In demolition
land”. His reply has become the stuff of legend. “Maybe not Mark, but at least I’m the best player in my family!”
Bollington’s attempts at Mark’s brother Steve Waugh’s so called “mental disintegration” had no humour.
There was just a Pavlovian response of inane drivel, delivered fortissimo after each of the 120 deliveries of Marple’s brief innings.
It mattered not whether the ball hit the bat, went into the wicket keeper’s gloves or was retrieved by a fieldsman, the ensuing result was identical and had spectators reaching for the ear plugs long before Marple’s final demise.
The fully merited applause that greeted Seale as he led the players off at the end felt rather muted in comparison.
Marple are now fourth in the league, but results in the past couple of weeks have changed the complexion of things somewhat.
Oulton Park are now well clear at the top, and Marple find themselves in with a group of possibly up to six other sides chasing the second spot.
There will be no easy games to come, and Marple face lowly Sale at Dane Road next Saturday in a game that will see the home side battling for their division one survival.
Marple seconds fought out a losing draw against Hyde seconds at Werneth Low on Saturday. A brilliant century of 107 not out by Mike Schofield held the Hyde innings together as Marple produced a gutsy display in the field.
Andy Massey had 5 for 40 and Connor Bergin 3 for 45 as a good total of 194 all out was posted. Mark Nicholson (28) and Tim Radford (34) both got good start, but could not go on.
It was left once more to Jamie Massey (49 not out) to shepherd the lower order through to a draw, Marple closing on 151 for 8. James Chew had 4 for 14 for Hyde on a day when the spinners held sway.A weakened Marple third eleven put up an encouraging display in a four wicket defeat at Grappenhall.
After being put into bat, Marple posted 139 all out, Jonny Arrowsmith 37, Connor Bergin 24 and Lewis Braddock 33. Grappenhall were made to fight hard and ended on 143 for 6. Jacob Combey 2 for 42, Greg Marsland 2 for 28 and James Reeve 2 for 21.
This game was played in an excellent spirit.