As Tough as it Gets at Sunlight’s Exposed Acres!
Port Sunlight 270 for 4 (47.2 overs) 20 points beat Marple 269 for 6 (50 overs) 5 points by six wickets
The players of both teams deserve huge credit for producing cricket of such a high standard in conditions that were probably as tough as any English club players will have played in. Port Sunlight’s ground is totally exposed, with no cover anywhere to found. It was totally at the mercy of the unbroken oppressive heat from the sun and also the African style dry wind.
Jack Grundy won the toss to the huge relief of his side, and elected to take first knock. In stifling heat, and with the outfield resembling a flat Sahara desert, bowling conditions could hardly have been more difficult. Under normal conditions, a total of 269 for 6 usually puts the opposition out of the game. In this match, it was probably round about a par score. There was consistent scoring through the Marple card. Evan Turner hit a maiden league half century with a stylish 64, backed up by Max Fitzgerald 57, Eliot Young 38, Mark Makin 26, and Mike Schofield a rapid 32 not out. Slow left armer Jordan Collyer bowled tidily with 3 for 32. Sunlight’s attack stuck grimly to their task in the furnace.
Jack Grundy looked in excellent rhythm for Marple on the resumption, and he trapped Greve lbw with a beauty, when the total was 20. In his next over, he produced another snorter that Collyer appeared to edge through to keeper Schofield. All the fielding side were convinced, and there was certainly a distinctive sound. However, the umpire ruled in the batter’s favour.
Collyer then held the innings together, with stands of 94 with Cameron Elliot, 54, and then the key one of 114 with skipper Simon Melberz, 69, for the third wicket. By the time the heat got to Collyer, and he mistimed to backward point at 250 for 4 the damage was done. His 96 was the difference between the two teams, and the third wicket partnership with Melberz was of high quality.
To Marple’s credit, they never threw in the towel, and whilst Grundy looked the most threatening bowler, all of the others battled hard. To make matters worse, a hot, unrefreshing wind sprung up midway through the reply, making control even tougher, and fielding more uncomfortable. The application of the Sunlight top order batters was absolutely commendable.
There is no point Marple beating themselves up over this game, played, probably in unique and hopefully, unrepeated conditions. The side is capable of getting runs from numbers 1 to 10 in the order, with no absolute reliance on any one or two players. The attack is also varied, with Evan Turner’s handy off spin now adding an extra option. Next week they are at home to second placed Widnes, 12.00 noon start.
Marple seconds made it 12 wins on the trot with a hard earned 12 run victory over lowly Alderley Edge seconds at the MHCG. However, this win was probably the most satisfying and pleasurable of the season so far.
After collapsing to 33 for 5, and probable defeat, two of Marple’s exceptionally talented teenagers, Dylan Hodgson and Joe Bradley added an incredible 211, unbroken, for the sixth wicket. Both hit undefeated centuries, Dylan 106* and Joe 100*. This was pure joy for the Marple team, and also the watching spectators who were entertained by some superb strokeplay. Ollie Kenyon was warrior like with 4 for 44 for Edge.
Alderley made an excellent fist of chasing down the target. They posted 232 for 8, with Andy Kennedy a terrific 74 and Shabaz Qasim 41. It was fitting that another Marple young player, Ben Bailey, led the way with 3 for 45. Ben has bowled well all season, with his figures not always doing him justice. He was well backed up by Tom Lloyd, 2 for 26, Ollie Hodgson 2 for 29 and George Bailey 1 for 49 from 13 overs.
Marple/Compstall thirds were well beaten away to Urmston thirds. The home side punished the M/C attack to the tune of 218 in the heat, Mohan 102. The two Tom’s, Bradley and Porter, did sterling work with 3 for 32 and 2 for 17 respectively. M/C never threatened a win, but reached 148 all out, with Sammy Grover 34, Jonny Oakes 29, and Sam Cuniffe 24. Fulat, with 5 for 47, put his side on the road to a comfortable victory.
At Compstall’s ground, M/C fourths won a low scoring nail biter against Macclesfield 5ths by just one wicket. Macc were rolled for just 89, Harale 30, and the wickets shared. M/C looked on course for a comfortable win, but skipper Josh Kirk, with 21 not out, had to guide the lower order home in tense circumstances. Earlier, Craig Young 18, and Josh Hurren 15, had got M/C away to a steady start. Tom Moores had 3 for 11 for Macc.
Marple seconds are though to the quarter-finals of the T20 knockout competition. They defeated Stockport Georgians by four wickets in a low scoring game. The remarkable Dylan Hodgson, with a superb 5 for 8, looked to have won the game for Marple as the home side crumbled to 23 for 6. They managed to scramble up to 70 all out though. The pitch favoured bowlers of all types, and Marple looked to be heading to defeat, before Niall Greenlees and Joe Bradley brought up the win. Georgians will run the 22 wides they delivered, as surely better discipline would have brought them victory.
Mark Brook