Marple pay price for fielding errors

IT was a case of what might have been as Marple had to settle for a draw in their clash against Warrington at the weekend.

On a glorious summer afternoon Paul Wood won the toss at Warrington and he must have thought twice before inserting the home team.

The Walton Leigh Road ground has traditionally favoured sides that can put a good score on the board and then pressurise the opposition.

Although Marple made a good fist of chasing down a demanding target, an inconsistent effort in the field meant that a total of 219 for victory was just a few too many.

Warrington posted 218 for 7 in the full fifty overs. Although Wylie with 3 for 51 and Greasley 2 for 39 bowled with skill and determination, a flurry of 80 runs from the final ten overs meant a tough chase for Marple.

Once more, the ground fielding let the visitors down, and possibly cost the team a dozen runs or more. This could have made the difference between the draw and victory.

For Warrington, Stone hit a fluent 84, and he was well supported by skipper Rudd with 40 not out and Heaphy 38.

Marple got an excellent start with the in form Bennett and Makin once more leading the way.

This week Bennett (50) was the dominant partner in an opening stand of 81. Makin (70) then received good support from Jim Morgan with 44.

At 198 for four victory looked to be a distinct possibility, but only three overs remained.

Scoreboard pressure told on the middle and lower order, and as usual it was always difficult for the new batsmen coming in to time the ball immediately.

Warrington sensed a win for themselves, but in the end Marple’s 208 for 8 left Warrington the happier of the teams. Brad Macintosh had 4 for 54 for the home side. This was a game Marple had hoped to win, but a few loose ends, particularly in the field cost them dear.

Next week they are back on home ground with a game against an awkward Bollington side, 1pm start.

Marple seconds were once more involved a fine game at Bowden Lane on Saturday. A terrific batting effort saw a total of 236 for 5 posted, George Pearson 64, Andy Wild 45, Gary Cash, 35, Andy Massey 28 not out and Joe Cash 25 not out.

After a century plus opening stand from Prince and Wells, Cheadle closed agonisingly short on 234 for 8, with veteran left arm spinner Andy Hayes back in the wickets with 4 for 52.

Spin twin Andy Massey capped a fine all round display with 2 for 25.