Cricket Report

Cricket Report

Audlem Sunday X1 v Macclesfield Sunday X1 12 April 2025

This was not the start to the season shown on the fixture list.. the original game against the planned opposition had to be cancelled after Acton Scott contacted the fixture secretary 5 days before the game to inform him that they were unable to raise a team on the day.

Tuesday evening's plans had to be shelved as alternative opposition needed to be found as the team were all raring to go and the ground preparations all in place.' Cometh the hour , cometh the man'.. Radah from Macclesfield CC came to the rescue as they had been let down in similar circumstances and agreed to travel to The Gorse Croft for Sunday's opener.

Audlem were able to select a strong all round X1 so skipper Jake Topping decided to take first knock after winning the toss on a cold blustery day. Things didn't get off to the best starts as the hosts found themselves 5 down with only 70 runs on the board in the early stages but with resolute Tom Measures ( 52 retired not out ) at the crease the innings started to develop. Opener. Hamish Howard contributed a gutsy 11 before the belligerent skipper came to the crease and took control of proceedings. Another fine half century for Jake proved the turning point, ably assisted by debutant Sam Patterson with a quickfire 18 before the entrance of the match winning partnership by old hand , Dave Parkinson and young Harry Measures who was making his senior debut after excelling for the county at junior level. Dave crafted another unbeaten half century whilst young Harry carried his bat for a fine unbeaten 22 as the team closed their innings on 244 for 6.

Macclesfield were never in any position to challenge Audlem's total and soon subsided to 84 all out after 33.3 overs . Star performer with the ball was Bertie Hardy with 3 victims closely followed by Dave and young Harry with a brace apiece and a wicket each for Conor Howard, Jake & Sam.

A huge thank you to Macclesfield for stepping into the breach on the day to enable the game to go ahead.

Next weekend Audlem's Sunday team are again at home with Middlewich down as the scheduled opposition. On Saturday an inter club game is planned with teams to be selected on the day all in preparation for the forthcoming league season which gets underway the following Saturday with the first X1 at home to near neighbours, Norton-in-Hales whilst the second team travel to Mossley ( CW12 3BN ) to take on Newcastle and Hartshill. All the weekend games are scheduled for a 1.00pm start.

Everyone is welcome to the forthcoming season's games and the club would really appreciate your support at some stage during the summer. The clubhouse has undergone a much needed facelift over the close season with Jess and Alice the driving force behind the renovations putting in long hours of planning and work with their teams of helpers despite family commitments. The bar is fully stocked and a range of snacks are now available on matchdays so come on down and enjoy a day watching cricket at one of the most scenic grounds in the area.