Audlem cricket 1st XI match abandoned but exciting victory for 2nd XI

Audlem 1st XI match at Eastham was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Although they get 5 points from this non-event, the 1st XI's lead at the top of the third division is now down to 11 points since both of the next two teams played and won their matches.

Audlem 2nd XI overcame their visitors, Kerridge, on Saturday in yet another tight encounter at Gorse Croft. In the initial stages of the game an Audlem win seemed a remote possibility as Audlem's early batsmen lost their wickets to a combination of good bowling from experienced duo Allen & Bubb and a series of over-ambitious shots. Five ducks were recorded as Audlem slumped to 4 for 6 and then 7 for 32 but at last dogged opener Steve Ellsmore found in John Chadwick another batsman capable of forming a partnership. Together they overcame the Kerridge attack and took the score past 100 in a stand of 69, enabling the home team to set a competitive total of 117 all out (Steve Ellsmore 36 & John Chadwick 32). It was always going to be a difficult task for Kerridge as Audlem's potent strike force set about their work – Olly Burney bowled a fine opening spell taking 4 wickets for 3 runs and with Roy Wild keeping the batsmen in check at the other end Kerridge were reduced to 6 for 28. A mid-innings revival was eventually checked with the introduction to the attack of all-rounder Chadwick who took 3 wickets for just 8 runs as Kerridge collapsed to 81 all out, giving Audlem victory by the unlikely margin of 36 runs. Next week Audlem travel to play high flying Styal (nets on Monday night for much needed batting practice for all – Chadwick & Ellsmore excused!).

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