Another exciting win for Audlem Cricket XI

Audlem maintained their excellent start to the 2025 North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Division 4 season with a nail-biting win against promotion hopefuls Kidsgrove.

Audlem skipper, Chris Shenton, called incorrectly at the toss and Audlem were asked to bat first on a slightly green-looking pitch in North Staffordshire. V Reddy and Shenton got Audlem off to a brisk start. The former hitting 5 boundaries before his entertaining stay at the crease was brought to an end. Shaik and Shenton departed in quick succession to leave Audlem reeling on 46-3. This brought Blatherwick to the crease. Although we didn't realise at the time, his classy 44 would prove to be match winning. He hit 5 fours and a towering six into the trees before a mix up with Parkinson led to him being run out. Despite an impressive 18 from youngster Hardy and few lusty blows from the tail, Audlem were bundled out for a below par 138 in just 34 overs. Kidsgrove's pro, who had to wait until the 26th over for his 1st over, mopping up the tail.

Despite a disappointing end to the innings, Audlem took to the field in high spirits. They didn't have to wait long for their first break through, swing-king Abhijith Jayan knocked over Kidsgrove's Kane Lowton with the first ball of the innings. Jayan produced another bit of magic to rearrange Knowles' stumps and Audlem sensed an upset could be on the cards with the score at 11-2. This brought the experienced pair of Archer and Davis to the crease. Both players have played further up the league pyramid but like ex Audlem seamer Mcilveen had decided to join the Grove for a new challenge. The pair unleashed carnage on the Audlem attack with Swift and Topping the worst affected from the onslaught. In a blink of an eye Kidsgrove were motoring along at 76-2 requiring just 63 more runs in more than 32 overs for victory. Even the most optimistic Audlem supporters (Steve Blackhurst) had given up hope (and packed the kids in the car to go home). But, cricket is a funny game and you just never know. Lightning has already struck twice this season for Audlem when staring down the barrel. It couldn't strike for a third time, could it? When Audlem have needed a hero this season Rahul Vijayan has been the man to call. Whether it's with bat or ball, he's dragged Audlem from the brink. After his quite frankly ridiculous 25 ball 50 won us the game against table-toppers Burslem he was at it again, this time with the ball against big spending Kidsgrove. He dismissed Davis, Archer, Brierley and Green to drag Audlem back into the game. Despite his best efforts Kidsgrove crawled towards their target and levelled the scores 8 wickets down. With Category 3 professional Mo Chaudry on strike, facing up to the off-spinning Parkinson he went for an almighty heave, only to pick out Irfan Shaik at mid wicket. Mcilveen then strode out to the crease at 11, the Kidsgrove Bank of supporters fell silent. All nails had been bitten, all toes were being crossed and the tension could be cut with a knife. Topping steamed in to Wilkinson and he managed to nurdle one into the leg side for a quick single. He wasn't quite quick enough as a direct hit from Swift saw him run out. The fielding side erupted momentarily before confusion descended on The Kidsgrove Oval. Players scrambled around for League Handbooks to find out how the winner would be determined. After a 10 minutes of head scratching and page turning both sides learnt that their fate would be determined by a Golden Over. 1 over, 2 wickets, highest score wins.

Kidsgrove batted first and managed a respectable 9-1 from their over, this was down to 3 precious dot balls from Jayan. Next up it was Audlem's turn to bat. Rahul and Reddy strode to the crease. If the situation couldn't get anymore nervy, Kidsgrove decided to give the responsibility of bowling the Golden Over to ex Audlem player, Mcilveen rather than their category 3 professional. This really was one for the Hollywood script writers. Reddy and Rahul scored 1s or 2s to each of the first 4 balls of the over, but they couldn't quite find the boundary. With 4 required of penultimate ball, a legside delivery brushed the pads of Rahul and flew down to a vacant fine-leg. The Audlem players erupted with jubilation; despite being told they should refrain from celebrating winning in this leg-bye fashion.

Unbelievably, following back-to-back promotions, Audlem find themselves top of Division 4. They play host to Little Stoke on Saturday. Although we can't promise that if you come down, we can deliver another Golden Over victory. We can promise that this team never gives up and if they are staring down the jaws of defeat, don't start your car too early lightning might just strike for a 4th time.