Cricket report 30th August

Audlem v Kidsgrove

With just four games left in the season Audlem welcomed Kidsgrove to the Gorse Croft for an important fixture with both teams looking to gain promotion. With rain expected throughout the afternoon skipper Shenton was relieved to win the toss and promptly asked the visitors to bat. Things didn't immediately go to plan with an expansive innings from Sai Veerannapeta ( 42 ) taking centre stage in a 49 run partnership. The introduction of a spinner into the attack changed the dynamics of the game as Dave Parkinson soon dismissed Sai and 2 other early batsmen in a fine spell to finish with 3 for 18 off his allocation. With the rain clouds getting ever closer Kidsgrove knew they had to set a high total to challenge the hosts but Audlem's strong bowling line-up took control of the proceedings with Simon Swift once again in dominant form with 4 for 20 backed up by Abhijith Jayan, Jake Topping & Bertie Hardy all with a wicket to their names as Kidsgrove closed on 143 all out in the 37th over.

The rain that was forecast arrived during the tea interval and the situation looked bleak but both teams were keen to wait it out as the game was in the balance and a positive result for either team would be hugely beneficial in pursuit of their respective league position. The storm eventually passed over and the mopping up process made the ground playable but valuable time was lost which meant that Audlem had only 20 overs left to bat in the game but the run total was also reduced on an overall run rate basis from the first innings. This left Audlem in the driving seat but Kidsgrove had Audlem 'old boy' Callum McIlveen in their ranks and he manage to claim 2 wickets in a fiery spell and with the score at 18 for 4 things were looking a little precarious but Richard Wilson ( 16 ) and Abhijith ( 34 not out )in a 42 run partnership soon calmed the nerves of their team mates and spectators as Audlem cruised to victory with 23 balls to spare.

The win has put Audlem in a strong position at the top of the division with most of their nearest rivals faltering or having their respective games abandoned on the day. Next Saturday Audlem travel to Little Stoke ( near Stone ) and the game has a 12.30pm start