1st XI in high-scoring draw

Almost 450 runs were scored on Saturday at Bunsley Bank as Audlem and Rylands played out an entertaining draw.

Skipper Richard Wilson lost the toss, and was asked to field. Stuart Elkes and Simon Swift took the new ball. Rylands got off to a flyer thanks to a quick-fire 45 from Alan Brady. He and Eddie Platt put on 57 for the first wicket, with Platt being caught behind by Stu Stanway off Callum McIlveen's bowling. When Brady was run out by Tom Kural 11 runs later, Audlem seemed to be getting back into the match.

However, several dropped chances and misfields allowing Rylands to recover from 99 for 2 to 170 for 4 with 10 overs remaining. Left hander Ian Mason took full advantage of the home side's sloppiness finishing 82 not out, leading his side to 250 for 7 from their 45 overs. Neil Humphries was Audlem's most successful bowler, claiming 3 for 68.

Andy Rothwell and Toby Banfield opened the innings for Audlem, but Rothwell became Sujith's first victim with the scoreboard showing just nine runs. Banfield was out five runs later when he was bowled by Sujith for 8. Kural and skipper Wilson added a further 21 runs before Kural (22) succumbed to Sujith.

Wilson and Stu Stanway then shared a stand of 45 as Audlem tried to regain the initiative. Sujith then struck again, this time Stanway was his victim, having contributed 27 runs. Kemal Toraman and Wilson continued the recovery until Wilson (31) became Sujith's fifth scalp with the score on 115.

Toraman had come out fighting and top scored with a quick 38 which included one huge 6. His dismissal, again by Sujith, with the scoreboard showing 132, ended Audlem's hopes of winning the match. Audlem then focused on reaching 175 and maximum batting points. McIlveen's 35 not out and Swift's 20 ultimately guided the home side to 188 for 8. Sujith's final figures were 6 for 61.

Audlem gained 13 points and Rylands took 14 points. The result saw Audlem slip down to fourth place in Division 2, but just 23 points separate the top five after 13 of the 22 matches.

The 1st XI travel to second-place Frodsham this afternoon, weather permitting.

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