Champions run
CHESHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE
MACCLESFIELD were back in action at home this week entertaining last season’s Champions, Hyde CC in a game sponsored by Fever & Boutique Nightclub.
The visitors won the toss and elected to field first.
John Birchall (15) hit some early boundaries before Hyde’s Australian, William Walker, swung one back through the gate to bowl Macc’s dangerous opener.
Not long after Macc’s Australian, Nick Bertus, was removed for 5 when Walker struck again this time backed up with an expert catch by Dearden in the slip cordon.
Macc started to rebuild for a few overs through Marsden and Parfett, but unfortunately succumbed to Walker’s left-arm pace again when Marsden was bowled for 24 and shortly after Cross was LBW for 1, leaving Macc on 65-4 after 20 overs.
Barron and Parfett added a few more before the latter was bowled just after drinks for a spirited 29, and then Barron followed for 16 when he was caught in the covers.
Macc were now up against it and things didn’t get any better initially as 91-6 soon became 103-7 when Harlan Greig was poorly given out LBW to the spin of Cranmer for 11.
Andy Moores came to the crease and showed all his experience and majestic sweep shots to help support Craig Melrose who was beginning to up the ante.
Melrose batted responsibly and with positive intent, punishing anything loose, as well as taking calculated risks.
The pair batted superbly, showing pure resilience and took the score past 150.
The run rate was improving with each passing over and now Macc were looking at posting a competitive score.
The partnership added 67 more to Macc’s total before Andy Moores was bowled by Duffy for 23, leaving Macc on 170-8.
Melrose continued with his powerful striking, hitting a couple of big sixes to boost Macc’s total further, before departing for a magnificent 48 off 55 balls to give the hosts a real chance of winning the game.
Macc finished on 197-9 off their 55 overs, which had seemed impossible an hour earlier.
Duffy finished with figures of 4-38, whilst Walker claimed figures of 4-45.
After the tea interval, Macc had another spell of dominance, with a wicket apiece for Birchall and Melrose, as they dismissed both of Hyde’s openers for catches to wicket-keeper James Cross. This left Hyde on 16-2.
This brought the class James Duffy to the crease, supported by the experienced Fitzsimmons. The pair showed real grit and determination, along with some timely boundaries.
They saw off the new ball and were slowly bringing Hyde back into the game.
Macc were bowling well however and a wicket felt like it was around the corner. Melrose went past Fitzsimmons’ edge many times but just couldn’t get that very much needed breakthrough.
The pair were well and truly taking the game away from Macc when they took Hyde on to 100-2.
However, Macc spinner, Sultan Raja, suddenly claimed the prize wicket of Duffy when the batsman swept to Barron at deep square leg on the stroke of drinks for 43.
And then just after drinks Fitzsimmons left a good ball from Marsden onto his stumps for a determined knock of 52. With Hyde now on 118-4 and with two new batsmen at the crease, Macc were certainly back in the game.
Macc continued to plug away and were bowling good areas. Hyde’s batsmen dug in however and were not giving any wickets away easily.
Berry and Waterhouse started to steady the ship for the visitors once more and Macc just couldn’t create that next wicket opportunity whilst they were briefly on top again.
Hyde’s number five and six batted very well through some strong boundary hitting and good rotation of the strike.
However, Berry was bowled by Chris Moores with a few overs to go for 32 but Hyde eventually crossed the line with 20 balls remaining and 5 wickets intact – Waterhouse finishing on 44 not out.
Macc are next in action this coming Saturday, when they take on Bowdon away from home.
Meanwhile, both Macc’s 2nd XI and 3rd XI won convincingly away at Hyde and Ashley respectively.