Heading into T20 last four
MARPLE’S first eleven defeated Alderley Edge by three runs in the quarter finals of the Fred Graham T20 county league trophy last Wednesday at Bowden Lane.
Despite the early loss of Mark Bennett, Marple posted a good total of 156 for 5 in the 20 overs. Mike Schofield led the way with 63, with Mim Morgan 42 and Mark Makin 29. Some good bowling from the home team kept Alderley under control, wickets falling regularly, and they ended on 153 for 9.
Dylan Moroney and Ed Saxelby had three wickets apiece, but the other bowlers were all effective. Finals day is at Bramhall on Sunday 15th July, with Marple having an early start with a semi final against Bramhall at 10.30 am.
The other game will feature Nantwich and Neston at 2pm, with the final at 5.30 pm.
Marple seconds, are proving to be quite a force this season. With the summer in full swing, the batting is now firing.
A mammoth 261 for 4 was rattled up, with Andy Wild, Jamie Massey and Matt Barrow all passing the half century mark. The visitors reached 80 for 2, but Marple captain George Clarke was not in a generous mood.
He mopped up the rest of the order with a ruthless 6 for 41, leaving Marple victors by 140 runs.
This best of season haul brought up 150 second eleven premier league wickets for Clarke in just three and a half seasons. This is a notable achievement for a seam bowler in a league where the pitches generally favour batsmen and spin bowlers.
The Marple 3rd XI game against Cheadle 3rds last Sunday produced another run fest.
After a sticky start, Marple recovered, initially through Matt Leech with 48.
However it was a partnership between Marple young players Lewis Braddock with 75 and Max Fitzgerald 60 that took Marple on to 248 for 6.
In reply Adam Dooler played a remarkable knock for his team. Dooler is a famous Cheadle name, and Adam with his fantastic 139 not out took his side to a terrific 4 wicket win.
Greg Marsland tried seven bowlers, and although none were seriously collared, there was no stopping Dooler.