Audlem Cricketers win again

Audlem continued their fine start to the season with a comprehensive 9 wicket victory over Moddershall and Oulton. On a very wet Saturday afternoon, the visitors arrived at Moddershall's Wrekin ground. With the rain still falling and a soaked outfield, the prospect of play seemed bleak. However, with both captains desperate to get the game on, against all the odds, a full match was made possible.

For the first time this season, Audlem skipper Chris Shenton called correctly and had no hesitation in inviting the hosts to bat in bowler friendly conditions. Shenton's decision was almost proven right immediately as Swift found the edge with his first delivery. Unfortunately he saw his catch dropped in the slips. Unbelievably, Swift found the edge on a further 2 occasions in his opening over, but again the ball just wouldn't stick in the hand. Swift didn't have to wait long for his first wicket. In the next over he again found the edge and this time it was confidently snaffled by Parkinson behind the stumps. Like London buses, the second wicket came quickly. A rush of blood from the opening batter as he attempted to charge the dangerous, swing bowling of Jayan. His stumps had been rearranged and Moddershall and Oulton were 5-2. Some cautious batting followed and Moddershall steadily made it 42-2. As the pressure to push on with the scoring grew, the impressive Saleem Mir skied a catch. Shenton made up for his early drop at slip by taking a blinding, diving catch running around from mid-on.

The drinks break brought a change of wicket-keeper for Audlem. Richard Wilson took the gloves which allowed Parkinson to come into the bowling attack. His 8 over spell helped to turn the game in Audlem's favour. Unbelievably he returned figures of 2-10 off his allocation. For the 2nd week in a row the opposition batters had no answer to his immaculate line and length bowling. His tight spell built pressure which led to Moddershall falling to 80-6. Audlem would have been hoping to dismiss the hosts for less than 100 from this position. They knew than chasing more than 100 would be a tricky task given the bowling-friendly conditions. However, some powerful hitting from number 8, Rizwan Ali helped Moddershall reach 118-7 off their 40 overs. Ali was eventually dismissed by the returning Swift. The opening bowler successfully taking a caught and bowled chance that seemed to reach the clouds before dropping back to earth.

The second half of the game was delayed for 30 minutes as the Staffordshire rain bounced down. Luckily, it eased off allowing the players to return to the field without losing any overs. Skipper Shenton joined the left-handed Wilson at the crease knowing that with a slow outfield and cloudy conditions the chase would not be easy. However, the two batted superbly. Some excellent running mixed with some lusty blows eased Audlem towards their target. Although Shenton fell for 41, he had brought his side close to the finishing line. This allowed Toraman and Wilson to wrap up a comprehensive 9 wicket win. Fittingly it was Wilson who hit the winning runs by clipping young leg spinner Sam Wright for 3 runs through mid-wicket. Wilson finished on 67 not out. He hit 2 fours and 4 sixes in his 58 ball knock. A truly magnificent innings in tricky conditions. Unsurprisingly Wilson takes the player of the match award. However, a special mention must go to Parkinson. His economical spell strangled the Moddershall and Oulton batters in the 2nd half of their innings.

Audlem host Endon at 1pm on Saturday 13th May. They will be hoping to maintain their 100% record so far this season. However, they will have to do so without week 2 match winner Salisbury and week 3 player of the match Wilson, who are both unavailable. They do however welcome back Sebin Sunny and last season's top run scorer Dan Butler to the side.