Wilson's century in vain as 1st XI beaten by leaders

Audlem 1st XI entertained Division 2 runaway league leaders Haslington on a warm sunny day in a vital, must-win game in order to stay in the promotion race. Despite a valiant hundred by Rich Wilson, they were beaten by one wicket in the penultimate over.

Skipper Chris Shenton won the toss and decided to bat. It looked a terrible decision in just the second over when Shenton himself was bowled by Brian Tennant, without playing a shot to a ball that cut back viciously from outside off stump. When Tennant had Tom Measures trapped LBW, and Phipps had Andy Capper the same way Audlem were in desperate trouble at just 11 for 3. A brief recovery took place through Jim Littlewood and Rich Wilson before Littlewood pulled a full toss from Tennant straight to square leg. Paddy Leese and Andy Rothwell both fell to the left arm spin of Tom Gledhill to leave Audlem in disarray on 54 for 6.

Youngster Oli Burney came out to join Wilson and together they set about building a competitive total. Left-hander Wilson looked in imperious form as he passed his 50, ably supported by the gutsy Burney. As the runs slowly began to accumulate the Haslington fielding started to become more ragged and any thoughts of an early finish were quickly diminishing. The pair continued to bat with great skill and determination until the partnership was finally broken when Burney was superbly caught for 21 by Will Storey off the bowling of Matt Farnell with the score on 135. Some more fluent shots from Wilson, some lusty blows from Simon Swift and Stuart Elkes and some sloppy fielding from Haslington enabled Audlem to pile the runs on late in the game finishing on 190 for 9 with Wilson deservedly bringing up his hundred in the last over of the innings.

With Haslington needing 191 to win off 42 overs the opening batsman came out intent of attacking. This played straight into Audlem's hands as both openers were soon back in the pavilion with Swift and Elkes taking a wicket apiece. Reynolds and Storey continued to attack and they quickly took the score to 50. At this stage spinner and leading wicket taker Lyndon Woodcock was introduced to the attack and he had an immediate impact taking four quick wickets including the vital one of skipper Johnny Phipps. Haslington had collapsed from 50 for 2 to 74 for 6 and Audlem sensed a dramatic victory.

Ant Phipps and James Blake continued to take the attack to the Audlem bowlers. Littlewood bowled Phipps but Gledhill batting at nine came out and played some scintillating shots. Swift was brought back into the attack as a last throw of the dice by skipper Shenton and he was rewarded with the wickets of both Blake and Gledhill who made 37 and 44 respectively. With the score on 170 for 9 Audlem were confident of taking the last wicket needed for victory, however Haslington bat all the way to eleven and youngster Matt Farnell and senior pro Miles Machin had other ideas. With some good fortune and some lusty blows the gradually got to within touching distance of the Audlem total. With four runs needed in the penultimate over Machin clubbed the tireless Woodcock to the boundary to break Audlem's hearts.

Audlem took 15 points from the game and Haslington a maximum 25, all but sealing their promotion to Division 1. Second-placed Frodsham were awarded 25 points as their opponents conceded their game without playing. Unfortunately, it looks as though that could end any chance of promotion for another season, as Frodsham are now 30 points ahead with only four games remaining.

Next week Audlem travel to bottom of the table Rostherne hoping to regain the winning habit.

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