Cricket Report

Audlem's cricketers finished the 2026 season in style with an exciting one run victory over neighboring Norton-in-Hales in Sunday's final fixture at The Gorse Croft.

On a lovely Autumnal afternoon the hosts elected to take first knock in the 35 over contest . The score progressed slowly with the Norton bowlers maintaining the upper hand in the formative stages of the innings, but fine patient knocks from Audlem's batting line up got the team to a competitive total at the break . Major contributions from Alfie Hardy ( 28), Jake Topping ( 36 ) & top scoring Andy Jackson with 41 formed the bulk of the runs as the Audlem closed on 153 for 6 at tea. 

Norton's batsmen were progressing nicely with all the early order contributing to the run chase with Oliver Dodkins, Jamie Batkin and Simon Line contributing in their quest but an inspired bowling change from skipper, Ollie Banfield turned the game in Audlem's favour as Richard Irvine removed the danger men in a fine spell of bowling  ( 6 overs 3 wickets for 29 runs ) to give the hosts victory by the narrowest of margins as Norton closed agonisingly short with 5 wickets down. Conor Howard and Harry Measures were the other wicket takers.

A great game of cricket played in true Sunday spirit with full participation from all the players involved on the day.

The previous day, the first team closed their season with a 75-run defeat to Bagnall CC. The bowlers did their bit in dismissing the visitors for 148 in the 38th over but once again the batting failed to fire with only Charles Birkin ( 18 ) and Ben Salisbury ( 22 ) reaching double figures. Audlem's wicket takers were Jake Topping ( 9 overs 2 maidens 22 runs 1 wicket ) , Simon Swift ( 8-2-37-2 ), Sanimon Nair ( 7-0-19-2 ) , Bertie Hardy ( 6-1-30-3 ) , James Cottrell ( 3.4-0-14-2 ).

Audlem are already looking to next season with winter indoor nets booked at The Cricket Barn in Aston for Wednesday 17 February ( 8.00pm- 9.00pm ) for six weeks. The club is also on the lookout for new players for the forthcoming season and all contact details and up to date news are displayed on the club's website ( audlemcc.co.uk ).