Ton-up Tom takes the plaudits as cricketers win and lose

Audlem's cricketers had mixed fortunes in games that saw two batsmen score centuries, as the 1st XI lost by six wickets and the 2nd XI coasted to a comprehensive victory, winning by 153 runs.

Following a run of four successive victories the 1st XI's bubble finally burst, as they lost at home to Eastham. Put in to bat, Audlem got off to a great start as Andy Capper (32) and Paddy Leese (32) put on 50 for the first wicket. The visitors immediately got another wicket to leave Audlem on 50 for 2. Although runs were hard to come by, all the batsmen chipped in with double figures. With the score on 181 for 5, skipper Chris Shenton, clearly going for maximum points, made a generous declaration. Tom Measures was the home side's top scorer with 44 not out. The declaration left Eastham 44 overs to get the required runs on a wicket that would always favour the batting side.

When the visitors started the run chase, Audlem got off to a great start as Dave Adlard had the opener caught behind by Paul Dean with the score on 12. Unfortunately for Audlem, Eastham's Dave Downham, then took centre stage, hitting the ball all over the ground. Only Lyndon Woodcock (3 for 35) seemed to be able to contain Downham as he took control of the game. Fittingly, Downham hit a six to win the match and take his score to 119 not out.

Audlem took 12 points from the game and Eastham 20. With the other three sides at the top winning, Audlem drop to 4th in Division 3, although there are only 10 points between first and fourth.

In Division 5, the 2nd XI had an easy win against home team Wirral, with Tom Thorley taking the plaudits scoring exactly 100. Batting first, Audlem scored freely after losing their first wicket with the score on 7. A second-wicket partnership of 99 between Thorley and Steve Ellsmore (31), followed by a third-wicket partnership of 66 between Thorley and Norman Hindle (23) put Audlem in control of the game. Thorley, who had totally dominated the home bowlers, deservedly scored his hundred before bizarrely running himself out in trying for a quick single. Skipper John Wainwright declared with the score on 201 for 7, leaving Wirral 47 overs to survive.

The home side had no answer to Audlem's bowlers and were bowled out for just 48 in 25 overs. John Harding took 4 for 4 in 2 overs, Gareth Prichard 3 for 27. There was also a run out and a wicket apiece for Roy Wild and Thorley.

Audlem took 25 points from the game and Wirral just 3. After a poor start to the season, the 2nd XI has now won two games in a row to put them in mid table.

On Saturday the 1sts travel to Ellesmere Port whilst the 2nds are at home to Appleton. Both games start at 2 pm.

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