Audlem cricketers promoted despite defeat

Audlem 1st XI unfortunately lost their final match of the season but gained sufficient points to be promoted as runners-up. They were pipped to top spot because previously second placed Mossley's opponents Ellesmere Port failed to play – the match was therefore automatically awarded to Mossley.

Audlem won the toss against third placed Kerridge, who were also fighting for a promotion spot. Audlem, however, chose to bat which meant automatic promotion as Kerridge could only get 20 points batting second, insufficient for them to overtake Audlem in the league.

Audlem got off to a terrible start on a horrible pitch – after 10 overs they were three wickets down for just one run! Andy Capper and Rich Brown started the fight back and took the score to 40 before Brown was given out to a poor LBW decision for 21. Capper continued to battle away as wickets tumbled at the other end, eventually being bowled for 19 after batting for 38 overs. Audlem were finally all out for 98. Kerridge seemed to be cruising to a comfortable win until, at 72 – 3, two quick wickets fell which started a dramatic collapse and saw them at 93 – 8. Unfortunately, two boundaries saw them cross the winning line and hand the league to Mossley as Ellesmere Port hadn't played their vital final match of the season.

Congratulations to Audlem 1st XI on a fine season and their well-deserved promotion.

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