stumped for a fluent 70 at 123 for 1. Before Andrew Hall had time to settle, Makin was also beaten in the air and bowled for an entertaining 52 at 130. For once, Andrew Hall (3) lbw to Fourie, failed and at 132 for 3 Widnes were back in the contest. Paul Wood is unstoppable this season though, and with Jim Morgan gradually establishing himself, the Marple wobble seemed to be over. The fourth wicket stand advanced the score to 170 in the fortieth over before Fourie’s nagging accuracy brought him the wicket of Morgan (21) also lbw.

Now came the most entertaining cricket of the afternoon. A fit and single minded Mark Bennett strode to the middle. There was no respect for the bowlers, just a determination to post the highest score possible. Bennett did not play himself in with care, but was in top form from ball one. Paul Wood did not need a second invitation to pounce on anything off line either. The final ten overs of the innings produced 100 runs in 39 minutes.  Fourie’s figures were dented as he was despatched for huge sixes by both players, and when Nawaz returned to relieve Naughton he was pummelled by both batsmen. It was not just the boundary count that hurt Widnes, but that two players in prime form ran brilliantly between the wickets. A chastened Widnes team were relieved when the carnage was over at 270 for 5, Wood, 53, being caught at deep square leg from the final ball of the innings. Marple’s captain now has seven half centuries in seven innings this season, a remarkable achievement, but he is not the type to rest on any laurels. Mark Bennett (52 not out) could yet equal him, as he has two first rate fifties in his two knocks this year so far. For Widnes, Fourie ended with 3 for 59 from 13 overs, and Naughton a hard earned 2 for 66 from 15.

As is often the case when one side has scored a large total on a hot day, the side batting second invariably struggles. Marple’s opening attack of Morahan and Wylie were fresh and raring to go. Wylie, in particular, seemed to have the measure of the conditions. Here is a bowler, full of skill and experience. He bowled straight, but on a length just short of drivable. He was rewarded with the wickets of Burns and Fourie who was brilliantly caught at slip by Wood. Morahan chipped in with the wicket of Kirby, and Widnes were in dire straits at 37 for 3. However, Alex Hewitt, after surviving a couple of close decisions, added 60 runs with Moore.  For Marple, young off spinner Connor Bergin, making his first eleven league debut, bowled tidily as did Ed Saxelby who did not enjoy good fortune. Bergin was rewarded with the wickets of Moore and Naughton as Widnes slumped to 109 for 5. When the returning Wylie bowled Cain at 114 for 7, all seemed lost for the home team. However, Hewitt had grown in confidence during his innings, playing a number of pleasing drives. He now found a determined partner in Anders. Marple’s frustration grew as it seemed as though there was no way through. Morahan tried some short stuff at Anders (20) who eventually lost patience and was lbw to the part time spin of Makin at 173 for 8. Although Yandell fell soon afterwards, number eleven Nawaz comfortably blocked the last over to see Widnes to a losing draw.  Hewitt, 78 not out, made the highest score of the match, and displayed an admirable temperament.  Wylie, not often a lucky bowler had 3 for 34 from 12 overs. Morahan, hampered by a lack of pace in the wicket battled hard for his 2 for 64. Bergin had a commendable 2 for 29 from his seven overs.

Marple played some excellent cricket in this game against the league leaders. The home side’s tail proved stubborn though, and Marple remain in mid table. Next Saturday sees Wirrall club Upton visit Bowden Lane, 1.00pm start.

Marple second eleven continued their resurgence with a 15 run victory over Didsbury in an excellent game at Marple on Saturday. In front of a good crowd, Marple made a challenging 185 for 8. Max Fitzgerald (35) and Will Darby (27) shared a half century opening stand. However, some accurate Didsbury bowling reduced Marple to 81 for 6. The second team has some resilience though, and Jamie Massey (46 not out) was very well supported by Stuart Bass and Mudassar Panchbhaya as a commendable total was eventually posted.

Didsbury got away to a good start, but another Marple captain, George Clarke with six wickets took his side to a deserved win. He was ably aided by Jack Grundy,  Mudassar and Bass, and also some fine catching from his side.

Marple thirds, with a gritty 57 from David Brook dug themselves out of a hole to post a score of 137 all out against Alderley Edge at Bowden Lane on Sunday. From the depths of 26 for 3, Brook and Lewis Braddock (24) added 75 for the fourth wicket. Despite an early success for Marple in the reply,  Alderley ‘s fine young batsmen George Bell  (41 not out), a Lancashire age group player, and Ollie Pooler (63 not out), saw the visitors to a nine wicket win with excellent temperament and strokeplay.

Torrential Downpour Scuppers Marple!

That rare pairing, the month of June and a Marple first eleven home game once more proved elusive last Saturday. A rainstorm of tropical proportions caused the cancellation of the team's game with Urmston. They will hope for better fortune next Saturday when they visit league leaders Widnes, 1.00pm start.

