1st XI cling on for a draw at Saughall

Last Saturday the 1st XI went on the road for a Division 2 clash with perpetual high-flyers Saughall. The match, which was sponsored by Audlem Physiotherapy Clinic, ended in a tight finish with the hosts needed just one wicket from the final 3 overs to take all 25 points. However, firm resistance from Paddy Leese and Lyndon Woodcock saw Audlem hang on for a draw.

Skipper Neil Humphries lost the toss and Audlem were put into field on a green but hard track. The Audlem opening bowling attack of Stuart Elkes and Rick Brown started threateningly, Elkes finding his usual swing and Brown generating pace and bounce. After surviving being caught off a no-ball, Martin Huxley was caught by keeper Leese off Brown's bowling. Soon afterwards James Huxley was trapped lbw by Elkes. Saughall then rallied as Mike Andrews and Jim Martin pulled back the innings until Martin was dismissed for 32. Next in was Chris Andrews, who continued to pile on the runs until he was eventually dismissed on 46. Meanwhile, brother Mike notched up an excellent half century and together with Ben Salisbury, the pair ended the innings on 65 and 26 not out respectively, guiding the total to 206 for 5.

Opening partners Andy Rothwell and Andy Capper got Audlem off to a promising start until Capper was caught behind. New to the crease, Tom Measures made a defiant stand with Rothwell until the opener attempted to steer a delivery to the leg side only to catch a leading edge for a simple catch. Measures continued his obdurate stand while Qhama Matthews showed his ability with some attractive leg side shots until he was caught at slip. Rich Wilson joined Measures as the pair played assuredly with some classy boundaries until Measures was finally dismissed, caught at slip for 17. Worryingly, wickets were falling at regular intervals for Audlem.

Leese continued the chase with Wilson, the pair connecting to score several boundaries to push the score on. Eventually Wilson was caught at mid-wicket, lofting up a simple catch. All-rounder Brown joined Leese and ignited hope as he and Leese upped the run-rate with boundaries, singles and twos. However, hope was dashed when Brown was stumped. Humphries was next to go after another run out and Elkes was dismissed shortly after coming to the crease caught behind. With one wicket remaining, Leese and Woodcock set about the task of seeing out the innings, which they did with consummate skill, the score ending on 152 for 9.

Audlem gained 6 points and Saughall 15. As a result, the 1st XI drop one place to sixth and on Saturday they travel to Norbury, who are now one place above them. The match is again sponsored by Audlem Physiotherapy Clinic.

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