Wild snaps up 8 wickets as 2nds stroll to victory

Sandbach were the visitors to the Gorse Croft ground as Audlem 2nd XI tried to get back to winning ways following two close draws and last week's one-run defeat at Norbury.

Sandbach won the toss and decided to bat on a good batting track. They got off to a good start through skipper Jon Head and Luke Harding. When Harding was caught and bowled by Will Banfield, the visitors continued to press on with the score. Ashley Gaunt was caught off Danny Thorburn's bowling before Head became the first of spinner Roy Wild's victims for 36. At this stage Sandbach were 84 for 3. Wild then ripped through the visitors' defence as wicket after wicket tumbled. Only Saul Furse with 35 was able to play Wild. But when he was out to a superb diving catch by debutant Harvey Ratcliffe, the wheels fell off Sandbach's innings. They were all out for 122 off 35 overs. Wild finished with 8 for 57.

Despite a shower of rain during the tea interval, 2nd XI skipper Toby Banfield attacked the bowling from the start. He and brother Ollie set the base for a home victory. Toby was first out for 42, caught off Gaunt with the score on 65. Paul Ratcliffe continued to push the score on before becoming Gaunt's second victim. Ollie Banfield was out soon afterwards having played a supporting role, having scored 16. Leo North (22 not out) and Paul Thorburn (9 not out) saw Audlem to victory with seven wickets and 28 overs in hand. Audlem gained 25 points and Sandbach 6.

Next Saturday the 2nd XI have a difficult home game with the runaway leaders in Division 5, Mossley.

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