Audlem CC clinch League title

Audlem .v. Caverswall

Saturday September 7

Audlem found themselves in an enviable situation on Saturday with the prospect of claiming the league title with a game to spare against relegation battlers Caverswall at The Gorse Croft.

The task was duly completed with a comfortable 105 run victory after losing the toss and being asked to bat first on a pleasant but overcast afternoon. Another fine half century partnership between Jack Allman ( 45 ) & Dave Blatherwick ( 15 ) got the hosts off to an excellent start but with three down for 106 just past the halfway point of the innings there was still plenty to do to get the team to a competitive total. Cometh the hour, cometh the man as Tom Measures strode to the crease he never put a foot wrong as he stroked the ball to all parts of the ground scoring a delightful 60 runs off 61 deliveries before selflessly attempting an improbable second run off the final delivery. Ben Salisbury with a belligerent 14 assisted Tom in a 56 run sixth wicket partnership to help the team to a highly respectable 182 for 8 off the 40 overs.

Caverswall's reply couldn't have got off to a worse start as Abijith Jayan clean bowled the visitor's captain first ball and things didn't improve a great deal as they soon slipped to 12 for 4 which at that stage Audlem had accumulated enough bonus points to wrap up the second consecutive league title. The hosts were in no mood to take their foot off the pedal and soon had victory within their grasp with the final wicket falling in the 24th over with the score on 77. Abijith claimed three victims whilst conceding 17 runs backed up by Simon Swift with 2 for 28, Ron Paul with 3 for 15 & Vijayan Rahul with 1 for 11.

Next week Audlem make the short journey to Leycett who are placed in third position just behind long time pacesetters, Stafford with only 7 points separating the two teams. Although Audlem have achieved their ultimate aim they will not be letting up due to the importance of the fixture.

The game next Saturday has a 12.30pm start time at Leycett s Park Terrace ground.

Sunday's fixture at home to Wistaston was called off due to the weather but hopefully it will brighten up next Sunday when Wellington are the visitors to The Gorse Croft for the final game of the season.

As is the regular custom the players, families and supporters plan to partake in a selection of Taz s ( Ayaan s Indian Takeaway ) delicious meals after the game and this season we are being joined by Audlem's very own Druid ( Dave Owen ) who has very kindly offered to come and serenade us all at the end of the day. So if you were unlucky enough to miss out on your Oasis ticket attempts you are very welcome to come and join us to celebrate another successful season for the club.