Macclesfield 168-7, Marple 226-6 (Match drawn) : Macclesfield are still searching for their first win of the season after a draw at Marple.
Marple won the toss and elected to bat on a hard wicket that appeared at first glance to be one with something in it for the bowlers.
With Ian Tait and Jack Ward taking the new ball for Macclesfield, Marple raced to 40 without loss with Tait in particular struggling to find his length and rhythm.
Ward removed opener Bennett LBW before Tait, in full flow after a change of ends, had Bennett smartly caught behind by Jim Melrose.
As Macclesfield began to turn the screw, Rob Porter removed Australian Webster before Tait had former Cheshire captain Andrew Hall caught at slip by Rob Keen.
Former England international James Ormond joined opener James Crisall at the crease and the pair batted with patience to add 98 for the fifth wicket before Liam Markie had Ormond caught in the deep by Tait. Hudson quickly followed to a full-length Khalid Sawas catch, while opener Crisall made it to a well made 109 not out to see Marple close on 226-6 from their 55 overs.
The Macclesfield reply started poorly and they were reduced to 16-3 as Morrison, Sawas and pro Nick Ross all fell cheaply to veteran spinner Andy Greasley.
Ormond operated as the second half of a spin tandem at the other end as Marple looked to build pressure on Rob Keen and new arrival Rob Porter.
Marple deployed an attacking field and surrounded the bat in an attempt to make further inroads into the batting order.
Both Keen and Porter held firm and batted with patience while punishing the bad ball with a delightful array of strokes on both sides of the wicket.
Keen fell to a sharp catch just two balls after the drinks break for a well-made 34 to leave Macclesfield 86-4.
New man Eddie Bones made 19 before being removed by Webster, which brought Ward to the crease to join Porter.
With the game in the balance, Macclesfield then lost two quick wickets in the form of Porter, for a valuable 49, and Liam Markie.
Melrose then joined Ward with Marple looking to force victory but the pair batted with determination and heart to ensure that Macclesfield didn’t succumb to the pressure.
Macclesfield closed on 168-7 from their 55 overs to see out a draw and collect five points.
The second Xl lost by three runs to Urmston at Victoria Road, chasing a total of 205.
Azzy Khan hit a fine 61 and there were three wickets apiece for Cutbill and Cowen.
The third Xl had an emphatic victory over Cheadle Hulme with Adam Longshaw making an unbeaten 104 and Will Smith 75, while Horrocks (4-19) and Griffiths (3-31) starred with the ball.
