Hough Leads Bolly out of Sight. Seconds Back on Track!
Bollington 296 for 7 (50 overs) 20 points beat Marple 217 for 7 (50 overs) 6 points by 79 runs.
A magnificent 110 from Bollington’s classy skipper Richard Hough took his side to a way out of sight total of 296 for 7 at a sun-baked Michael Hibbert Cricket Ground last Saturday.
Marple were up against it before a ball was bowled, having lost another toss. The weather was set fair once again, the pitch excellent, the outfield fast, and the visitors possessing the most potent top three in the league this season. Hough received good support from thousand run man Yaksender 31, his fellow Aussie, keeper batsman Liddiard 33, and Smail 40.
It was a torrid afternoon for the seven Marple bowlers used, but they stuck to their task with determination. Niall Greenlees picked up four wickets near then end to finish with 4 for 53, Makin had 2 for 58, and Dylan Hodgson bowled excellently to take 1 for 18. He will remember his big wicket of Yaksender, bowled.
Although a battered Marple side put up a reasonable attempt with the bat, they were never really in contention to go for the win, despite reaching 109 for 1, through Feilen 40, Fitzgerald 21, and Young, promoted to number three, a dogged 43. As a result of scoreboard pressure, wickets then fell at regular intervals. A defiant 45 from skipper Grundy, ensured the home side went beyond 200. Bolly were tidy enough in the field, slow left armer Plant being the pick of the attack with a tight 2 for 21 from his ten overs.
Whilst Marple were not able to win this game, the umpires, David Gane and James Emmerson, voted the pitch the best they had seen in any game, Premier or first division, this season. It had good, consistent carry and bounce, some turn, and remained the same throughout the game. Congratulations to groundsman Mike Hibbert and his assistant Jack Feilen.
Next Saturday, Marple travel to Bowdon, with a 12.00 start. On Sunday, 9th August they are also at home in the Cheshire Cup quarter-finals against either Birkenhead Park or Hyde.
After walloping Urmston seconds in the quarter finals of the second eleven T20 competition in mid-week, James Hirst’s side got back on track in the league to consolidate their position at the top of their division.
A five-wicket victory over Didsbury 2A’s at Mere sounds convincing, but they were made to work extremely hard for the win. A stand of 58 for the fifth wicket between Will Darby 43 not, and George Bailey 24 took them almost to victory after an early slump to 52 for 4 against Jones and Mian. Ed Skelton impressed, once again, with a stylish 23.
Earlier it was spinners Ollie Hodgson with 4 for 27, and Hirst 4 for 30, who had bowled Didders out for just 117. The Bailey brothers, Ben and George, also picked up a wicket apiece, George being especially economical, with 1 for 24 from his 13 overs. Seth, with 35, batted with solid application for the home team.
Marple seconds’ reward for reaching T20 finals day is the chance to host the event at the MHCG on Sunday 16th August. In the first game at 10.30am, Cheadle face Widnes, Marple then take on old rivals Neston at 1.30pm, with the final scheduled for 4.45pm. Expect a big crowd supporting four excellent sides.
Both Marple/Compstall 3rds and 4ths were defeated by on Saturday. The thirds could only post 92 all out against Brookland 3rds at Compstall’s ground, Tom Lloyd top-scoring with 30. The wickets were shared between a useful attack, Ali Harrison starring with 3 for 14. As ever, it was not an easy chase as Brooklands slid to 47 for 4. However, Cammie Buchanan with 32 not out, steadied the ship, supported by Bhatia 12 not out. There were no further alarms in a six-wicket win.
Faced with chasing a daunting 182 for victory against Toft 4ths, M/C 4ths could only reach 87 all out. Tom Nolan hit 51 for Toft and Stu Ryan 46. Seb Himsworth, with 4 for 42, Nick Smith 2 for 35, Tom Swarbrick 2 for 38 and Jarvis Whatford 1 for 40, all did really well with the ball for M/C.
Scoreboard pressure took its toll in the reply though. Jacob Bernstein top-scored with 23, Tom Swarbrick 12, Harry Rose 13, and Whatford 10 all showing up well. For Toft, the wickets were shared, but Henry Faye with 4 for 9 rapped up the innings in quick time.
Mark Brook