Cricketers in double success as 1st XI go top

Audlem's cricketers enjoyed a day in the sun with a double success on Saturday as both teams won against strong opposition.

In Division 3, the 1st XI travelled to Capenhurst and recorded a four-wicket victory on an unpredictable track. Winning the toss, skipper Chris Shenton put the home team in to bat. Capenhurst were soon in trouble as Stuart Elkes (7 for 46) ripped through the batting line up. There was also a run out and a wicket apiece for Dave Parry and Ollie Burney as Capenhurst were all out for 65 in the 27th over.

Finding the wicket just as difficult, Audlem with 62 overs to reach the target took their time. Wickets fell regularly as one ball flew over head height whilst the next hardly got off the ground. Audlem eventually reached the target in the 35th over having lost six wickets. Dave Parry top scored with 14, whilst three other batsmen, Gareth Pritchard, Tom Measures and John Wainwright all got into double figures.

Audlem took 20 points and Capenhurst 3 and this win, the fourth in a row took Audlem to the top of the division.

In Division 5, the 2nd XI, playing at home to second placed Styal, won their first match of the season by fourteen runs. Put in to bat, the home side got off to a bad start as opener Steve Ellsmore was out without a run on the board. A second-wicket partnership between Andy Keeling (26) and Tony Gadsden (21) steadied the ship as Audlem recovered. Further knocks by Tim Ruscoe (26), Les Hemmant (21) and John Chadwick (26) took the score to a respectable 155.

In reply, Styal always struggled against good Audlem bowling. John Chadwick rounded off an excellent day taking 5 for 28. He was well supported by Roy Wild, who chipped in with 3 for 25. Wild eventually took the last wicket as Styal were all out for 140. Audlem took 25 points from the game and Styal 8.

On Saturday the 1sts are at home to Eastham, whilst the 2nds travel to Bromborough to play Wirral. Both matches start at 2pm.

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