Whitmore CC .v. Audlem CC . Sunday June 11

With just 7 balls of this absorbing encounter remaining Whitmore looked as if they were going to eke out a draw against a dominant Audlem, but recalled opening bowler Jamie Roberts had other ideas when he squeezed one past the number 11 batsman's defence and disturbed the stumps to bring about jubilant scenes from the away contingent. With opening batsman Heiskanen looking secure at the other end on 58 not out it probably was the last realistic opportunity to pocket the maximum points from the game.

Skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first in a reduced overs game ( 38 overs per team ) due to a downpour prior to the start. The charismatic leader opened the batting with stalwart Zar Ahmed now partially recovered from his injured back. Shenton who scored a magnificent 90 proceeded to pummel the array of bowlers who were dispatched to all parts of the ground and beyond with stands of 66 with Zar who contributed a useful 16 and a dashing Danny Thorburn who scored a classy 49 in a century partnership. Reg Farnell and Paul Thorburn quickly added to the score to set up a daunting total of 228 for 4 at the close.

Young opening bowler Jasper Mitchell was given the freedom to bowl at express pace with a field setting that included 4 slips and 2 gulleys at one stage whilst fellow opener Jamie Roberts worked on line and length at the other end. The ploy paid off with Jasper removing batsmen 2 and 3 with fine deliveries.

With the middle order now exposed first change bowler Qhama Matthews was soon into his stride taking out 4 batsmen at the cost of 31 runs. The introduction of part time spin bowler Charlie Hine accounted for another 2 batsmen (one by a brilliant stumping by keeper Leo North) and Neil Humphries removing another brought the game to it's dramatic conclusion.

Skipper Shenton had one of those days captains dream about – winning the toss – opening the batting and taking the bowling apart – putting a large total on the board – rotating his bowlers with fields to match ..then claiming a win right at the death. The really difficult part is ensuring that everyone played their part in the victory which in a game of cricket is a very special skill..

Next week Audlem play hosts to Bagnall from the Staffordshire Moorlands with a start time of 2:30 pm

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