2nd XI hold leaders Stalybridge to a draw

Last Saturday the 2nd XI travelled to Division 4 leaders Stalybridge on a cold and damp afternoon and secured a hard-earned draw. Skipper John Wainwright lost the toss and Stalybridge elected to bat first. Roy Wild and Dave Parry opened the bowling for Audlem and immediately started to cause problems. They both took two wickets each to leave Stalybridge in trouble at 33-4. Paul Coxon and Nick Burrows then began a recovery for the home side which ended when Burrows was caught at slip by Steve Elsmore off Wild for 17.

The key moment of the game came with the home team at 70 for 5, when the usually reliable Dan Thorburn dropped Coxon when he was on 20. Coxon took full advantage and went on to score an excellent 85. He was ably assisted by Joe Smith who made 33 in a crucial eighth wicket partnership which took the game away from Audlem. Once again, the main problem for Audlem was the lack of incisive support bowling for the admirable Wild and Parry. Stalybridge ended up on 206-9. Wild took 3 for 62, Parry 2 for 38 and John Priest 2 for 27.

The target was always going to be a step too far for Audlem, as they set their sights on a draw. The key man was Dave Parry who hit 33 not out. Thorburn contributed a battling 10 not out. Audlem never looked like losing the game and comfortably held the Stalybridge bowlers at bay, finishing on 78 for 4.

Stalybridge gained 12 points and Audlem 5, as a result slipping two places to eighth

Tomorrow the 2nd XI have another tough match as third-place Wirral 2nds visit the Gorse Croft. The match starts at 2 pm.

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