Successful weekend for Audlem cricket teams

Audlem's cricketers took full advantage of two home fixtures over the weekend to chalk up convincing victories over their opponents.

Saturday Match v Meakins

First up on Saturday were Meakins from Hanley who took the decision to bowl first and found themselves on the back foot from the outset with the host's batsmen scoring at over a run per ball throughout the innings. Opener Dan Butler was again in imperious form scoring a magnificent 120 not out alongside Phil Cottrell (75 ) who joined him in a second wicket stand of 170 . Young James Cottrell coming in at 5 played some delightful shots in his 28 not out as Audlem closed on a daunting 282 for 3 off their allotted 40 overs.

Meakins reply never really got off the ground as the huge total was out of reach and elected to try and bat out the overs in which they succeeded by reaching 98 for 9 at the completion of their innings. Simon Swift was again Audlem's star performer with the ball finishing his 8 overs with fine figures of 3 for 12 in the huge victory margin of 184 runs.

Sunday Match v Woore

Sunday's game was against Woore who were probably aware of the previous day's score and elected to bat first on winning the toss and discovering the hosts were without opening bowler, Lauren Kenvyn who was called up to play for Porthill Park Ladies at Chester Broughton Hall. The visitors soon found themselves in trouble though as the prolific Tannin Ahmed (Taz) was soon into his stride by removing 3 early order batsmen and only conceding 25 runs in the process. He was backed up by Simon Swift (2 wickets for no runs in his one over) and wicketkeeper, Dave Parkinson who handed the gloves to Michael Burton and completed his 4 overs with 2 wickets for 8 runs. A special mention must be made as 12 year olds Ben Duncalf and David Cottrell making their debuts for the Sunday eleven were brought on to bowl with both performing admirably in their combined spell of 9 overs with Ben claiming the wickets of visiting captain, Dan Perks and 1st team regular George Walker. The innings closed when Audlem's premier slow bowler Dave Slack was brought into the attack and removed the dangerous Patrick Charlton (47) and leave the home team chasing 133 for victory.

A fine start from openers Paul Thorburn (19) and Dave Parkinson (35) ensured that Audlem had the upper hand in their quest for victory and Lauren's late replacement (brother Matthew) proved his worth with a fine 46 not out to reach the required total in only the 24th over with 5 wickets in hand.

Next weekend the Saturday team travel to Fenton to take on Meakins in the return fixture and on Sunday Audlem play host to Church Eaton from Mid Staffordshire.

Cricket is being played at The Gorse Croft on Saturday as Woore will be sharing the facilities for the remainder of the season whilst their home is in the process of extensive ground levelling. We hope they enjoy their stay with us and are most welcome. They will have some of their talented juniors in the team so your support would be greatly appreciated to help them feel at home.

Crewe and Nantwich Round Table

We would like to take the opportunity to thank Crewe and Nantwich Round Table and all the helpers in Santa's Sleigh Run which took place before last Christmas for their generous gift of £250:00. It really was most appreciated and alongside the grant we received from the Audlem Parish Council in March has enabled us to upgrade our facilities here at The Gorse Croft as we embark on our adventure in the new league. We are able to attract more juniors to our teams this season with the prospect of more local cricket on a Saturday plus the Sunday friendly X1 with the combined teams last weekend boasting the inclusion of 6 teenagers.

John Wainwright

Audlem Cricket Club