Home side’s flow halted by rain
PERSISTENT rain brought Marple’s home game with newly promoted Macclesfield to a premature conclusion after just 19 overs had been bowled.
This was a big disappointment to Marple, as they had got off to a terrific start.
Openers Andrew Hall (34 not out) and Mark Makin (53 not out) were both in top class touch on what appeared to be a very good surface.
When the visitor’s opening bowlers Ian Tait and Jack Ward bowled a full length, there was good carry through to the wicket keeper, but anything off line was ruthlessly put to the boundary, particularly by Makin, who relishes batting at Bowden Lane.
Makin had the lion’s share of the strike, but Hall was also quickly into position, being harsh on anything short.
Change bowlers, Raja and Birchall only got through a couple of overs apiece, but struggled to stem the run rate.
Macclesfield are
at home this weekend when they entertain Bowden, 12.30pm start.
Macclesfield’s second eleven played through the wintry weather against Marple and produced an excellent game in challenging conditions.
The home team recovered from a sticky start with Jim Melrose (64) leading the way.
The middle and lower order all chipped in as a competitive score of 209 all out was reached in the 49th over.
All the Marple bowlers did a good job, Andy Baron 4-50, Jack Grundy 2-48 and Andy Hayes 2-34, being the stand out performers, supported by skipper George Clarke with 1-50. Keeper Wild had five victims behind the stumps.
When Marple began the chase, consistent opener Will Darby fell for only a single.
Newcomer Haroon Ahmed got the side away to a fast start though with a rapid 37 from only 30 deliveries.
There was good support from Ryan Lindsay (27), Gary Cash (32) and Andy Wild (30). With five wickets down, Marple still needed almost 60 runs, but Tim Radford (42 not out) and Andy Bell (30 not out) shared the decisive stand of the game. Victory by five wickets came up with just one delivery remaining.
For Macclesfield, off spinner, Liam Markie had 3-57. Both sides deserve credit for braving the dismal weather.