Local bragging rights go way of Bollington
THE Bank Holiday Weekend saw plenty of cricket at Macclesfield CC which began with the 1st XI welcoming local rivals Bollington to Victoria Road.
The visitors won the toss and elected to field, giving the new ball to Jerome Jones and Tom Horsfield.
This decision immediately showed its worth as Macclesfield slumped to 3-3 with the experienced Horsfield taking all three wickets.
Captain James Cross was joined by Harry Elms in the middle looking to build a respectable Macclesfield innings.
The duo remained resolute and found the boundary on four occasions each before a mix-up and Elms was run out for 19.
Cross then also fell, scoring 21 before being somewhat unfortunately being given out LBW. Overseas bowler Jones then took his first wicket of the day, having Jack Massey caught for 15.
The opening bowlers continued ruthlessly, sharing the wickets of the Macclesfield tail with only Paddy Turner reaching double figures.
Horsfield starred, taking 6-31 as Macclesfield were bowled out for 79.
In reply, the visitors got off to a steady start, weathering the attack of John Birchall and Tom Key.
Bollington batsmen Richard Hough and Calum Rowe then began to find the boundary more regularly as only one result looked likely.
The duo saw their team over the line to a dominant 10 wicket win but not before the visiting skipper, Rowe reached his half century.
Ultimately an easy win for the experienced Bolly side, who with the strength of their batting must be challenging for honours this season. For Macclesfield’s youngsters it will be a good test as to how they bounce back from the disappointing manner of their defeat
Elsewhere, the 2nd XI travelled to Didsbury looking to build on last week’s positive performance.
Captain Chris France won the toss and elected to bat, where he was partnered with returning batsman Miles Bradshaw.
The pair got off to a quick start, waiting for the bad ball and running well together.
The opening stand was eventually broken by Raza Mian when he had France caught for a well made 41 with the score at 98. Mian then took two further quick wickets to hinder the Macclesfield hopes of a high total.
However, Bradshaw remained resolute in reaching his half century mark (eventually caught scoring 69).
Further wickets for the Didsbury attack brought Adam Longshaw and
Henry Mitchell to the middle with the task of reaching a very defendable total for Macclesfield.
These hopes were realised with Longshaw (45) and Mitchell (24*) taking the 2nd XI to 215-9 from the 50 over allocation.
In defence, Macclesfield got off to a brilliant start with early wickets for Mitchell and Brad Porter as Didsbury slumped to 9-3. James Micklewaith batted well for the home side before being caught for 17.
At 49-6, hosts Didsbury looked in trouble, but Jack Hastings and Matthew Laker fought back excellently to give their team a chance of going all the way to the visitors total.
A brilliant partnership of 87 saw both batsmen to their half centuries.
However, it wasn’t enough for Didsbury as late wickets for Sam
Hughes and Liam Markie took Macclesfield to the win by 20 runs in a hardfought fixture between two strong sides.
Back at Victoria Road, the 3rd XI beat Nantwich by 39 runs. Important batting from Tom Isherwood (23), Miles Horner (23) and Tony Moores (27) took Macclesfield to a first innings total of 127-8. And what fickle game cricket is; last week Stewart Garnett hit an unbeaten century, this week, out for a duck.
In reply, Nantwich were bowled out for 88 with Moores (4-24) and Stephen Whittingham (4-6) starring with the ball. The fixture also saw a first league wicket at Macclesfield for Andrew Bateup.
The 4th XI were also victorious as they travelled to Rostherne, the same side they had beaten last week.
Batting first, Macclesfield posted 118 all out thanks to David Cowen (49) and both Farmer’s Ben and Robin scoring 19.
In reply, Rostherne managed only 74 thanks to the testing bowling of Matt Cunningham (3-15) and Seby Babu (3-2).
On Sunday, the 3rd XI saw another win, this time in their Twenty20 competition at neighbours Langley.
Bowling first, Macclesfield restricted Langley to 110-8 with great bowling from Ed Strong (3-17) and Harry Martin (2-34). In reply, Macclesfield chased the score just one wicket down, Tom Carter top scored with 55 not out.
Next week the 1s travel to Warrington, the 2s host Hyde, the 3s are at Timperley and the 4s entertain Europa Exiles.
Next week Bollington host Marple as they aim for a third successive win.