Cricket Report

Audlem v Woore

Audlem continued their fine start to the 2023 season with a 21 run victory over local rivals Woore.

Captain Christopher Shenton won the toss and elected to bat on a new, slightly green track at Gorse Croft.

The home side struggled early on and quickly found themselves a wicket down with just 15 runs on the board when opener Richard Wilson H behind a swinging delivery which was well caught by the Woore wicket-keeper Chris Gater.

Number three as well came and went quickly which left Audlem 2 wickets down for 15.

Skipper Shenton and Irfan Shaik steadied the ship leading Audlem to 57.

Audlem's innings was back on the rocks when Shenton found himself dismissed for 23 off the bowling of Bertie Hardy. Irfan was also dismissed shortly after the drinks broke to leave Audlem reeling on 65-4 off just over 20 overs.

This brought Tom Measures to the Crease. The experienced duo Measures and Toraman combined brilliantly adding 55 for the 5th wicket.

Toraman's 45 came from just 48 balls and included seven fours and a huge maximum. Although Salisbury came and went quickly, both Parkinson and Jayan supportive measures in helping Audlem to set a competitive total. At the end of their 40 overs Audlem had set Woore 188 to win. Measures finished unbeaten on 33 and Number 11 Swift finished 3 not out.

Audlem knew that they would have to bowl and field exceptionally well in order to contain the visitors. Woore had knocked off a larger total the week before without losing a wicket.

Audlem came out of the blocks firing, blasting away the Woore top 4 to leave the away side 25-4 off the first 10 overs.

Jayan was the pick of the bowlers bowling with pace and swing dismissing both openers quickly. Number 3 Andrew Burton was excellently caught by Salisbury off the bowling of Swift. Salisbury was again in the thick of the action as he expertly ran out the dangerous A. Kenwyn with a direct hit from inside the 30-yard ring. There was to be another twist in the game as Weaver and L. Kenwyn combined brilliantly to push Woore closer to the target.

The pair put on 96 for the 5th wicket. Audlem dropped the pair a combined 5 times and the nerves around Gorse Croft were certainly felt amongst players and supporters alike. However, Parkinson got the important wicket of L.Kenwyn for an excellently made 46 when she was caught at point by Swift. Swift then dismissed the dangerous Weaver for a well-made 57.

The returning Jayan quickly dismissed Harper thanks to an impressive take by Wilson with the gloves. Khan, Gater and Hardy each struck a few lusty blows but Audlem held their nerve as Woore finished their 40 overs on 166-8.

Audlem took the maximum 18 points from the game with Woore receiving 10.

Audlem have extended their lead at the top of the division to 25 points at the half-way stage of the season.

Audlem host Audley on Saturday 8th July in what promises to be another cracking encounter between the sides. Although Jayan will miss the game due to work commitments, Audlem welcome back all-rounder and vice-captain Dan Butler to the side.