Macclesfield won a crucial ‘do or die’ match to continue fighting relegation.

Captain Ben Morrison won a crucial toss and sent Didsbury in on a wicket that looked grassy with some moisture beneath the surface.

Opening bowlers Ian Tait and Craig Melrose exploited the bowler-friendly conditions with control, pace and movement.

Wickets were taken regularly and runs proved hard to come by for Didsbury’s top order as they struggled to 118-7, but with some lower order batsmen digging in,?Didsbury managed to set up a total of 200-9 off their 55 overs.

Credit goes to Melrose for bowling 19 overs straight with figures of 3-49; his line and length and control was highlighted at points in the field where Morrison rewarded him with nine fielders on the off-side.

Tait toiled well and was rewarded for his efforts with figures of 2-62, Jack Ward battled through with figures of 2-44 and Rob Porter finished with a fine 34.

After bowling with sustained pressure and concentration and limiting Didsbury to a modest 200, the Macclesfield top order were confident they would be able to knock off the runs on a wicket that had flattened out nicely and take home 25 points.

The reply started well for Macclesfield with runs coming easily but as regular wickets began to fall, they soon found themselves on 62 with the top four batsmen back in the shed.

This brought in-form pair Porter and Andy Hodgson to the crease.

Both knuckled down and set themselves to bat for a lengthy period and stabilise the innings.

The runs started to come as the Macc pair worked hard against some intense bowling.

Porter played within himself for a fine 31 and helped get the score along to 123 when he was dismissed.

From that point Hodgson and Tom Parfett guided the team towards the end total. As the total became closer Hodgson decided that the aerial route was the best method, hitting four sixes and putting one on the pavilion roof.

Sadly he was unable to bat through the innings and was dismissed with one run required on 73. But it was a fine half-century and helped ensure that Macclesfield passed Didsbury’s total with seven down in the 47th over.

This, the third victory of the season, provides Macclesfield with vital inspiration to continue their bid to fight off relegation.

This week Macclesfield travel to league leaders Chester Boughton?Hall and attempt to cause a huge upset on the back of this confidence-boosting win.

The second XI lost a narrow tie against Didsbury despite half-centuries for Josh Hearn and Stephen Whittingham but the thirds posted a fine victory against league leaders Neston.