Marple 105 for 2 (17.3 overs) 20 points beat Sale 160 for 8 (43.2 overs) 2 points by 8 wickets (DLS scoring system applied)
In, quite possibly, the wettest spring in living memory, Marple have somehow managed to complete, and emerge victorious, in all eight of their games in the Cheshire County League first division this season. This win, at Sale’s excellent ground, was gained in fewer available overs due to a period of heavy rain in the middle of the afternoon. The new Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system of scoring meant that Marple had a reduced target of just 105 to win, but only 20 overs in which to get them. This they achieved comfortably enough, by the margin of eight wickets, with two and a half overs remaining.
Earlier, Sale had elected to bat first on winning the toss, and Marple’s opening attack of Grundy and Saxelby caused immediate problems for home top order. Dodds (13) was lbw to Saxelby, and then Spells (5) edged Grundy to the reliable hands of Makin at second slip. Saxelby then continued his good form to remove the dangerous Lawrence (5) and Davidson (0) both bowled, to leave Sale reeling at 26 for 4.
A shower took the players from the field for over half an hour, and on the return, the early movement for the Marple seamers had gone, due to the damp ball and outfield. George Walker rode some early good fortune to play a stylish and much needed knock for his team. He received good support from Mike Bishop, 19, Amlyn Layton, 11, and most significantly Ali Barrowman, 29, to take Sale up to a fair total of 160 for 8, when heavy rain brought the innings to an end. Walker, the first of two stylish left handers in this game ended on 68 not out, playing attractive strokes all round the wicket. Marple’s bowling was always accurate, even though the early demons in pitch had been washed away by the rain. Saxelby had 3 for 30, Grundy 2 for 30, with spinners Mark Makin 2 for 30, and Joe Cash taking 1 for 31 respectively.
After the rain, Sale were on a bit of a hiding to nothing, having to bowl with a damp ball, and the Marple target reduced. This should take nothing away from the “professional” manner in which Marple chased down the target. James Crisall came in for his first game of the season in this side, and seemed to relish his opportunity. A scorching cover drive in the first over from the tall Luke Hajdu set the tone for the visitors. He added 24 with a solid looking Ramsay (8), and then 40 with Zac Phair, always keeping up the required rate. Crisall was run out for 33 at 64 for 2, but a fired up Max Fitzgerald joined Phair. He was in no mood to hang about, smiting a rapid 26 not out from 18 deliveries, including two huge sixes off the unfortunate Dodds. Marple were indebted to a mature innings of 33 not out from the left handed Phair though. He kept the scoreboard ticking throughout his innings, and timed to ball beautifully. Only the far flung set field kept many of his strokes from reaching the boundary. Sale’s lively attack “huffed and puffed,” but had no answers, as Marple made it eight wins from eight.
Next week Marple entertain near rivals Bramhall at the Michael Hibbert Cricket Ground, Bowden Lane, with a 12.00 noon start.
2nd Team
Marple seconds were not so fortunate with the weather in their fixture against Macclesfield seconds at Bowden Lane. Marple battled to 60 for 4 in 19 overs, before torrential rain made further play impossible.
4th Team
Marple/Compstall fourths were disappointed that Alderley Edge thirds conceded their game at Moss Lane Alderley last Sunday. The frustration in not having any cricket will have been somewhat tempered by the fact that M/C fourths went, temporarily, to the top of the Sunday 3rd eleven premier league as a result of the concession.