Good start to the cricket season

Audlem's cricket season in the Cheshire Cricket Alliance got off to a flying start with the 1st XI winning whilst the 2nd XI drew in a high-scoring game.

The 1st XI won by 8 wickets as they demolished Holmes Chapel for just 73 runs in 32 overs. Top wicket takers were debutants Graham Jones (4 for 13) and Lyndon Woodcock (4 for 23). Stuart Elkes, who was last year's most consistent bowler, continued where he left off by taking a wicket whilst conceding only two runs off six overs. Youngster Ollie Burney took the other wicket.

In reply Audlem's batsmen made light work of the target, reaching it in just 21 overs. Dave Parry (25 not out) and Steve Farnell added 40 for the first wicket. After losing another wicket quickly, skipper Chris Shenton and Parry steered Audlem to victory, with the winning run fittingly scored by skipper Shenton. Audlem took 20 points, whilst Holmes Chapel mustered just 1.

At Port Sunlight the 2nd XI scored 181 for 7 in reply to the home team's 206 for 3 declared. On a hot day Port Sunlight made the most of a good batting track as they piled on the runs with Dave Tattenhall unbeaten on 71. Audlem's Chris Hardwick and Ian Chalker, both making their senior debuts, bowled well and maintained good line and length under pressure.

In reply, openers Steve Ellsmore (37) and Norman Hindle (23) got Audlem off to a steady start putting on 80 for the first wicket. Tony Mills kept up the pace as he hit a belligerent 40. Unfortunately a combination of failing light, good bowling and a middle-order collapse slowed down the run rate. When Mills was eventually out in the penultimate over, skipper John Wainwright abandoned the chase and settled for a draw. Port Sunlight gained 14 points and Audlem 6.

On Saturday the 1st XI travels to Rostherne whilst the 2nd XI is at home to league newcomers, Didsbury.

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