Hosts hold nerve to delight large crowd

MARPLE edged out Hyde in the final game of the mini league T20 competition. Although both sides totalled 147 from the full 20 overs, Marple won by having lost just three wickets to Hyde’s seven. Danny Cranmer top scored for Hyde with 46, Berry (23) and Partridge (29) also making useful contributions. All six of Marple’s bowlers each took at least one wicket, although a large number of wides was a black mark on the evening.

In front of large and vocal home crowd, Marple got a good start through Ramsey and Bennett.

Ramsey fell at 47, but former Hyde player Mike Schofield made his former club pay. He made a pugnacious 47 not out, and although Bennett was caught by Whittaker off Cranmer for a brutal 58, Paul Wood just got Marple home in company with Schofield after a nervy final couple of overs.

Meanwhile, George Clarke’s improving second eleven had a terrific win away at league leaders Nantwich on Saturday. James Crisall leading the way with 90 not out as Marple posted 194 for 8, Joe Cash 21.

Nantwich were never really in it and crumbled to 128 all out. Crisall, with his part time left arm spin, was certainly man of the match picking up four wickets.

All the other bowlers, particularly Joel Greasley and Joe Cash were good in support.

Marple’s third eleven nomads were once more on the road, this time though at nearby Hyde on Sunday. A rain affected game saw Hyde reach a competitive 169 all out in 43 overs. Tom Reeve had four wickets and Jacob Combey three for Marple. When Marple replied, they got away to a good start with Matt Barrow 61, and Jonny Arrowsmith 32 leading the way.

However, with only 35 overs left to get the runs due to the rain, a collapse ensued in the chase for victory, and Hyde ended victors by 15 runs, Marple 154 all out.