Audlem 2nd XI overpower Hartford

Audlem 2nd X1 continued their recent run of good form with a third consecutive victory, this time against already relegated Hartford. 

The winning margin of 193 runs tells the story of a totally one-sided encounter between these two teams. Hartford have been struggling all season at the foot of the division and never threatened to spring a surprise result against their resurgent visitors. 

Skipper Danny Thorburn, on winning the toss, had no hesitation in batting on a lovely hot late Summer's day. Opening batsmen Zar Ahmed & John Wainwright were soon into their stride with instructions from their captain to reach a score of 200 plus as soon as possible and give the bowlers the time to win the game.

The 100 partnership was duly reached in only the 19th over and the pattern continued after their dismissal with the incoming batsmen totally dominant.

Thorburn called a halt to the proceedings after only 38 overs with the score on a daunting 247 for 3. Leo North (41 not out) and Rob Morrison (48 not out) were the unbeaten batsmen at the crease on the declaration. Zar Ahmed made 42,) John Wainwright 43 and Danny Thorburn 14.

This left Audlem 52 overs to dismiss their disheartened opponents and claim maximum points from the game. The result was never in doubt after the first few overs with the home team in all sorts of trouble with 3 batsmen back in the pavilion with only 4 runs on the scoreboard.

None of the Hartford batsmen had the required resilience to try and resist the Audlem attack and the game was soon wrapped up after only 21 overs when they were dismissed for only 54 runs.

Dave Parry in 7 overs took 2 wickets for 18 runs; Rob Morrison in 6 overs took 3 for 8; Matt Day in 4 overs had 1 for 17;  and Roy Wild in 4 overs with 3 wickets for 9 were the bowlers. 

Audlem expect a much tougher encounter next Saturday in their final game of the season at home to Wilmslow who need the points in their quest for promotion.

The game starts at 1.00pm at Gorse Croft and any supporters /spectators would be very welcome. At the end of proceedings the club are planning a barbecue where everyone is invited.

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