Cricket Reports

Cricket Report

Saturday 26 July

Audlem returned to the top spot in the division after another tight game at the Gorse Croft where they had to dig deep into their reserves once again to see off the challenge of visiting Alsager.

The visitors looked to be on course for the points as Lewis Pickford (42), Hassan Haleem 40) & Hassan Jamil (38) helped them reach 135 for 2 in pursuit of their 171-run target . However, Audlem roared back into the contest as Bertie Hardy's 5 for 23 allied to double strikes from Jake Topping and Simon Swift instigated Alsager's downfall to 151 all out.

Earlier in the day Venu Gopal Reddy and Richard Wilson both made 39 in Audlem's 170 all out. Irfan Shaik (26), Tom Measures (19) & Bertie Hardy (17) also played their part in setting a competitive total whilst Cameron Eden grabbed 4 for 63 for the visitors.

Next Saturday Audlem travel to Festival Heights to take on second placed Burslem CC (1.00pm start)

Sunday 27 July

The following day Audlem's Sunday counterparts made their way to South Shropshire in their very first visit to Acton Scott CC. A beautiful ground set amongst the Shropshire hills with spectacular views all around and a traditional tea at the interval in the nearby village hall combined with an excellent game of cricket between two well matched teams made it a memorable day for everyone that made the long journey.

Audlem took first knock and were hampered by two run outs in the formative stages of the innings but the reliable Andy Jackson didn't let it disturb his concentration and compiled his fourth unbeaten half century of the season, Berty Hardy (22) , Dave Parkinson (52 retired not out) & James Cottrell (27 not out) were the other main contributors as the innings reached it's conclusion in the 40th over with Audlem on 199 for 7

In pursuit of the total Acton Scott also lost two early wickets, both to opening bowler Conor Howard (2 for 23) but a fine 117 run partnership between Jacob Heiron (50 rno) & Uday Kancham (49) gave them a good platform for the victory push. Despite the heroics of the Audlem bowlers the hosts managed to cross the line for the loss of 7 wickets in the 37th over . Bertie Hardy (3 for 18) & Dave Parkinson (2 for 35) were the other wicket takers.

Next Sunday Audlem were scheduled to play Crewe Vagrants, but they were unable to raise a team, so an alternative fixture was arranged at short notice and now travel to Holmes Chapel CC with the game scheduled for a 1.30pm start.