Ton-up Humphries leads 2nd XI to seventh win

Last Saturday, the 2nd XI stormed to their seventh successive league victory on Saturday as they maintained their 100% start to the season, beating visitors Capenhurst by 114 runs. Star of the show was century-maker Neil Humphries.

Skipper John Wainwright won the toss for the first time this season and had no hesitation in batting first. He didn't have any cause to regret his decision as Audlem amassed 219 for 7 before Wainwright declared the innings after 40 of the maximum 48 overs.

The highlight of the innings was an amazing knock by Neil Humphries. He made an excellent 109 before getting run out. However, Neil will be the first to concede that he had more then his fair share of luck! He was dropped an astonishing nine times in more or less the same area (mid-off/mid-on boundary), playing the same sort of aggressive drive. However, he certainly took full advantage of his escapes and deserved great credit. He played some glorious shots and destroyed the Capenhurst attack.

The other main contributors to the score were Zar Ahmed with 26 and Paul Thorburn with 24 not out, but it was a day when every knock was dwarfed by Humphries' efforts.

In reply, Capenhurst were never at the races and struggled throughout. Roy Wild was the chief wicket taker with 3 for 40. Humphries completed his man-of-the-match performance by taking 2 for 22. Norman Hindle, Dave Parry and Danny Thorburn took a wicket each to finish off Capenhurst for 105.

Unfortunately, Capenhurst's last two batsmen couldn't take the field due to injury, but the result was never in doubt. The fielding highlight for Audlem was provided by Hindle, who was making his first start of the season. Hindle took a magnificent, one-handed, diving catch inches off the ground, definitely one of the catches of the season.

Audlem gained 25 points and Capenhurst 5.

Today the 2nd XI travel to third-placed Styal, hoping to maintain their winning run and consolidate their number 1 spot in Division 5.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.