Audlem Cricket Report

Saturday v Porthill Park

Audlem continued their winning start to life in the North Staffs and South Cheshire League but were given a good examination by Porthill Park in their encounter at The Gorse Croft on Saturday.

Porthill opted to bat and made their way to 117 for 9 at the conclusion of their innings. Raj Bansal (19 no) and Phil Butler (18 no) impressed late on to ensure the visitors used all the available overs.

Neil Humphries took the Audlem bowling plaudits with 4 for 6. While there were double strikes for Callum Mcilveen and Simon Swift.

Audlem needed just 20 overs to reach their target but did lose six wickets in doing so. William Booth's bowling spell didn't prove to be a salvation for the visitors despite taking a couple of wickets in the run chase. Atiq Hashmi (48 ) and Dave Parkinson ( 40 no ) saw Audlem home and bring the game to a swift conclusion.

Sunday v Fenns Bank CC

The following day the Sunday X1 made their way over the border into Wales to the delightful setting of Iscoyd Park, the home of Fenns Bank CC.

The game was reduced to 30 overs per team as the prospect of prolonged play looked doubtful with rain forecast for later in the afternoon and a slate grey sky looking menacing overhead.

Fenns Bank's team consisted almost entirely of league players who proved to be too strong on the day for the Audlem X1 who had 4 juniors in their ranks and only 3 regular league lads.

Audlem did put up stout resistance though in restricting the home team to 175 for 8 with Simon Swift (1 wicket for 2 runs) and Dave Parkinson (3 for 19) taking the plaudits.

Audlem's reply got off to the worst possible start with prolific opening batsman, Andy Burton dismissed first ball. Fellow opener, Paddy Leese played a brilliant innings on a difficult wicket and slow outfield to get the visitors into a competitive position but when he was dismissed for 45 hopes of a surprise victory evaporated. Allrounder, Richard Irvine galvanised his batting partners to reach three figures with a resilient knock of 22 not out as the innings concluded on 101 for 6.

Next week

Next Saturday Audlem travel to Fenton Park to play Meakins (1;00pm) and the following day the Sunday team are at home to Scot Hay.

Woore are again playing at The Gorse Croft on Saturday whilst their ground is out of commission and would greatly welcome your support.

John Wainwright (Audlem CC)