Audlem 1st XI stay top as weather wins out

Audlem's cricketers were affected by the unseasonal weather yesterday, as the 1st XI's game was eventually beaten by the weather, whilst the 2nd XI's game never started.

The 1st XI, playing at home to third-placed Hartford, were looking to continue their unbeaten record and keep top spot in Division 3. Skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and decided to bat. After losing a quick wicket, Shenton and Paddy Leese upped the tempo as the home team went after a big score. Shenton was eventually out for 35 and his replacement, Steve Swallow, was soon back in the pavilion beside him as he had to retire hurt after being hit on the elbow. Hartford gradually took control of the game as the runs dried up. When Leese was out Swallow returned to the action, but he and Tom Measures were pegged back by the visitors' accurate bowling. Measures was eventually out for 23 and Swallow for a brave 48 as Audlem reached 131 for 6 after 37 of the scheduled 48 overs. Big-hitting James Siddorns stepped into the breach as the run rate increased. In the next ten overs 99 runs were added as he, ably supported by Paul Dean, thrashed the visitors' attack to all parts of the ground. Shenton eventually declared the innings closed on 230 for 6 after 47 overs with both batsmen not out, Siddorns having scored 67 and Dean 20.

In their reply Hartford got off to a brisk start as they went for victory. Openers Robin Davies and Mike Fielding looked to score quickly as the strong wind made bowling difficult. However, spinner Lyndon Woodcock eventually trapped both openers, with Davies scoring 48. The weather closed in as the players were battered by wind and rain and visibility worsened. The game was eventually called off with Hartford 102 for 2 after 25 overs. Audlem gained 11 points to stay top and Hartford 5 to remain third.

The 2nd XI's Division 5 game at Langley was called off due to a waterlogged ground. Both teams gained 5 points as Audlem remain fourth, one place above Langley.

Next Saturday.the 1st XI travel to second-placed Mossley for a Division 3 top-of the-table clash. The 2nd XI play their Division 5 game at home, also against Mossley, who are sixth in the table.

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