Seconds highlight progress in defeat

MARPLE seconds lost by two wickets to Nantwich seconds.

On a slow and low pitch, Marple posted an extremely competitive 173 for 8 in the full 50 overs.

Will Darby and Mark Nicholson added 40 for Marple’s first wicket, but when Nicholson fell, a mini collapse followed.

However, the Massey brothers, Jamie and Andy, both passed the 40 mark as the crisis was averted.

With some lusty blows from the lower order, Marple were fairly happy at tea.

Once again, Mudassar Panchbhaya and Matthew Shelton posed problems for the opposition top order.

Nantwich slumped to 30 for 3, but the middle and lower batsmen showed good sense and skill to bring up a hard earned win.

Mudassar had 3 for 55, and Andy Massey and Sam Stretton two wickets apiece.

Shelton and skipper Clarke bowled well without luck. This game, against one of the top sides in the second eleven premier league, showed Marple’s improvement since the beginning of the season.

Matt Leech, with a sensational 104 from 94 deliveries took Marple thirds to a superb three-wicket win at Hyde.

Hyde took first knock and rattled up 227 for 9, with Greg Marsland 4 for 62 and Jacob Combey 3 for 32 excellent for Marple.

In a terrific run chase of 228 for 7, Leech was aided by Joe Yates 31, Jonny Arrowsmith, 22, and Jacob Combey, 17 not out from seven deliveries, to see it through with one ball to spare!

A Marple eleven will play two T20 games against World Champions the England Physically Disabled side next Sunday, 23rd July. The games will start at 10.30am and 2.30pm, with the bar open for food and hot and cold drinks throughout the day.

Next Monday, 24th July sees former Indian test great Dilip Vengsarkar bring his Under 19 Academy side to Marple. They will play a 45 over game against the Cheshire Academy IX. The game is due to start at 11.00am. This is a unique opportunity to see some potential Indian stars of the future at a terrific club venue in the local area.