Monday, 27 July 2020

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.

Monday, 17 February 2020

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

Monday, 16 September 2019

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 31st 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 16th.
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.

Monday, 26 August 2019

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 31st 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.

Monday, 19 August 2019

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.

Monday, 12 August 2019

Hyslop Onslaught Swings it Park’s Way!

Oulton Park 153 all out (34 overs) 25 points beat Marple 82 all out (35.3 overs) 4 points by 71 runs

A brutal assault on the bowling by Oulton Park’s powerful all rounder Tom Hyslop took this crucial game away from Marple at scenic Little Budworth in rural Cheshire. This, after they had put the home side under real pressure, chiefly through a penetrative and hostile spell from paceman Liam Brown.



A brisk south westerly wind kept the rain at bay for this lower half of the table clash. On winning the toss, Jim Morgan inserted the home team under leaden skies, and in the hope that his young opening seam attack of Brown and Jack Grundy could make early inroads. Brown, in particular, was a handful for the Park line up. Cheshire skipper Danny Leech was bowled for a duck, and although the imposing Martyn East struck a couple of huge sixes, he soon hit a mistimed drive to mid off, where Max Fitzgerald took a smart catch. At 24 for 2, Marple had the upper hand. Matt Jamieson looked in good order, but after he was struck a painful blow by Brown, his early fluency deserted him. Latham was also struck on the body by Brown, before he edged to keeper Morgan who took a brilliant catch off Grundy at 49 for 3. Ward soon followed in similar fashion to the bowling of Brown for 5 at 54 for 4. The pitch was not unplayable, but had some variable bounce, and there was movement off the seam for all the bowlers.



Hyslop entered the fray at this point, and the remainder of the innings was dominated by him. Jamieson (25), not the same after being laid low, gave Morgan his third catch behind at 77 for 5. Brown had 4 for 41 at this point. Paul Wood, after a loose long hop first ball which was carved over backward point for four by Hyslop, now bowled a canny spell when he replaced Grundy who had supported Brown well with 1 for 30. He nipped in with three quick wickets, and Brown accounted for the free scoring Ben Gibbon to leave Park in tatters at 106 for 9. Hyslop now sensed his moment. He had dealt mainly in boundaries, powerfully driving anything loose, but now upped the ante. It was Brown, now tiring somewhat who suffered mainly under this assault. Number eleven Harry Newton gave stout support, blocking assiduously, as Hyslop flayed the ball to all parts. When he was finally bowled by Wood for 77 attempting a sixth maximum, his Park side were well above par on a tricky surface. Hyslop smote five sixes and nine fours, not being too bothered with singles! The last wicket stand of 47 was the highest of the entire match, and it was an enthusiastic home support that welcomed their hero back to the pavilion. Brown suffered towards the end, and he was obviously fatigued. He ended with 5 for 81. Paul Wood weighed in with a very handy 4 for 27. Jim Morgan also had the rare feat of five catches behind the stumps.

Marple’s reply never threatened this total. Ben Gibbon, the young left arm quick bowler, was encouraged to hit just short of a good length. His accuracy, no doubt grooved in the Old Trafford nets, was a real problem for Marple. With the ball inconsistent in bounce, run scoring proved nigh on impossible. Gibbon has played for Lancashire’s second team, and has also performed well for Cheshire this season. However, it was East who picked up the first two wickets. Morgan fretted during his short stay, and after hitting a straight six off East to get off the mark, he mistimed a pull to be comfortably caught by keeper Kettle running towards square leg. Wood was yorked soon afterwards, and at 6 for 2, and the bowling tight and hostile, victory looked a very long shot.
Marple’s only partnership of note came from Mark Makin (30) and Mike Schofield (16). They added 45 to take Marple to 73 for 4. Max Fitzgerald had earlier once again shown promise in making 12, but got a little ahead of himself, hitting a return catch to East. When Gibbon returned for a second spell, he was far too much for Marple’s lower order, and Hyslop also picked up three wickets along the way with his skiddy medium pace. Gibbon polished off the tail in short order to finish with 4 for 14 from 11 overs. Medium pacers East and Hyslop had 3 for 27 and 3 for 16 respectively in solid support.

Marple are now in a precarious position in the Cheshire County League, remaining second from bottom with five games remaining. Toft, the side just above them, visit Bowden Lane next Saturday with a 12.30pm start.


Marple seconds were also soundly beaten by a strong Oulton Park second eleven at Bowden Lane. In a rain reduced game, Park reached an excellent 180 for 8 declared in 38 overs. Andy Mills 45, Jimmy Guest 52 and Owen Williamson 39 had the upper hand, but Joel Greasley 4 for 40, Sam Stretton 2 for 30 and Greg Marsland 1 for 34 did well for Marple. Off spinner Connor Bergin was wicketless in his 0 for 38 from ten overs, but had to treated with respect by the batsmen.

Although four of Marple’s top five got good starts, reaching the teens and the twenties, no player was able to stay around long enough to mount an attempt at victory. Bergin stubbornly held on with 7 not out, but Richard Smith 4 for 11, and veteran seamer Andy Hards 3 for 9 always had Marple under control. A curious feature of this game was the decision to use a junior size boundary on one side of the ground. The Marple ground is a large one, and the pitch was centrally located. This oddity could not aid Marple in their victory quest though, and 105 all out was a disappointment. The side are still in good shape in the league though, despite a couple of tough defeats against the top two teams.


It was a triple defeat weekend for Marple as the thirds also succumbed at Sale last Sunday. Viraj Sorathia with 107 not out, carried his bat as Sale reached an imposing 192 for 6. There was a terrific debut for Marple though from U15 player Adam Garside. He took a fantastic 4 for 30 to remove the Sale middle order. In reply Marple could only muster 112 all out. Lewis Braddock, with 34, once again impressed, and Jonny Monk continued his improvement with a gutsy 18 coming in at number 9. The wickets were shared amongst the Sale bowlers.