1st XI regain top spot beating Kerridge by 72 runs

The 1st XI regained top spot in Division 2 of the Cheshire Cricket Alliance in a rain-threatened game which they won by 72 runs against an in-form, fourth-placed Kerridge. Unfortunately the 2nd XI's Division 5 game against second-placed Haslington was called off. However the 2nd XI remain top.

1st XI skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and had no hesitation in deciding to bat with the wicket having been covered for protection against the elements. He and Richard Wilson put on 39 for the first wicket before Wilson was trapped lbw by Nathan Taylor for 13.

Shenton was joined at the crease by Olly Burney, newly promoted to the number 3 slot. The youngster began quietly, treating the bowling with respect but still keeping the scoreboard ticking over. The two moved the score on to 86, before Joe Waite made the breakthrough, bowling Shenton for 46. Then came the man in-form, Measures, to the crease to continue his great run of form, joining the increasingly confident Burney. They shared a stand of 123 before the partnership was finally broken when Measures was caught by Matt Waite off James Hannaghan's bowling for 59 off just 66 balls.

Some more lusty blows from Burney helped him race to his maiden 1st XI half-century in a calm and mature display of batting before tucking into the rest of the bowling. He was finally dismissed for 66 off the final ball, leaving Audlem an impressive 215-4 off 46 overs in what could be described as perfect bowling conditions.

Despite a huge total on the board, Audlem knew the threat of rain could be imminent and that they had to concentrate fully in order to gain maximum points. Opening bowlers Stuart Elkes and Richard Brown duly delivered, causing the visitors' openers all sorts of trouble. Elkes made the breakthrough with the score on 9, bowling Justin Bolan for a duck. Brown then had his namesake, Danny, stumped by keeper Tim Ruscoe, leaving Kerridge reeling at 19 for 2. When Brown had Nathan Taylor caught by man-of-the-match Burney and Jack Hoyle back in the pavilion, with his stumps knocked out of the ground, it looked as though Kerridge's only hope was the rain, which duly came with the score at 54 for 4.

Fortunately the rain-break was only short. A defiant stand between Hannaghan and Matt Waite looked as if a draw was on the cards until spinner Lyndon Woodcock took two wickets in one over, Hannaghan stumped by Ruscoe for 37 and Shane Ainsworth caught by Andy Rothwell. When Waite was bowled by Woodcock for 30 and Joe Beard was bowled by Brown, the home side were in complete control.

Kemal Toraman was brought into the attack and mopped up the tail, firstly having Graham Adamson caught by Measures and then getting Paul Waite to snick one to Ruscoe, leaving Kerridge all out at 143. All of Audlem's bowlers were in the wickets – Brown 4 for 48, Woodcock 3 for 39, Toraman 2 for 12 and Elkes 1 for 22. Audlem gained 25 points and Kerridge 6.

On Saturday the 1st XI welcome Saughall to the Gorse Croft, whilst the 2nd XI make the long journey to Hazel Grove to play Norbury. Both games start at 2 pm.

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