Cricketers break duck

It's been a long and frustrating seaon for Audlem's 1st XI and on a day when five 1st XI players and six 2nd XI were unavailable, Audlem were forced to field only one side on Saturday as the 1st XI made the trip up the M6 to Warrington to play Grange CC.

Stand-in skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and asked Grange to bat first. This paid dividends quickly as youngster Oliver Burney, a regular wicket taker for the 2nd XI, caught and bowled Grange's opener with only 12 on the board. Wickets fell regularly throughout the innings as Grange scored 193 for 7 in their 48 overs. Simon Banks was Audlem's top wicket taker with 3 for 30. He was well supported by Mike Steele, playing his first game of the season after injury (2 for43) and Burney (2 for 52).

Paddy Leese, who had to leave for a wedding reception at 6pm, and regular opener Andy Capper began Audlem's innings but were soon parted as Capper was out in the second over for 1. Leese, who was smashing the ball all around the ground, retired unbeaten on 55. Simon Banks (18) was next out with the score at 89. An unbeaten partnership of 105 between John Wainwright (33 not out) and Toby Banfield, playing his first game for the 1st XI, who top scored 59 not out, knocked the runs off in only 38 overs to gain the first win of the season for the 1st XI. Audlem scored 20 points to Grange's 11.

Next Saturday both teams play Trinity with the 1st XI at home whilst the 2nd XI travel to Stockport.

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