Marvellous at Macclesfield

What is the best way to get to Macclesfield? By car, yes but which of the myriad routes is best? Someone please tell us all. A remarkably dry wicket lay in wait but some damp outfield patches would surely slow the ball. Batting was the outcome of the toss but not unhappy to do so with a strong line-up bolstered by the return of in form Mike Treen as 'keeper with Joe playing in the first team as 2nd choice leg spinner.
Matt Griffiths facing Matt Griffiths - what's the chances? - and the batting Griff as watchful as ever and Treen looking to belt a few. That's exactly how their 50 run opening partnership progressed. A lovely cover drive from Mike and a slog sweep for 6 before he was out for an excellent 41. On exiting the pitch and eyeing up the watching players for their applause, Treeny promptly fell up the stairs to seal on early DotD.
Max (16) played nicely off the back foot before chipping one to be caught. Dil (21) was dismissive of anything slightly over pitched before snacking off to a long hop. Wiggy belted a few down the ground and ran with enthusiasm before departing for ten but with the score ticking along nicely and Macclesfield not looking likely to chase anything upwards of 200, a declaration loomed.
With Griff still in and going past 600 runs for the season, 240 and off at 42 was the plan. George, looking fluent for his 17, kept the score ticking until an excellent diving catch removed him. Griff was eventually out for 78 when he holed out on the boundary and although the rate dropped a little, the skipper managed a brisk 21* before walking off at the end of the 47th over with 235 on the board.
Again the batting honours went to Griff. All the youngsters should look to his determination to build an innings and the value he places on not being out in order to succeed. Well played.
A pleasant tea with some particularly enjoyable patisserie items was enjoyed. Wiggy, not expecting to open the bowling due to having been told he probably wouldn't, perhaps had a sarnie too many before the skipper asked him to open up! As any of the juniors might say, "lacky".
Sam Mallows, the senior seamer in the side, is in good form. Admittedly 13 of his 24 victims came from the hapless Tattenhall but he has bowled well and without a sabbatical in the first team, he would surely have a few more scalps. He never steams in. He just knows that putting the ball in the right place ore often than not will pay dividends. It did. His pace was up, the catchers were in place and the batters looked flawed. He proceeded to knock the first couple over. Treen and Ian taking good catches. At the other end, the youthful Wiggy bustled in and bowled with good pace. An edge induced and a fine low catch from Griff. He took another shortly after with another good nut. Line and length excellent and the skipper not worried about his radar. Well bowled. Fish replaced him and snuck a couple out before he smacked the pads. Plumb in front! Not out...even the batter was surprised.
A bit of reverse psychology from the skipper was required to get the next wicket. "Sam, you're off!" never goes down well and the expected response of "one more". "Ok but bowl properly this time!" First ball of the next over. Yorker, castled (see above picture). Mike Brearly would be proud. Charlie nipped a couple out before Sam returned to blast the last man out caught behind by Treeny. Fitting end to a comfortable win.
Macclesfield with an average age of 21 should be proud of their efforts especially with the ball but Chester were far too good on this occasion.
A big weekend on the horizon.

MotM - Griff. Well batted again.
Dotd _Treen. He does look good for his age you know!