Cricket Report – Stafford

Last Sunday Audlem travelled to Stafford for the second leg of a crucial double header. With just two changes from Saturday Audlem were confident of building a lead in their Division four promotion push.

Skipper Shenton has no hesitation in choosing to bat first on a hot day in Stafford. The track looked road like and the outfield scorched so he was hoping to put a big total on the board, especially with the game being broadcast live on YouTube with thousands of fans tuning in from all parts of the globe.

At 5-3 from four overs many people who had stayed up to watch the broadcast had turned off. Shenton first ball, Saturdays star Topping worth a poor shot selection and the little master Irfan were all sat in the clubhouse wondering what had happened. Stafford skipper Haynes claiming 2 of the wickets, both snapped up at gulley. When injured star batsman holed out at long off with the score on 28 it looked like an early bank holiday finish was in the cards. However what happened over the next two hours was a joy to behold. Audlem veteran Rich Wilson, fresh from a short stint back in Madrid caressed, nudged and nurdled the ball to all parts of the Riverway ground. The first of three partnerships with new boy Will Hannam produced 70 runs. Hannam contributing and well constructed 28. Two further partnerships with Bertie the butcher Hardy and Rapid Rahul helped Audlem towards a respectable score. Skipper Shenton was hoping 150-160 would give his bowlers some to defend. However Wilson had other ideas. After easing past a well deserved 50, Wilson changed the gears. His next 50 runs coming off just 23 balls. Audlem added 60 runs from the final five overs to amass a nearly believable 199 for 8. Wilson the star of the show finishing unbeaten on 111.

Feeling confident and with plans in place for Stafford s star batsman Audlem opened with the mystery spin of Dave Parkinson. When his spell of 8 over 3 for 18 had finished, Audlem felt like victory was close. Stafford were in big trouble at 100-6 needing almost 10 an over from the last 11. However this is Audlem and nothing is easy, especially this season. Siraj was joined at the crease by Kannan and together they dispatched the tiring Audlem bowlers to all parts. With the vast outfield impossible to cover and runs flowing it felt like Audlems players were wilting and heading for a shock defeat, which would have hugely dented any promotion chances. With Siraj on 60 and Kannan on 48 and the pair scoring at 12 an over Audlem looked doomed. Needing just 16 from the final 12 deliveries head had started to drop. Swift produced anther of his trademark death overs but Stafford still managed to score seven with runs almost impossible to stop.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Audlem had already produced miracles this year, lots of them involving Rahul, normally with the bat. Skipper Shenton tossed him the ball, praying for another.

First ball, single

Second ball, Kannan skies one which young Jake Topping refused to let anyone else near, holding on to a brave catch.

Third ball, run out and a rocket from Parkinson from the boundary catches the Stafford batsman short looking for a second.

Fourth ball, single. Siraj back on strike

Five need to win, four for a super over.

Fifth ball, 2 runs to Siraj.

Tension now unbearable. 3 to win, 2 for a super over.

Sixth ball, Rahul produces a stunning delivery outside off stump which Rahul edges through to none other than keeper Wilson. Audlem win by 2 runs!!

Another fantastic advert for grass roots cricket played in great spirit. Thank you to Stafford for hosting and keeping the bar open late!

Audlem now have a 16 point lead with four massive games to play, starting with fourth place Kidsgrove at home on Saturday. Please come down and support, it would be greatly appreciated by myself and the team.