Dramatic catch seals victory

Audlem 1st XI team travelled to Glazebury on a miserable Manchester day. On arrival at the ground it was obvious it was going to be a tough day for batsmen as Glazebury had produced a very soft green track. When Audlem skipper Chris Shenton lost the toss it was no surprise when Glazebury asked Audlem to bat first.

Openers Andy Capper and Shenton struggled early doors against the pace of Dave Acton and the skills of veteran Stuart Caller. It was Acton who got the breakthrough bowling Shenton, and then when Capper and Littlewood soon fell to the same bowler, it was clear it was going to be a tough day. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with youngster Sam Stainer joining the attack and also helping himself to three wickets.

On 69 for 9 Audlem still hadn't collected any points, but Lyndon Woodcock and Stuart Elkes played exceptionally well to put on the highest partnership of the innings to take take Audlem to a final total of 97 all out.

Stern wordsWith Glazebury celebrating like they had won the game during the tea interval, skipper Shenton had some stern words with his team. But when opener Ian Mccue launched leading wicket taker Simon Swift back over his head for a massive six, any thoughts of a surprise Audlem victory seemed a long way off.

With the score on 28 for 0 and only another 70 needed for victory, Rich Brown had skipper Dave Acton trapped lbw, then when big hitting Mccue (25) played one shot too many off youngster Swift and was caught at deep square leg, Audlem sensed something sensational was about to happen. Brown and Woodcock shared the next 4 wickets and suddenly Glazebury were ruing their early celebrations, struggling on 47 for 6.

When Brown took his 5th wicket, Glazebury were in deep trouble on 77 for 9. Last man Caller joined youngster Callum Morgan at the crease, and Morgan decided it was time to let loose. He dispatched Brown for two boundaries and suddenly Glazebury were within six of victory.

With Morgan on strike to Woodcock, every Audlem player knew one more big blow from Morgan would seal victory, and when Morgan connected with a massive blow back over Woodcock's head it looked like victory would be Glazebury's. But Andy Capper jumped higher than he has for 30 years and plucked the ball out of the sky within inches of the boundary rope to take a stunning catch and help Audlem steal a brilliant victory.

Audlem sealed 25 points, Glazebury just 6. Audlem entertain Heaton Mersey next week.

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