Cricket Report

Saturday 25 July - Ashcombe Park v Audlem 1st X1

Audlem went down to a narrow 25-run defeat in the Staffordshire Moorlands last Saturday at the hands of Ashcombe Park. Audlem won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first, and they made steady if unspectacular progress in the formative stages until 73 for 2 became 74 for 6 with Audlem's bowling attack finding their rhythm . A 62-run seventh wicket partnership between George Neale and Brad Cartlidge brought Park back into contention but when they were dismissed, the innings quickly folded to 150 all out in the 40th over. The wicket takers were Simon Swift with 4 for 28, Pranay ( 3 for 32 ), Nerendra ( 2 for 38 ) and Bertie Hardy ( 1 for 28 ). Audlem knew the chase would not be straight forward with the unpredictable wicket a cause for concern. The visitors made rapid progress but lost some key wickets in pursuit of a quick finish to the game, 86 for 4 then 115 for 5 at the halfway stage of the reply the situation looked under control but in the blink of an eye the remaining 5 wickets fell for the addition of only 10 runs as Audlem subsided to 125 all out in only the 23rd over. Pranay with 45 was the top run scored followed by Dave Blatherwick ( 20 ), Charles Birkin ( 19 ), Jake Topping ( 17 ) & Venu with 14.
Next Saturday, the first X1 are at home to Oakamoor CC.

Audlem 2nd X1 v Church Eaton

Church Eaton 144 all out ( 37.2 overs ) Audlem 145 for 4 ( 31.3 overs ) Audlem win by 6 wickets

A comprehensive victory for the second eleven as they maintained their quest for promotion, lying in second position in the division just 10 points behind pace setting Caverswall and 5 clear of third placed Meakins CC with Stone a further 8 points adrift at this stage. An interesting end of season looks in prospect with key games taking place each week to determine who gains the rewards for the season's efforts.
Church Eaton came to The Gorse Croft languishing towards the foot of the division, but they put up a valiant effort after electing to bat first on a flat wicket and fast sun scorched outfield. At 130 for 5 the decision looked justified but as the wickets fell and the tail exposed, the innings petered out, adding only another 14 runs to close on 144 all out. The sight of Tom Measures striding out to the wicket to open the reply for Audlem must deflate the opposing bowlers as once again he carried his bat to see his team home in comparative ease. Tom was unbeaten on 58 and was ably assisted by Yogendra with 24 and David Cottrell also on 24. Earlier in the day Anapala was once again the bowling star with excellent figures of 5 for 19 off his 6 overs with Ron Paul, Sam Patterson, Harry Measures and Dave Parkinson claiming a wicket apiece with one run out.
Next Saturday the second X1 make the short journey to Wistaston CC

Sunday 26 July - Calverhall v Audlem

Skipper Ollie Banfield won the toss and had little hesitation in choosing to bat first on a blustery day in North Shropshire. Prolific opening batsmen Alfie Hardy ( 51 retired not out ) & Andy Jackson ( 47 ) made short work of the bowling attack to get Audlem off to a flying start. The runs continued to flow with Harry Measures ( 26 ) , Ollie Banfield ( 34 not out ) , Jake Topping ( 36 ) and Bertie Hardy with 33 all contributing to the overall total of 260 for 5 at the tea interval. Calverhall made a spirited reply closing 48 runs short of the large total on 212 for 8. Tom Jackson making his first appearance of the season was straight back into form with a great spell of bowling taking 4 wickets for 34 runs followed by Conor Howard with 3 for 26.
Next Sunday Audlem play hosts to Betley CC