Audlem v Onneley 2's

Sunny Audlem Cricket Club

Subject: Audlem v Onneley 2's

Audlem entertained neighbours Onneley on Saturday on what turned out to be one of the warmest days of the year. In front of a healthy (socially distanced) crowd ACC skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and opted to bat first on what looked like a batsman's paradise.

Butler and Shenton survived some close early scares to bring up a welcome solid opening stand of 62 before skipper Shenton tried to accelerate the scoring, he was bowled for 28. New man Andy Rothwell along with Butler continued to add the runs at a sedate pace before he too was removed for 28. Butler continued on his merry way passing 50 for the second time this season. The Audlem score kept ticking over and some late explosive hitting from keeper Dave Parkinson (41) helped Audlem to reach 239 for 7 in their 40 overs. Butler top scorer with 69. Sakander was the pick of the Onneley bowlers picking up 1 for 22 off 8 tight overs of off spin.

After a shortened tea break Audlem opening bowlers Swift and Mcilveen wasted no time making the pitch look not so friendly for the batsman. There was not much the Onneley men could do as they shared 7 wickets in a devastating opening spell with some high quality swing and seam bowling. Backed up by sensational catches from Rothwell at slip, young James Cottrell who clung on to one that came down with snow on it and possibly the catch of the decade by Swift himself Onneley were dismissed for 48 in just 14 overs. Cottrell backed up a superb display in the field by bagging himself two wickets late on. Swift finished with 4 for 23, Mcilveen 3 for 19 and Cottrell 2 for 4. Bradley Hall showed some late grit and determination for the away side top scoring with 14 batting at number 9.

The win moved Audlem into a close third in the league. Next week the visit Swynerton park to play Checkley 3's.

Christopher Shenton/John Wainwright