Title and Promotion for Marple Seconds, but “Demob” Happy Firsts Blitzed by Georgians!
Marple 103 all out (28.4 overs) 5 points lost to Stockport Georgians 238 for 9 (50 overs) 20 points by 135 runs.
Marple final home game of the season at the MHCG was a one-sided affair. A fired up Georgians, intent on avenging their defeat earlier in the season, were just too good for a lacklustre Marple who never really got into the game.
Jack Grundy trapped Carson, lbw, from the game’s first delivery, but from that point on, it was downhill all the way for Marple. After 12 runs game from the next five deliveries, Grundy’s side seemed unsure whether to try and take more wickets, on a helpful surface, or attempt to keep the runs down. They achieved neither.
Marple’s nemesis Ned Bailey helped himself to a trouble-free 94, with a mixture of good timing and powerful striking. Georgians were 92 for 3 at one point, but Bailey and Francis Yates 38, added 78 fluent runs for the fourth wicket to take the game away from the home side.
A final tally of 238 for 9 always looked to be a big score, with Sean Duckworth hitting a quickfire 31 towards the end. Marple’s catching was the highlight of their effort in the field, with excellent grabs from Fitzgerald, Grundy, Feilen and Makin.
Eliot Young had 3 for 62, Charlie Hodgson 2 for 47 and Grundy 2 for 38. Despite the pitch offering help to the seamers, 38 overs of spin were sent down.
Marple’s reply never threatened a win. The left arm seam attack of the nagging Arshan and Duckworth looked problematic, and early wickets fell. Makin, at seven top-scored with 30, Charlie Hodgson 12, and Feilen had 22 in two periods after suffering a strain and retiring hurt.
Rashid Amin had 3 for 11, Locke 2 for 10, and the skiddy Duckworth 2 for 15 for Georgians.
Marple complete the 2026 season next Saturday, 12 September away to already relegated Urmston, 11.30am start.
It was celebrations for James Hirst’s triumphant second eleven as they clinched the second eleven first division title and promotion with a tighter than expected five wicket win at Romiley.
After getting a flying start the home team crumbled to just 117 all out. Once more, it was Marple’s star young bowlers who did the job. Upcoming seamer Dylan Hodgson 4 for 53, and the remarkable George Bailey, 3 for 8 from 8 overs, did the job. Marple raced away to 72 without loss through Matt Barrow 35 and Lewis Braddock 36. However five wickets fell for just thirty runs and it was left to Bailey to take his side home with 11 not out. Former Marple offspinner Connor Bergin had 2 for 27 for Romiley.
Both Marple/Compstall 3rds and 4ths recorded wins last Saturday. The 3rds won a tight affair at Compstall’s ground, defeating Lindow 3rds by just 4 runs. M/C 151 all out, with Andy Massey 46 not out, Tom Lloyd 37, and Jake Oates 21, rescuing a sticky start. Harris Sardar had 3 for 35.
Sardar made 47 not out in the reply, but his side could not quite get over the line, ending on 147 for 9. Josh Hurren 4 gor 45, Oakes 3 for 19 and Sophie Sanders 1 for 15 were all excellent for the home side.
It was a more comfortable win by 98 runs for the 4ths at North East Cheshire’s Poynton venue. The visitors racked up 176 for 6 with Craig Young 57 and Jonny Monk 39. Andy Hadfield 2 for 21 for NEC. NEC fell away to just 78 in reply. Tommy Seargeant 3 for 12, Chris Lloyd 2 for 18 and Nick Prasad-Wright 2 for 22. Jimmy Roden, with 15, was the only home batter into double figures.