Cricket Report

Saturday May 31 : Audlem CC .v. Stafford CC .. Sunday June 1 : Audlem CC .v. Liverpool Barristers CC

The Gorse Croft became a haven for the batting members of the combating elevens in last weekend's round of fixtures with almost 900 runs scored between the teams ( almost evenly ) . In Saturday's game Stafford returned home with the spoils with a narrow 14 run victory which once again went almost to the last ball. Set 223 for victory the hosts just pulled up short after Rahul was last man to go in the final over in a brave attempt to overhaul Stafford's competitive total. A fine innings of 43 off only 36 deliveries got Audlem within striking distance after Venu Reddy had given his team the perfect start with a quickfire 67 of 47 deliveries. A good early partnership of 81 with Irfan Shaik ( 16 ) got the team off to an excellent start in their pursuit of a third successive victory. Most of the other batsmen made useful contributions along the way with Chris Shenton, Dave Parkinson, Bertie Hardy & Abijith Jayan all reaching double figures, but praise must go to Stafford's bowlers who maintained their composure throughout the run chase. Earlier in the day the visitors managed to compile their total almost exclusively thanks to V. Mahajan who scored a magnificent 105 off just 65 balls at the start of proceedings and at the halfway stage of the innings had 160 runs on the board with a huge total in prospect. Credit must go to Audlem's bowlers who stuck to their task to pull the game back from the brink and give us such a tight finish to the game. Rahul was the top wicket taker with 3 victims whilst Dave P claimed a brace ( including that prized wicket of Mr. Mahajan ) & Abijith. Simon & Vijayan taking one each.

Audlem came out of the game with 13 bonus points ( the maximum obtainable ) for their endeavours to keep them in second position in the league.

The Sunday game was another cliff hanger against new opposition from Liverpool Barristers CC. With Jake Topping in charge Audlem won the toss and had no hesitation in taking first strike on a flat looking track. Michael Burton ( 15 ) and young Alfie Hardy ( 33 ) got the team off to an excellent start in quick time which was followed up by unbeaten half centuries by Irfan Shaik and Jake himself . The other notable contribution in the overall total of 229 for 7 came from Dave Parkinson with 25. The Barristers were always up with the run rate with skipper Tom Clarke leading the way with 53 not out as they eventually crossed the line with just 6 deliveries to spare and two wickets in hand. Wicket takers for Audlem were Dave Parkinson with 2 and one each for Conor Howard, Annabelle Burton, Michael Burton, Irfan Shiek, Steve Neale and Alfie Hardy.

Another fine game of cricket to close proceedings with two more home games to look ford to this weekend. On Saturday the league X1 welcome Hem Heath CC to The Gorse Croft whilst the following day Crewe Vagrants are the visitors with both games scheduled for a 1.00pm start time.