Maritime all at sea as Elkes hits maiden 50

Last Saturday Audlem 1st XI continued their winning streak with a comprehensive 8 wicket victory over Maritime, who sat one place below them in Cheshire Cricket Alliance's Division 2. This was despite only being able to muster 10 players for the long trip to Bromborough Pool on the Wirral.

On a damp day and a green wicket, skipper Richard Wilson was delighted to win the toss and immediately elected to bowl. Simon Swift once again opened the bowling with Callum Mcilveen.

The lack of covers on the ground led to both Mcilveen and Swift struggling with their run ups, with the former deciding to shorten his run-up after just two balls. Despite this, he got the early breakthrough, striking twice in the early overs. At the other end, Swift was also struggling running in. However this only seemed to make him more determined as he followed with an outstanding spell. Maritime were soon in trouble as they slumped to 21 for 3.

Mcilveen was replaced by left-arm spinner Neil Humphries, who struck in his first over with an uncharacteristic full toss, which the batsman hit straight to Paul Thorburn to make it 39 for 4. When the home skipper, Suthakaran, was out, Maritime were in serious trouble at 47 for 5. Another quick wicket made things even worse for the home team leaving them at 54 for 6.

However, Gayan together with the tail-enders gave some hope to Maritime. He scored a quick-fire 52 and when he was caught by Chris Shenton off Humphries' bowling the score had risen to 111 for 8. No further runs were scored, leaving the home side on 111 all out. Swift took 3 for 19, Humphries 3 for 25, McIlveen 2 for 47 and Lyndon Woodcock, promoted from the 2nd XI, chipped in with 1 for 20.

With the large number of changes in the line-up, the skipper decided to change the batting order around. He decided to bat himself down the order and promote the normal tail-enders Humphries to open the innings and Stuart Elkes to number 3.

Usual opener Andy Rothwell started the innings with Humphries, and started in typical fashion taking 9 off the first over. However his innings came to an end on the same score being trapped lbw as the first wicket fell for 14.

This brought Elkes to the crease. Unfazed by moving up the order, Elkes and Humphries both had the crowd cheering, as they played some of the most aesthetically pleasing shots to come off Audlem willow all season. Both players attacked the small straight boundary with big sixes, whilst rotating the strike well. The positive running from the pair pressurized the Maritime fielders, leading to a number of mistakes in the outfield.

As both Elkes and Humphries neared their half-centuries, and with the victory target looming close, Elkes put his foot down and reached his maiden half-century, much to the delight of his teammates. Sheltering the strike, Elkes then gave Humphries his chance to notch his 50 as well, but he fell just short of the milestone, playing on for 47. Mcilveen then joined Elkes at the crease, only needing 2 to win as they crossed the line with ease.

Elkes walked off to rapturous applause and with a smile beaming from ear to ear. He said "I've never been so happy. This is my first-ever 50 at any level".

Audlem gained 20 points and Maritime 5. The win marks the half-way point of the season with Audlem lying in fourth place, just 22 points behind leaders Tranmere Victoria, the team they beat convincingly the previous week.

The 1st XI travel to Hazel Grove tomorrow to play next-to-bottom Norbury.

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