1st XI make it a double top as they beat Chapel

As stated yesterday, both of Audlem's teams sit top of their respective divisions tonight as the 1st XI beat Holmes Chapel by 54 runs in Division 2 and the 2nd XI, who were already top of Division 5 had a walkover with their opponents, Kerridge, being unable to raise a team and conceding the game.

1st XI skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and decided to bat at the Gorse Croft. At first it looked as though he may rue his decision, as both he and fellow opener Andy Capper were sent back to the pavilion with just 13 on the board. However, a third-wicket partnership between Richard Wilson and Tom Measures, pushed the score to 99 before Measures was trapped lbw for 39.

Olly Burney joined Wilson at the crease and they took the score to 136, when Burney was bowled for 14. Two runs later Wilson was bowled for well-grafted 55. Last week's batting hero Andy Rothwell lost two partners in quick succession as firstly Toby Banfield was run out and then Neil Humphries was stumped, leaving the score at 145 for 7.

Rothwell and Lyndon Woodcock took the score to 161 until Woodcock was bowled. Rothwell was then joined by Stuart who proceeded to clatter the visitors' bowling to the boundary. At the end of the innings Elkes had rattled up 29 not out and Rothwell was 14 not out as Audlem reached 195 for 8.

Chapel's openers Fernando and Owen started the reply well until Elkes had Owen caught by Humphries with 25 on the board. Humphries soon entered the fray and immediately bowled Fernando and Bhadwa, leaving Chapel on 52 for 3.

Of-spinner Woodcock joined Humphries and together they set about the visitors' batsmen. Between them, aided by keeper Tim Ruscoe's three stumpings, they tore through the batting. Wickets fell regularly, with only Atef being able to offer any resistance. When he was bowled by Woodcock for 49, the home team sensed victory. The tail didn't wag and Chapel were all out for 141. Humphries, grabbing six wickets for the second week running, finished with 6 for 36 and Woodcock 3 for 52.

Audlem gained 25 points and Chapel 8. With leaders Glazebury winning, but only gaining 20 points, Audlem now lead the division by 4 points. A further bonus was that third-placed Ellesmere Port lost, only gaining 6 points, leaving them trailing a further 17 points behind.

On Saturday the 1st XI travel to Kerridge, which is where the 2nd Xi should have played last Saturday. Kerridge couldn't raise a team and forfeited the game, gaining no points themselves and giving 25 points to Audlem. The 2nd XI entertain second-placed Haslington, who are a massive 91 points behind them on Saturday. The game starts at 2pm.

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