For Marple

draw, and Sale fell seven runs short at 141 for 9.

For Marple, Greasley was once more on target with 3 for 40.

Mudassar Phanchbaya had 2 for 36 in a mixed spell, and Wylie 2 for 21.

Wylie also injured his knee in following through, and only bowled 6.2 overs.

Once again, Marple’s catching was first rate, with Mark Bennett taking two in spectacular fashion, a steepler, and the other a diving one handed gem at silly mid off to remove Cannon.

It will be of little consolation to Marple that both sides produced a decent game of cricket in difficult conditions.

Another draw was not what the doctor ordered though. Results in the league have been unpredictable of late, and Marple now slip to sixth in the table. The next two weeks are likely to define the season, as they take on leaders Oulton Park at Bowden Lane next Saturday, 1pm start, and then visit Davenham, surprisingly in second spot, the week after. Torrential rain meant that Marple second team’s game with Timperley due to be played at Bowden Lane on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The weather also had the upper hand as Marple thirds were eventually washed out at Bramhall on Sunday.

Bramhall made a useful 203 for 5 in 39 overs, Connor Bergin 3 for 50 and Joel Greasley 1 for 6 from seven overs.

Marple were 110 for 4 when the rain finally put paid to the game, Rob Bradley 25 and Matt Leech 37 not out.