Fine start washed away for Marple
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.
Marple travel to champions Hyde next Saturday with a 12.30pm start. Sunday the 10th of May sees a Marple eleven take on the ECB National Disabilities Eleven and a 12 noon start at Bowden Lane.
Marple’s second eleven played through the wintry weather at Macclesfield to produce 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 with just one delivery remaining. For Macclesfield, off spinner, Liam Markie had 3-57.
Both sides deserve credit for braving the dismal weather.
The third eleven’s first league match of 2015 against Stockport on Sunday was washed out due to heavy rain.
Rain also brought an early end to the fourth team’s first match of the season at Stockport Georgians. Marple had been in good shape on 131 for 1 after 28 overs.
POYNTON’S good start to the season was checked as their match at Disley was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Poynton hope for better luck at home to Lindow this Saturday.
BRAMHALL were left without a match after their opponents for the weekend’s ECB National Club Championship game, Maghull, conceded the fixture at Church Lane.