Cricket season starts with mixed fortunes

Summer arrived on Saturday for Audlem's cricketers as the cricket season started amid a cold blow from the east. Playing cricket on a bitterly cold day with a slow wicket and outfield is not a pleasant experience and fortunes were mixed as the 1st XI recorded a seven-wicket victory, whilst the 2nd XI lost by five wickets.

The 1st XI travelled to Hartford for their Division 3 fixture. Skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and put the home side in to bat on a slow wicket. Opening bowlers Rich Brown and Stuart Elkes justified the captain's faith in them as they skittled Hartford for just 53. Brown took 7 for 19 and Elkes 2 for 9. In reply, Audlem took their time to accrue the 54 runs needed for victory. Shenton played a captain's innings, scoring 30 before being bowled with just four runs needed to win. Tom Measures (12 not out) scored the winning runs as Audlem reached the target for the loss of just three wickets.

The 2nd XI entertained Northwich, who just missed out on promotion from Division 5 last season. Skipper John Wainwright lost the toss and batting first, Audlem were restricted to 100 all out in 44 overs. James Hindle was the only batsman to shine with a well-struck 24. In reply Northwich had little difficulty in reaching the target for the loss of only five wickets. Gareth Pritchard was the pick of Audlem's bowlers with 2 for 14.

Next week the 1st XI is at home to Mossley, who also opened their season with a win. The match starts at 2 pm. The 2nd XI has no game as there are an odd number of teams in Division 5.

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