Seconds' Stalybridge stalemate

Last Saturday the 2nd XI hosted Stalybridge, who were riding high in second place in Division 4, on a warm, sunny day at the Gorse Croft. The home team were under some pressure after slipping down the table courtesy of two lacklustre performances recently. In the end, Audlem came second best in a draw.

Stalybridge won the toss and elected to bat first. Roy Wild struck two early blows in another impressive spell from the wily veteran. At the other end, James Siddorns was bowling with pace and venom. At one stage Stalybridge were struggling on 39 for 3. A key moment arrived when Joe Robinson edged a vicious delivery from Siddorns and it flew inches over the keeper's head. At that stage, Robinson was on just 9. Unfortunately he went on to score a masterful 96 which helped to guide Stalybridge to 209 for 6 declared. Faz Hussain with 33 and Peter Coxon with 26 offered able assistance to Robinson in setting up the total. For Audlem, it was a much improved fielding and bowling performance. Wild finished with 2 for 51 and Siddorns took 2 for 65. Dave Parry and Lyndon Woodcock took a wicket each.

In reply, Audlem were never in the hunt against an impressive bowling attack for whom the left armer, Madussar Bashir, was very impressive and bowled with pace and inswing. Audlem ended up a commendable 100 for 6 in the circumstances and merited a draw for their spirit. Siddorns was the star batsman making 49 but Danny Thorburn must be mentioned for his stubborn and sensible 16 not out. For Stalybridge, Bashir took 3 for 33 and Mark Connolly 3 for 15.

Audlem gained 5 points and Stalybridge 13. As a result the 2nd XI sit one place above the relegation zone in tenth place.

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