Fletcher Blitz Lifts Alvanley!
Alvanley 236 for 8 (50 overs) 20 points beat Marple 131 all out (34.4 overs) 4 points by 105 runs.
At Alvanley’s scenic venue, a blistering 59 not out from the home number ten Charlie Fletcher took his side to a way over par 236 for 8. He smote five huge sixes in adding an unbeaten 79 for the ninth wicket with keeper Steve Donoghue. Earlier, the innings had been held together by Lancashire Academy starlet Ieuan Morris with a gutsy, although at times streaky 81. Charlie Hodgson had 3 for 33 and George Clarke 2 for 45 for Marple. Skipper Grundy was very unlucky to take just the one wicket, and left arm spinners Young and Makin also had one apiece.
Fletcher, buoyed by his earlier heroics, then picked up three quick wickets. 236 was out of sight, as the pitch gave some assistance to bowlers of all types. There was occasional variable bounce and also some spin. It was not a pretty batting card though, as only Charlie Hodgson with 65, eventually retired not out, reached double figures for the visitors. Fletcher had 3 for 15 and Chris Charles 2 for 11 for Alvanley.
Next week, Marple entertain Bollington, 12.00 start.
Marple seconds lost a second successive game, this time by 44 runs, at home to Alvanley seconds. They remain top of their league, although the gap is closing between them and the chasing pack. Alvanley 201 all out, with another number 10 batting star, Sam Mallows 52 not out, helping post an unchaseable total. Earlier, skipper Andy Bennion 39, and Toby Honeysett 33, had grafted well for the visitors. Ollie Hodgson with 4 for 47, and George Bailey 3 for 36, kept the top order in check.
Marple reached 102 for 2, and seemingly on course for victory, but a dismal collapse saw the last eight wickets fall for just 55. Eddie Clews top scored with 43, with inform openers Matt Barrow 27, and Lewis Braddock 39, getting away to a solid start with 69 for the first wicket. Mallows had a crucial 4 for 28, with Harry Graham 3 for 33 and Honeysett 2 for 32 supporting well.
Marple/Compstall thirds defeated Over Peover seconds by 22 runs in leafy Cheshire. M/C posted 180 for 5, with Rich Hatley 56, and Tom Porter 44, featuring well. Sam Croxton with 3 for 39 toiled hard for OP.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the home side made a decent fist of the reply, eventually reaching 158 for 9. Croxton had 41, and Jimmy Shaw 44. Jonny Oakes 3 for 32, Tom Bradbury 2 for 19, and Tom Porter 2 for 21 all did well for M/C.
M/C 4ths lost a tight game to Aston 2nds by 13 runs at Compstall’s ground. Aston posted 174 for 8, Waheed 58 and skipper Dave Beck 40 not out. Josh Hurren 3 for 40, Chris Lloyd 3 for 27 and Tommy Seargeant 2 for 17.
Evan Powell made a superb 77 in reply, but despite determined efforts from the home middle order, it wasn’t quite enough. Wally Edmonds claimed 4 for 17 at the end for OP.
Mark Brook