Marple 234 for 7 beat Maritime 228 all out by six runs.
An excellent game of cricket last Sunday saw Marple defeat the powerful and dangerous Maritime side and move into the quarter finals of the Cheshire Cup for the first time since 2011.
It was another hot afternoon, although not as oppressive as the previous day. On winning the toss, Jack Grundy, once more elected to take first knock. It proved a wise choice, as Marple posted a fine total of 234 for 7 from the 40 overs. Max Fitzgerald led the way with an imperious 85. So hard to bowl at when in this form, he treated the varied seam and spin attack of the visitors with disdain. Fitz was well supported by Charlie Hodgson, at three in this game, with 44, and Owen Reilly with 45. Maritime’s quality left arm spinner Qasim Ali was excellent with 4 for 25 in the face of the home side’s aggression.
Maritime have a deep and powerful batting line up. Whilst there were consistent contributions from several players, no batter was able to really anchor the reply. Asad Khan made 38, and the injured Michel Akeem Joseph a brutal 35 from just 22 balls faced. Cameos were not quite enough though, and Marple ended deserved winners by six runs with two deliveries remaining.
The Marple attack did a fine job, and maybe George Clarke’s fine spell of 2 for 31 put doubts into the visitors’ minds? He found some variable bounce from a good length on a very dry surface. Eliot Young continued his hold over the Maritime side with 3 for 49, with his dismissal of Joseph, lbw, was absolutely crucial. Just as heartening for Marple were the excellent spells by two fine young players, George Bailey 2 for 40, and Charlie Hodgson 1 for 44
Marple will excitedly await the quarter final draw with the hope of a home game once more.
Marple/Compstall 5ths lost a good game against Brooklands 4ths on Sunday at Compstall’s ground. M/C battled to competetive 161 for 9, held together by 50 from Will Darby and a classy 39 from Ollie Hodgson. Ali Harrison had 3 for 37 for Brooklands.
The visitors were made to work hard for their victory, reaching the target for the loss of six wickets with just one over remaining. Arush Kumar 42, and Joe Edwards 26 not out, led the way. Luke Leighton had 2 for 40 and Ollie Hodgson 2 for 39 for M/C.
Mark Brook