1st XI slip up, but 2nd XI win again

Again there were mixed fortunes for Audlem's cricketers yesterday in the Cheshire Cricket Alliance as the 1st XI lost by just 8 runs while the 2nd XI won convincingly.

Winning the toss, 1st XI skipper Chris Shenton put Mossley in to bat. The visitors got off to a very good start, reaching three figures for the loss of only two wickets. A remarkable transformation to the game occurred as bowlers Dave Adlard and Lyndon Woodcock slowed the scoring rate down and ushered in a batting collapse. From 105 for 2 the visitors slumped to 125 all out. Woodcock finished with 5 for 37 and Rich Brown, taking Mossley's last three wickets in five balls, returned figures of 4 for 33.

In reply Audlem, like Mossley, started well, reaching 70 for 2. They then lost top scorer, Steve Swallow (46) and two other wickets without adding to the score. Only Paul Dean (22) was able to put up any further resistance as wickets continued to tumble. Adlard was the last man out when he was run out with the score on 117. Mossley gained 25 points while Audlem earned 7 to stay fourth in Division 3.

In Division 5, the 2nd XI had yet another successful day at second-placed Northwich. Winning the toss, skipper John Wainwright opted to field first. The home team were never able to master Roy Wild who bowled continuously from one end and finished with 5 wickets for 48. He was well supported by Tom Thorley (3 for 28) and Paul Thorburn (2 for 28). Northwich were bowled out for 108 in 32 overs.

Audlem, with 58 overs to reach the target, were soon in trouble, losing two wickets for only six runs. However a third-wicket stand of 97 between Norman Hindle and Steve Farnell, put the game firmly back in Audlem's control. Farnell was eventually out for 61, having hit nine fours and a six. Despite losing another wicket quickly, the remaining runs were knocked off as Tony Mills hit a four and take the score to 111 for 4 to win the match by six wickets. Opener Hindle played the anchor role perfectly, carrying his bat with 23 not out. Audlem gained 20 points whilst Northwich gained 6.

Next Saturday the 1st XI travels to third-placed Kerridge, whilst the 2nd XI entertains Wirral in a mid-table battle. Both matches start at 2pm.

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