Cricket report

Audlem Saturday XI v Knypersley

It was another scorching day in Audlem for the start of the second half of the season, as promotion-chasing Audlem hosted Knypersley.

After what appeared to be a long meeting between both captains in the middle, Audlem skipper Chris won the toss and didn t hesitate to bat first, making use of what looked like a fantastic batting wicket.

Out strode captain Chris and Venu, and the decision to bat appeared justified as balls began flying to the boundary from the very first over. But in the 3rd over, after some lusty blows, Venu was the first to fall with the score at 25-1.

Enter the dancing feet of Irfan to partner Chris, and they put on a fantastic partnership of 68, with some great shots on show. Skipper Shenton later fell for 44 when he appeared to overstretch and hit the ground allowing the Knypersley wicketkeeper to stump the stranded Chris.

Blatherwick then came to the middle, forming another solid partnership of 59, with both batters regularly finding the boundary. Irfan enjoyed skipping down the pitch to the Knypersley spinner, but that was his downfall caught at point after reaching 50.

Rahul had a brief stay at the crease and was bowled by an inswinger on his second ball.

Then came the wall Tom Measure. He joined Blatherwick for a 49-run partnership. Blatherwick eventually reached his first 50 for the club. As he looked to increase the run rate in the final 10 overs, he was caught on the boundary for 65.

Bertie joined Measure and smashed a quick-fire 22, cheered on by fans every time the ball raced to the fence before also falling to a boundary catch.

AJ came out next and showed no sympathy to the tired bowlers, trying to smash every ball to the rope. He was out on the final delivery for 9, leaving Measure on an unheard-of run-a-ball 30 and the team total at 260-7.

After a well-earned cool down and a rallying team talk from captain Chris, Audlem took the field in the still baking heat.

Short spells kept the bowlers fresh, and AJ and Jake s opening efforts had the visitors in trouble quickly.

Jake struck first in the 4th over, removing the Knypersley openers. This was followed by some questionable running that led to a run-out from sharp fielding by Irfan. Jake struck again in the 6th over, leaving the visitors reeling at 12-3.

Up stepped Rahul and Simon, with Rahul the standout bowler taking 3-24, including a fantastic catch from Venu. Simon added 1-37 to the tally, despite five overthrows from Irfan s fielding not helping his stats.

Bertie had a tidy day with 1-18, and Connor matched that with his own wicket, dismissing J Baker shortly after being hit for the biggest six ever seen at Audlem.

AJ returned for a second spell to wrap up the win, finishing with 1-25.

Audlem hit the road next week for a fixture at Moddershall.