Marple seconds made a decent fist of their game at table toppers Chester Boughton Hall, despite only mustering 142 all out. As is the norm, the weather proved kinder in the west of the county, and a full game was possible. The Marple innings never really got going with the top order struggling against tight bowling. It was left to Stewart, Bass, 42 and Mudassar Panchbhaya, 27, to rescue things after a slump to 60 for 5. Gary Cash bravely contributed 21 not out at the end, despite a nagging shoulder injury. 

With the ball, Marple almost almost pulled off an unlikely victory. A collapse followed a comfortable start, with Jack Grundy, 4 wickets and Mudassar, 3 hitting the stumps six times between them. Chester regained their equilibrium, and ended victors by three wickets.

Once more, the third eleven's batting fell apart, this time at Nantwich on Sunday. Only Matt Barrow with 33 and Conor Bergin 15 not out reached double figures as Marple slumped to 80 all out. The home side cruised to a seven wicket victory.

Morahan Burst Sets Up Thrashing!

Marple 66 for 1 (9.4 overs) 25 points beat Weaverham 65 all out (27.5 overs) 0 points by nine wickets

Marple, inspired by a match winning opening spell from Patrick Morahan, completed a rout over struggling Weaverham at the mid Cheshire club last Saturday.

Morahan, who took a club best so far of 4 for 37, was once more given excellent support from Ed Saxelby. The first three home batsmen were back in the pavilion with only 18 on the board. To compound Weaverham’s misery, Aussie Cohen McElroy was taken off to hospital with a suspected dislocated knee. It had seemed as though lady luck was going to smile on him as he edged his first delivery past leg stump, was dropped at slip off his second and survived a confident appeal for caught behind off Saxelby next over. However, in attempting to keep out a yorker the following delivery, his leg appeared to lock and he was obviously in pain. There was a fifteen minute delay as the ambulance was summoned and the unfortunate McElroy was escorted away. It is to be hoped that his injury is not too serious.

After this, only Rob MacMillan, (34) with a few lusty blows, prevented total humiliation. Greasley weighed in with 3 for 7 and Jack Grundy gave nothing away when he replaced the tiring Morahan. Once more Marple’s catching was excellent, with seven different fieldsmen pouching chances.

Despite a rain shower between the innings, play got underway again at four o’clock.  Weaverham had little appetite for a battle as Crisall (15), Makin (25 not out) and Hall (21 not out) found the boundary with ease, the latter two memorably hitting huge sixes out of the ground. The target of 66 was reached in only 9.4 overs.

Marple remain in mid table, but there is very little between any of the top six sides. Conversely, the hosts find themselves already in a relegation battle. Next week Marple entertain Urmston with a 1.00pm start time.

Marple seconds continued their improvement with a fine six wicket victory over a useful Tattenhall side at Bowden Lane. With the Marple ground in superb condition, the visitors battled hard to reach a respectable 150 all out.  Skipper George Clarke and Andy Massey had four wickets each, and Mudassar Panchbaya two, with Conor Bergin providing solid support. Andy Wild (36) and Will Darby (57) shared an eighty plus opening stand against an impressive attack. When they, along with George Pearson were all dismissed, Tattenhall were well in contention, Marple on 92 for 3. However, a resolute Tim Radford (26 not out) with solid support from Jamie and Andy Massey, saw Marple home with three overs to spare.

Marple thirds were soundly beaten by Didsbury on Sunday. Chasing a mammoth 238 they subsided to only 67 all out.

Tenth Wicket Heroics Save Marple!

Davenham 183 for 9 (50 overs) 13 points drew with Marple 124 for 9 (50 overs) 6 points

Marple's last wicket pair of Paul Wood and Andy Greasley batted through the last twelve and a half overs to see Marple to a losing draw against a combative Davenham side at Bowden Lane last Saturday.

Although the Marple ground appeared in superb condition, there were some anxious home players, spectators and officials wondering how the first new pitch of the relaid square would play. It looked to be an absolute belter as visiting skipper Hancock elected to take first knock on winning the toss.. However, free stroke play proved difficult as Morahan and Wylie both bowled testing opening spells. The ball kept on the low side, and did not come on to the bat. 

For Davenham, only Sam Hunt, with a first rate 70, was able to really time the ball consistently. The in form Gallichen struggled to 13 in 56 deliveries. However, for the third game in a row, Marple were unable to remove the opposition tail. Hancock carved Morahan for four successive boundaries as an above par score of 183 for 9 was posted. Wylie was Marple's best bowler on the day with 3 for 34. Greasley came back well with 4 for 54 after suffering some heavy early punishment from Hunt.

The Marple reply never got off the ground, as tight Davenham bowling, particularly from Taylor, kept a lid on proceedings. Sambell had Hall brilliantly stumped and Makin and Crisall fell to excellent catches as the visitors gained the upper hand. Paul Wood once again held things together for Marple, and he received useful support in a sixth wicket stand of 32 from Max Fitzgerald, who showed skill and good judgement. However, the dual left arm spin combination of Bliss and Hancock looked to have done the trick as Marple subsided to 93 for 9. All looked lost, but Marple's hero of 2017, skipper Paul Wood recorded a sixth successive half century, this time a gutsy 60 not out. Greasley showed commendable application in batting  38 minutes for his 0 not out!

