Collapse does for Marple

MARPLE’S poor run of form continued with a home defeat to Oulton Park last Saturday.

After removing the Park top order and the score on 65 for 4, the visitors recovered mainly through a second undefeated half century of the season against Marple by wicket keeper batsman and skipper Pat Roberts.

His 70 not out helped to shepherd the tail, and 191 is always a challenging target at Marple these days.

For Marple, Jack Grundy bowled a useful opening spell, but it was spinners Andy Greasley with 4 for 41 and Joe Cash 2 for 39 that kept Park’s total within reasonable bounds.

Marple tried yet another opening pairing with Andrew Hall returning to open with Jim Morgan.

It was a good move, as they added 53 for the first wicket.

Marple’s batting has been brittle this season, but after Hall fell for a battling 28, a horrific collapse ensued.

No batsmen from number three to number eight managed a score of more than one, and the six players scored just two runs between them!

What must have gone through Morgan’s head at the other end? He kept his calm though and went on to a fine 58. When he fell at 87 for 8 though the game was up.

The batting display was put into perspective somewhat by number 9, Moroney(10), number 10 Grundy (15), and number 11 Greasley who all stayed in for some time and reached double figures. So Marple continue to struggle, mainly with the bat, in the Cheshire County Premier League.

Once again they were bowled out well within the 55 overs. Next week they visit a revived Alderley Edge.

Despite posting 249 for 4 away to Oulton Park, Jamie Massey 118 not out and Garry Cash 78, Marple seconds were defeated by four wickets.