2nd XI make it three wins on the run

The 2nd XI gained their third successive victory last Saturday when they defeated eighth-place Wilmslow by 5 wickets at the Gorse Croft.

Skipper Danny Thorburn won the toss and invited the visitors to bat on a wicket that, despite its patchy appearance, offered the bowlers little help throughout the afternoon. Fortunately the temperatures had abated somewhat and the home team's spinning triplets kept the score under control with their tight line and length. Roy Wild and Dave Parry reduced the visitors to 80 for 5 with only Tom Smith (27) and Simon Oakley (11) reaching double figures.

In the absence of large scores from their more established senior batsmen, Wilmslow's youngsters, Chris Arnott and Robert Hart took the score to 125 before Lyndon Woodcock had Arnott caught by skipper Thorburn for 43. Hart was joined by another youngster, Oliver Pickup, and they added another 42 for the seventh wicket before Leo North stumped Hart off Parry's bowling for 47. All three showed admirable patience and technique as they rescued the innings. Wilmslow finished their 48 overs on 173 for 8 with Woodcock taking 2 for 70, Wild 3 for 29 and Parry 2 for 70.

In reply, Audlem set about the run-chase confidently with last week's thrilling success still fresh in everyone's minds. Zar Ahmed (13) and Danny Thorburn (22) set a solid foundation as they put on 25 for the first wicket. But Thorburn and Andy Jinks followed soon after as the score slumped to 45 for 3. However, a wonderfully clean-hitting 69, including 13 boundaries from Jason Leigh well supported by Parry (36 not out) put Audlem in the driving seat. Leigh was bowled with the scoreboard showing 154. Parry and Paul Thorburn (6 not out) steered Audlem to victory with a relatively comfortable 15 balls to spare with the score at 176 for 5.

Audlem gained 20 points and Wilmslow 11. Audlem move up to eighth in Division 4 whilst Wilmslow slip to ninth.

Today the 2nd XI travel to Stretton, who sit in fifth place, with just 10 more points.

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