2nd XI remain unbeaten with draw at Trinity

The 2nd XI’s unbeaten start to the season remains intact after Saturday's drawn encounter with fourth-place Trinity at Bramhall. Although only earning four points for their endeavours, the Audlem lads were never in any danger of defeat in a game dominated by Trinity's powerful batting line up.

The shock of the day was skipper John Wainwright winning the toss.  After being asked to bat on a cool, overcast day the home team made a steady, if unspectacular, start with seasoned openers Brian Cheetham and Philip Lowe building a solid platform to the innings. The fireworks started when Ian Clewes came to the crease. After surviving a confident stumping appeal by the returning keeper Leo North, he went on the attack and proceeded to take the game away from the visitors and finished on 68 before being dismissed by Lyndon Woodcock.

Obviously the home skipper had done his homework on Audlem's last two matches, when they had successfully chased down their targets, and decided to bat on to achieve a huge total. The innings finally closed on 237 for 5 when Trinity declared after 46 of the allotted 48 overs.  Audlem’s bowlers stuck to their task manfully with Lyndon Woodcock deserving a mention with 3 for 69.  Keeper North made a welcome return taking two fine catches and a stumping.

During the tea interval a shower of rain altered the complexion of the match as the outfield became wet and slow.   With 44 overs to bat, Audlem faced no realistic prospect of overhauling the total given the conditions and the good, accurate bowling of the home team.  The batsmen used their time at the crease to good effect and valuable knocks were achieved by prolific opener Zar Ahmed (30) and Danny Thorburn (11).  All-rounder Woodcock capped a good day for him finishing on 26 not out, a knock which included the rare sight of a square-cut six.  Audlem closed on 114 for 6 in a game where a more generous declaration was needed to stimulate the proceedings.

Audlem gained 4 points and Trinity 13.  As a result, Audlem remain in fifth and Trinity in fourth in Division 4.

After two weeks of travelling the 2nd XI are looking forward to a home game at Gorse Croft next Saturday against seventh-place Wilmslow Wayfarers. The match starts at 1.30pm

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