1st XI held to a draw by Mossley

The 1st XI welcomed bottom club Mossley to the Gorse Croft last Saturday and dropped vital points in their bid for promotion as the visitors forced a draw.

Skipper Callum McIlveen won the toss and decided to bat. His decision was soon vindicated as openers Andy Rothwell and Chris Shenton put on 65 for the first wicket before Shenton was out for 20. Dave Morris joined Rothwell and they added another 40 until Morris holed out having scored 25. Rothwell and new partner Rich Wilson took the score to 131 until both were out, Rothwell for 55 and Wilson for 13.

Tom Kural and Qhama Matthews fell cheaply as Audlem slipped to 156 for 6, but Paddy Leese (24) and Toby Banfield steadied the ship and when Banfield was out for 29 the score had risen to 191 for 8. Simon Swift and McIlveen took the game to Mossley and the scoreboard rattled along as they added 57 before Swift was out for 13. McIlveen, 30 not out, immediately declared the innings on 248 for 9 after 43 overs.

In reply Mossley started in the same manner as openers Peter Stirk (24) and Tony Brown (26) took the score to 52 became the first two of three batsmen to fall on the same score, with Swift claiming two wickets and Stuart Elkes the other. Nathan Stirk (25) and Gareth Cresswell (37) added a further 57 before Stirk was trapped lbw by McIlveen. When Cresswell and Tom Trevers were out, it was looking good for Audlem as the visitors had slipped to 125 for 6. However, despite two other wickets falling, Mossley lower-end batsmen secured a draw as they finished on 183 for 8. Swift was the most successful bowler with 4 for 80.

Audlem gained 14 points and Mossley 9. With second-place Holmes Chapel losing badly, Audlem reduced the gap by 12 points are now just 18 points behind them.

Tomorrow the 1st XI entertain fourth-place Tranmere Victoria in a crucial match which could determine the promotion aspirations of both teams. The match starts at 1.00 pm.

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