Cricketers suffer double defeat on last day

Both the 1st and 2nd XIs had a disappointing end to the Cheshire Cricket Alliance season, suffering defeats on the final day.

The 1st XI, at home in a match with promotion-chasing Saughall, lost by 5 wickets.  Skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and decided to bat.  His decision looked to be paying off with the scoreboard showing 41 for1.  However, the loss of four wickets for just 15 runs put the visitors in the driving seat.  A fightback by the home batsmen saw the score reach 156 by the end of the innings.  Shenton (26), Rich Wilson (24), Paddy Leese (21) and Neil Humphries (20 not out) were the leading batsmen.  Saughall’s batsmen never looked in trouble as they eased their way to victory and promotion to Division 1 with five wickets and thirteen overs to spare.  The match was sponsored by Ladbrokes Sandbach.

The 2nd XI travelled to Division 4 champions Wirral and lost by 8 wickets.  Skipper John Wainwright won the toss and elected to bat.  Wirral’s bowlers were too strong for the visitors as Audlem were skittled for just 45.  The home batsmen soon knocked off the runs for the loss of just two wickets.

Despite these two losses neither team changed their league positions.  The 1st XI ended the season in sixth place in Division 2.  The 2nd XI finished in fourth place in Division 4, a very creditable performance following last season’s promotion.

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