Marple feature in Test Match Special!

AFTER two tough home defeats, Marple got back to winning ways again with a comprehensive victory at Davenham's Butchers Stile ground in mid-Cheshire.

- MARK BROOK

On a scorching July afternoon, Jack Grundy did the necessary by winning the toss, electing to bat, and condemning the home side to fifty overs of toil in 30 plus degrees of heat.

After struggling to keep any control in the field in recent weeks, the Marple batters were, understandably, keen to get off to a fast start, with the aim of posting a huge total. However, both the in form openers, Lynch, 16, and Makin, 17, were back in the hutch with the score on 58 for 2.

The Davenham track is notorious for being tricky to score freely on, even in the prevailing hot conditions. Fortunately for the visitors, Max Fitzgerald is in top form, and full of confidence. He was joined by a responsible Mike Schofield, relishing his chance up the order. They added 90 excellent runs for the third wicket, mixing solid defence with fine strokeplay.

Fitzgerald was the dominant partner, and he reached a terrific 71, including 11 fours and 2 sixes.

The middle order was not able to keep up the intensity though, and a collapse to 193 for 8 ensued. Schofield fell at 182 for a valiant 37.

The home bowlers were, however, wilting in the sun, and a determined ninth wicket stand of 42 unbroken by Ed Saxelby 27 not out, and Niall Greenlees 16 not out, took Marple to a very competitive total of 235 for 8. It was certainly a weary home side that was very glad to leave the furnace like conditions at the break.

Spinners, Jones with 2 for 31, and O'Sullivan 4 for 61, caused Marple the most trouble, but the latter’s figures suffered near the end as Saxelby, in particular feasted on some loose fare.

After his handy knock, Saxelby's confidence was high, and he looked in good rhythm with the ball as he partnered Grundy.