Audlem 2nds grab victory

On the day the start of the brash, overhyped Premier League football season encroached even earlier into August and tried to lessen the impact of England's stunning Ashes victory, Audlem 2nd XI travelled to Mossley for a match that showed what real slow-burning, nail-biting tension can be produced in the game of cricket.

Batting first on an unexpectedly docile Mossley wicket, Danny Thorburn and Zar Ahmed quickly raced to an opening stand of 154.

To be more accurate Danny raced and Zar meandered casually. Having hit 15 boundaries the captain's innings came to a halt 7 runs short of what would have been a deserved maiden century when he was well caught in the deep.

After Zar had departed for 43 (4 fours), once again capably creating a solid platform for the following batsmen, Paddy Leese started his second knock of the season watchfully. He soon launched into his full range of strokes and most onlookers were taken by surprise when he quickly reached his 50 (9 fours).

Reg Farnell also had another bright innings, hitting a six over the longest boundary before falling for 20. Sam Colclough (10), John Wainwright (5 not out) helped the final score along to 259-4, with Leese yet to be dismissed this season on 57 not out.

After an excellent tea, Mossley skipper Carney soon went to a Paul Thorburn catch but Steve Austin and Brandon Rigby dug in and by drinks had reached 35 for the loss of only the one wicket.

Audlem were desperate for a breakthrough but the 19th over bowled by Woodcock changed the complexion of the match as he dismissed both Austin and Rigby. Within minutes Mossley were 5 wickets down and all looked lost.

However, no-one had reckoned with youngsters Adam and Ethan Frost who ignored the precarious position their team and decided no-one was going to ruin their afternoon.

Resembling a cricketing Superman (or Steve Bell's John Major) with his lower body protective equipment keeping his trousers from falling down, Ethan produced some flashing boundaries, chipped the ball into spaces and soon was able to proudly announce to Reg that he too had now hit a six (albeit to the shortest boundary) and was proving very difficult to dislodge.

Adam fell to Danny Thorburn for an adventurous 20 but Laura Griffiths and Richard Mort were able to offer solid support to the youngster rapidly approaching his first-ever 50.

The score mounted but wickets continued to be hard to come by, despite excellent spells from Rob Mottershead and Reggie Farnell. It was with 6 overs left that Danny Thorburn showed his captain's qualities.

Listening to advice from older team-mates, he took the brave decision to bring back spinner Lyndon Woodcock, the only bowler to have given the batsmen any real difficulties by giving the ball far more air than usual.

Tension had crept into the game. Woodcock bowled Griffiths round her legs and it was with relief that Mort was trapped LBW, an admirable decision from the opposing skipper/umpire, considering the state of the game.

Creeping towards the end of the allotted 45 overs every ball survived was a triumph for the batsmen, but with 7 balls remaining and with Lyndon's penultimate ball, the spin wizard found the edge of last batsman Petznich's bat and the helmeted Paddy Leese took a brilliant one -handed catch at silly point to win the game and ensure the priceless 25 points.

Mossley made 170 and Ethan Frost had finished on 57 not out, an admirable effort and superstition will surely dictate no belt being worn in the future as he looks to repeat his fine innings.

Woodcock took 6-63 that reflected two excellent spells, but he was well supported on the placid pitch by Mottershead 1-20, Danny Thorburn 2-53 and Reggie Farnell 0-22 who, in the family tradition, took two difficult and very important catches.

This was a great game of cricket which was a credit to both sides and maintained Audlem's six point lead over Stretton at the top of the table.

Frodsham, who ran the seconds very close earlier in the season, are the visitors to the Gorse Croft on Saturday.

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