Excellent team performance

After a weekend when the weather and results were against Audlem's 2nd X1, they were hoping for a strong bounce back to remain in charge of Division 4.

However due to holidays, injuries and a surprise runner to lead the labour party, Audlem 2nd X1 didn't get off to the best of starts.

Stretton were the visitors to a warm, humid Gorse Croft arena. Skipper Danny Thorburn won the toss and elected to bowl first. Opening bowlers Rob Mottershead and Reg Farnell bowled a very accurate and consistent spell, however opening batsmen R.Taylor and M.Owens played aggressively at everything that came their way, which on this day paid off.

With aerial chances dropping between fielders and the top edge being used expertly, Stretton quickly reached 74 for the first wicket before some sharp fielding by Rob Mottershead ran out R.Taylor.

With the scoreboard ticking along at over six an over, the wickets were also falling at a considerable rate. With some good middle over bowling from Danny Thorburn (4 wickets for 64 runs off 12 overs), Lyndon Woodcock (3 wickets for 65 runs off 7 overs) and Reg Farnell (2 wickets for 66 runs off 8 overs), this meant Stretton finished on 248 all out off 34 overs.

With a target of 249 runs off 56 overs, Audlem 2nd X1 then showed a sheer 'Forward Defence' Masterclass which even Mr Botham would have been more than pleased with.

Opening batsmen John Wainwright and Zah Ahmed batted cautiously for over 15 overs without loss. After John Wainwright clipped on to silly mid-on for 10 runs, Steve Ellesmore was introduced and continued Audlem's defensive start.

With opener Zar Ahmed shortly to follow for 15 runs, the middle order of Steve Ellesmore (3), James Hindle (21) and Reg Farnell (11) meant Audlem were in good shape to achieve the long set out draw.

With Stretton's enthusiasm dropping by the over and an Official Warning from Umpire/ Chairman/ Destroyer Paul Thorburn given to Wicket Keeper M.Owens for persistent unpleasant language to a 13 year old, the atmosphere suddenly changed hands.

At tea, Stretton were more than expecting to achieve the maximum points, however the Mid-lower order of Danny Thorburn (8 no), Rob Mottershead (9), Paul Thorburn (2) and Alan Foster (5) batted out 24 overs to leave Stretton needing two wickets off the final five balls.

A first ball single from the newly elected 'Finished' Mr Woodcock, left Danny Thorburn to comfortable block out the final four deliveries.

With an excellent team performance Audlem batted out a well-deserved draw which now leaves them only 4 points behind Stretton at the top.

Next week Audlem 2nd X1 welcome Holmes Chapel to Gorse Croft to hopefully continue their winning ways.

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