1st XI lose, but 2nd XI win again

There were mixed fortunes for Audlem's cricketers on Saturday as the 1st XI were beaten by five wickets at Eastham and the 2nd XI extended its run of consecutive victories to four with a four-wicket win against Styal.

The 1st XI, travelled to Eastham with a weakened team and struggled from the outset in their Division 3 game. Put in to bat, they lost wickets at regular intervals on a difficult track, that saw one ball rise to head height and the next hardly get off the ground. Only Tom Measures with 35 not out seemed to be able to master both the conditions and Eastham's bowlers, especially Eastham's captain, Russ Williams, who finished with 6 for 16. Audlem were eventually all out for a disappointing 83.

In reply, Eastham started off well, but excellent bowling from Stuart Elkes (3 for 31) and Lyndon Woodcock had the home team wobbling at 36 for 5. Unfortunately for Audlem, some dubious decisions and steady batting saw Eastham win without losing any more wickets. Eastham took 20 points from the game and Audlem 5.

The 2nd XI, after a poor start to the season, are rapidly catching up with the promotion hopefuls in Division 5. They kept their promotion dream alive with another fine victory over a team in the top four as they beat Styal by four wickets.

Winning the toss, the visitors decided to bat on what looked a good batting track. However, Audlem's Roy Wild soon imposed his presence on the game as he dismissed the first of his seven victims with only four runs on the board. Only Brian Middleton looked at ease against "the king of spin", crafting a fine 45 before becoming his fifth scalp. When Middleton was out to a fine slip catch by Kevan Holt, Styal's innings stuttered to 98 all out in 42 overs. Wild, who bowled throughout the innings, finished with 7 for 42 off 21 overs. Once again, he was ably supported by John Chadwick, who chipped in with 3 for 25.

Audlem had 48 overs to score the required runs and duly did so with 6 wickets down and 6 overs to spare. James Hindle, top scorer with 30, was well supported by father, Norman, (15) and Chadwick, who rounded off a fine day with a well-struck 18. Styal's best bowler was Eugene Hutton, who finished with figures of 3 for 36 in 19 overs. Audlem gained 20 points and Styal 6.

Next weekend the 1st XI is at home to Ellesmere Port on Saturday, whilst the 2nd XI travels to top-of-the-table Northwich on Sunday. Both games start at 1.00 pm.

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