Waiting for

was unluckily given lbw to Sperring at 27, Marple may have feared the worst.

However, Harbinson showed good technique and application along with Hall, and they led a recovery, seeing off Fotia’s initial burst.

The scoring rate was kept below three runs per over though, as Will Holmes settled into an accurate spell of left arm spin.

When Fotia returned, Hall effortlessly hooked a short delivery into the pavilion for six, and Marple began to breathe a little more easily.

However, Harbinson’s (13) patience ran out when he chased a wide one from Fotia and was caught behind.

Morgan (0) soon dragged onto his stumps, and when Hall (40) was brilliantly taken one handed by keeper Bullock off Holmes, Marple were suddenly 69-5, with not out batsmen Young and Wood both on nought.

Cheadle, vociferous and sharp in the field, were now well on top. Marple’s sixth wicket pair now batted with resolution and skill though.

Wood was absolutely secure in defence against the threat of Fotia. Using his experience, he gauged the pitch before attempting any attacking strokes, and Young also was solid, but ruthless as well whenever a scoring opportunity presented itself.

Possibly Marple’s best stand of the season so far grew as frustration mounted for the home side. Sperring used himself for a second spell, but was expensive, and was forced to bring back the willing Fotia for a third stint.

The tireless Aussie produced a beauty to hit the top of Young’s off stump after he and Wood had added 66 priceless runs.

Young departed for an excellent 34, made against tight bowling on a difficult pitch, and his improvement can be seen each game.

With 27 still needed, the game was far from won, but Wood now took charge.

He waited for the time to pounce, cover driving Fotia for four and lofting Holmes for a straight six to see Marple almost to victory.

With gutsy support from Jack Marshall (7 not out), the pair then added the few remaining runs in singles, the winning line being crossed in the sixtieth over.

Wood’s innings of 47 not out was not his highest for Marple, but in terms of character and concentration in a winning cause, it may well be his best. For Cheadle, the excellent Fotia finished with 4-55 from 23.2 high class overs.

Much needed relief this for Marple and a hard earned win.

Next week sees another away fixture at Bowdon, a 12.30pm start.