Rothwell runs riot

The 1st XI picked up their fifth victory of the season last Saturday at Offerton defeating the home side by two wickets in a thrilling finale. The visitors were largely indebted to a brilliant 88 from opener Andy Rothwell.

After a washout last week and green tinged wicket, the Audlem skipper had no hesitation in bowling first when he won the toss. Offerton made a slow start to their innings: both openers were in watchful mood and happy to move along at around two runs per over until the dismissal of Stephen Pickles by a fine one handed catch from Simon Swift off Callum McIlveen's bowling with the score on 29.

This brought Tom Fletcher to the crease. He and Neil Jeffrey hit 46 and 48 respectively as they put on 71 for the second wicket leaving the home side handily placed at 100 for 2 with 12 overs remaining. They were unable to find the acceleration they would have liked however, with only one of the lower order reaching double figures as Audlem's tight fielding brought two run outs. McIlveen returned 2 for 37 and Neil Humphries 3 for 45 as Offerton reached 155 for 8 from their 45 overs.

When Audlem replied Andy Rothwell was dropped off the first ball of the innings. He was quick to punish the home side for their error, treating several balls with disdain as they raced to the fence. At the other end, Dave Morris perished for a duck with the scoreboard showing 16. Rothwell and Tom Kural (9) took the score to 52 before Kural was run out.

Rothwell, who, after being dropped a further two times was now beginning to flay a flagging Offerton side to all corners of the ground. He brought up his fifty with a huge six over long on as Audlem cantered past 100 for the loss of just two wickets in 20 overs. When Stu Stanway was dismissed for 10 the score was 114 for 3 and needing just 42 runs for victory in 18 overs the result appeared a formality.

However, when Rothwell was eventually removed for 88 the score quickly became 133 for 8. Enter Simon Swift, who played a brilliantly mature innings of 20 not out to see Wilson's side home by two wickets in a nail biting finish.

Audlem picked up 20 points and remain in third place in Division 2. Offerton gained 12 points to remain fourth.

The1st XI entertain leaders Tranmere Victoria at the Gorse Croft today with a 1.30 start.

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