Marple are away to Weaverham next Saturday, 1.00 pm start. They are in mid table after  three consecutive draws, but the league is very tight this season, and a couple of wins can see the side back amongst the leaders.

Both Marple seconds and thirds were involved in excellent games. The seconds were narrowly defeated at Alderley Edge. Marple posted a very useful 184 for 7, Jamie Massey 33, Mudassar Panchbaya 47 and Ed Saxelby a fluent 28 not out. Marple were undone by former Lancashire opener  Mark Currie who hit a match winning 77 not out. Marple bowlers Saxelby, Clarke, Panchbaya and Shelton all did a sterling job as Alderley  just scraped home by three wickets.

The thirds had a draw at Cheadle. Chasing a daunting 203 for victory, they closed on 200 for 9. Marple will be pleased to see David Brook, 61, and Will Darby, 43, play leading roles. Both have just returned from nasty injuries.

Sting in the Oulton Tail Sees Honours Even

Oulton Park 159 for 8 (35 overs) 14 points drew with Marple 156 for 7 (35 overs) 8 points

The runs garnered by the Oulton Park lower order made for a challenging target as Marple had to settle for a draw at the scenic mid Cheshire ground at Little Budworth.

Heavy rain during the morning and into the afternoon meant that a reduced game of just 35 overs per side was possible between the sides. The pitch had been covered throughout the week and had seen little sunshine. Although flat and firm there was a green tinge to be seen, and it soon became apparent that the batsman was never “in” on this particular surface.

Paul Wood invited the home side to take first knock on winning the toss, and whilst East and Leech got the ball away to the boundary in the opening overs, neither batsman had the air of permanency about them. Indeed, with both Morahan and Wylie unable to bowl, Wood was a happy man when Park slumped to 52 for 3 with the main men, Leech, East and skipper Roberts all back in the hutch. Wood himself, Ed Saxelby and Jack Grundy had bowled some testing overs, and batting looked to be an occupation fraught with danger.

However, a combination of some skill and local knowledge from the lower order meant that a challenging target was eventually set. Mills, Kashif, Williamson and Parkinson all made vital contributions as a total of 159 for 8 in 35 overs was reached. Williamson and Parkinson significantly blasted more than 30 runs from the final three overs. Marple stuck to their guns throughout the innings with Jack Grundy picking up 3 for 18 and Wood 3 for 59. Saxelby was once more impressive, and his figures of 1 for 38 did not flatter him. The fielding in general was of a high order with Makin (2), Crisall and Max Fitzgerald all pouching excellent catches.

For the first time this season, the Marple top order was put under pressure at the start of the innings. Crisall, after another promising start, was caught at point after mistiming a cut shot. Andrew Hall was then tied down by some good bowling that did not allow him any width. He tried to pounce when Williamson overpitched but mistimed his drive to cover where he was well held by East. Makin (28) had looked in imperious form however, with a series of glorious drives and pulls, but at 48 for 3 a brilliant catch behind by Roberts off Williamson saw him on his way. With the pacy Lancashire Academy left arm quickie Ben Gibbon also into a testing spell, Marple’s target of 160 looked a long way off. Marple captain Paul Wood was tested more than at any other time this season, but such is his confidence that he was able to bide his time and become accustomed to the conditions. He was the one batsman on either side who was able to fully dominate proceedings. Jim Morgan, at number five for Marple, looked to be in great touch, but his own impetuosity got the better of him. He violently struck off spinner Kashif for four through mid wicket, but in attempting something similar the next ball misread the length and was bowled for 11 at 70 for 4. The asking rate had now climbed to just over six runs per over, but Andy Massey supported Wood well. The fifth wicket stand added 51 runs in excellent time with Wood now fully in command. A huge six off Kashif and an on drive for four from the returning Parkinson were just two of the many memorable strokes he produced in a fifth consecutive half century of 2017. Although Massey (10) was brilliantly caught by East at deep mid wicket, Wood added a further 18 with Morahan before he was caught by Roberts off Oulton Park’s Mr Dependable, East. The overs were running out, and although Marple ended on 156 for 7, a win was never on once Wood (62) departed. Both Max Fitzgerald and Ed Saxelby batted with skill and confidence to ensure that Marple were not defeated at the end of an entertaining game. Kashif, although suffering at the hands of Wood, took 3 for 44 to be Park’s most successful bowler.

So, successive draws for Marple, but they are playing some good cricket in a competitive league. Next Saturday, they are back on home soil with a fixture against Davenham, 1.00pm start. 

Heavy rain at Marple meant that the second team game with Neston was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Marple thirds made it two wins from three in the Sunday Third Eleven Premier League as they cruised to an 8 wicket win against Grappenhall at Bowden Lane on Sunday. On an excellent playing surface, the visitors were dismissed for 131 with Conor Bergin, Mike Smith and skipper Marsland impressive with the ball. A solid reply saw Marple coast home. Matt Barrow (61 not out) was in top form and he was well supported by Matt Leech (27) and Jonny Arrowsmith as there were no alarms.

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.