Cricket Report

Sunday June 9

Wistaston .v. Audlem ( A ) and Audlem ( B ) .v. Runcorn

The original Sunday game against Wistaston soon became over subscribed with most of the squad stating their availability so another fixture was hastily arranged against Runcorn who were at the time searching for suitable opponents. Unfortunately both games eventually fell victims to the weather but Audlem had won the toss at both venues and elected to bat. At Wistaston Michael Burton (62 not out ), Dave Parkinson (31 ) and Richard Irvine ( 15 ) were the main contributors to the eventual total of 176 for 9 before the first shower interrupted play. Wistaston progressed to 84 without loss but the rain returned and the game was abandoned.

A similar fate befell the home game against Runcorn with Audlem well in the driving seat after amassing a formidable 231 for 5 off their allotted 35 overs. Top scorers were Bertie Hardy ( 50 retired not out ), Jay Simms ( 50 retired not out ), Zar Ahmed ( 35 ), Chris Edwards ( 29 ) & Steve Whilde with25. Runcorn were in a spot of bother when the rain intervened to close proceedings at 78 for 5 . The wicket takers were Dave Quinton ( 2 for 33 ) , Molly Fernyhough ( 1 for 22 ) and young Alfie Hardy with 1 for 2 . Next Sunday's friendly at home to Wellington has been rearranged for 15 September due to a league fixture taking place.

Tuesday June 11

On Tuesday The Gorse Croft was the chosen venue for a fixture between a North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Cricket League Development X1 and a touring X1 representing The Scindia School from Gwalior, India which was originally formed for Royals and nobles of Indian princely states. The weather wasn't kind on the day with the game being reduced to 25 overs per team but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm as both teams gave a good account of themselves. The conditions must have been a revelation for the Indian lads who are attuned to playing in temperatures of 45 degrees plus.

The NSSCCL X1 had some quality players in their ranks ,including Rohan Vallabhaneni who recently made his debut for Staffordshire and were winners on the day.