1st XI lose in high-scoring game by one wicket

The 1st XI travelled to Holmes Chapel hoping to consolidate their top spot in Division 2 of the Cheshire Cricket Alliance. Under clear blue skies in sweltering conditions and with a flat batting track, they lost by one wicket in a high-scoring game.

Skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and opted to bat first. This decision appeared to backfire as Shenton, his fellow-opener Andy Capper and Richard Wilson were all back in the pavilion with just 16 runs on the scoreboard. All three were caught by keeper Andy Gilligan off Neil Almond's bowling. This brought together the in-form Tom Measures and Paddy Leese. Luck shone on the side of Measures as he offered up three chances in as many overs to the Chapel fielders, none of which was taken.

As the new ball wore off, Leese and Measures found runs easier and easier to come by, playing some exquisite shots as their healthy partnership developed past 100. However, the Audlem batsman still offered up chances that Holmes Chapel refused to take as Leese and Measures were both dropped a further time. Their partnership was broken when Leese was dismissed for 62 to make the score 133 for 4. . A quick enjoyable cameo from Kemal Toraman of 27 and a increase of momentum from Measures helped propel the total along sufficiently until Measures' defiance ended in the final over for a terrific 82 to put his side in a strong position of 213-7 in 48 overs.

The momentum and luck continued to roll Audlem's way as Burney and Elkes bowled fiery opening spells to scythe through the Chapel top order, but Alan Thorburn had other ideas as he counter-punched a quickfire 43 before playing one shot too many to Lyndon Woodcock as Burney gratefully accepted the catch.

As in the first innings, once the effect of the new ball disappeared, the pitch calmed down and batting became much easier, allowing for free-run scoring from the Chapel batsman, despite the regular wickets that were falling. With 6 wickets down and 144 on the board, Audlem sensed victory. However, some lusty blows and great timing from Jon Steele and Tim Cowburn brought Chapel right back into the game. When they were out, Gilligan and Andy Jump managed to maintain the run rate. Despite this Audlem chipped away with Stuart Elkes and Toraman taking a wicket each as the score got further and further within the grasp of the Chapel batsmen.

As the scoreboard read 212-8, the Audlem players were resigned to defeat until Olly Burney restored a bit of faith taking the wicket of Cowburn, leaving the match hanging in the balance. Although Jump and Almond clearly looked nervous, Chapel managed to get to the target with 3 overs remaining as Jump hit another four in a boundary-laden innings. Elkes took 4 for 36 and Burney 3 for 63.

Audlem gained 14 points and Chapel 20. As a result of the defeat the 1st XI drop to second place, just two points behind leaders Glazebury.

On Saturday the 1st XI face Kerridge at the Gorse Croft looking to rediscover the winning formula. The match starts at 2.00 pm.

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