Cricketers go down fighting

Once again Audlem's cricket teams were severely affected by holidays and work commitments, which resulted in only being able to field a considerably weakened 1st XI. The team travelled to Styal knowing that only a win would give them any chance of staying in Division 2 of the Cheshire Cricket Alliance.

Winning the toss stand-in skipper Simon Banks decided to field. The decision soon paid off as Dave Adlard (2 for 35) bowled Styal's opener Matt Wynne with just 30 on the board. However their other opener, Rob North, was in tremendous form, scoring 88. He was eventually fifth man out with the score at 161. Banks was Audlem's top wicket taker with 3 for 37. Andy Capper (2 for 10) and Geoff Seddon (2 for 13) mopped up the tail as Styal were bowled out for 210 in 45 overs. In fact Seddon took the last two wickets with consecutive balls so that the first ball of his next over could produce a hat-trick.

In their reply Audlem were soon in trouble with the score at 24 for 3 after only seven overs. Resistance came from Banks (32) and John Wainwright (17) who added 31 for the fourth wicket. After losing another quick wicket Audlem put the shutters up with Seddon and Banks using up sixteen overs in scoring 33 runs. With the score at 96 two fourteen year olds, Oliver Burney and Simon Swift, showed maturity beyond their age in playing out four overs of hostile, quick bowling ensuring that Audlem claimed the draw, finishing on 105 for 9. Styal took 15 points and Audlem 7. The result means that Audlem will play Division 3 cricket next season.

Next Saturday sees the final games of the season when Audlem have a double header against Langley. The 2nd XI travel to the picturesque ground near Macclesfield, whilst the 1st XI play at home. Both games start at 1pm.

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