Audlem 2nd XI in Styal thriller

Styal 2nd X1 v Audlem 2nd X1: Saturday 18th April

A lovely, sunny,spring day welcomed the start of the 2015 cricket season as Audlem 2nds made the long trip to Styal with keen anticipation.

The home team won the toss and had no hesitation in putting Audlem in to bat on a green, but slow looking wicket.

The Styal opening bowler, Heaps, wearing a sleeveless vest more appropriate for a wrestling ring rather then a cricket pitch, settled into a good line after a poor first over. Zar Ahmed and John Wainwright started steadily but looked in no trouble until a mis-communication between the two resulted in Wainwright being run out for 8 with the score on 13.

When Ahmed and Danny Thorburn followed in quick succession (both for 10), Audlem were struggling on 39-3. The impressive Amir Ahmad was bowling with pace and venom for the home side on a difficult, unpredicatable batting wicket.

The saviour for Audlem was the agressive Paul Thorburn. He took the attack to the home team whilst making an exhuberant 32 and ensured that Audlem reached 126 all out- a low total but something to defend at least.

The other highlights of the batting were a magnificent reverse sweep sixer from Lyndon Woodcock, a huge 6 over long on from Graeme Jones and a confident, first ball boundary from young Luke Harding.

It was a battling display from Audlem against some good bowling and a slow outfield. Ahmad was the best bowler for the home team taking 3-15 off 9 excellent overs.

Audlem began the defence of their meagre total with the impressive pace duo of Elkes and Jones. Both bowlers settled immediately and posed several problems for the Styal openers. Elkes duly got his reward when he bowled Johnston for 8 before he had to limp out of the attack.

This bought young Luke Harding into the attack. His first ball was slow and low and bounced twice before arriving at the wicket. The batsman's eyes lit up and he flailed at the ball – however, the low bounce meant that he missed and the ball landed safely in keeper North's gloves.

The second and third balls followed a similar pattern. The batsman clearly decided something had to give. The 4th ball was similar to the first three- the batsman swung again – and missed again. However, this time, the ball did not reach the keeper as the stumps got in the way! First league wicket for Luke!

Amazingly, he bowled the same delivery in his next over and this time, the dangerous Amir did
connect – but straight to square leg. Two wickets in two overs for Luke and suddenly Audlem sniffed blood!

Wooodcock was bowling an excellent spell at the other end and duly removed the other opener for 11. Styal were four down with 44 on the board.

At this point, Styal began their fightback. Proctor and Jackson put on a determined stand that slowly took Styal towards the target. However, just when Styal were beginning to take control, Woodcock struck and removed Jackson for 20. This was quickly followed by Jackson being bowled by Jones.

With the game at a critical stage, Elkes was bought back into the attack despite his slight injury. He responded by bowling Crowther with a beauty. Style were now 7 down with still 40 odd required. The game was heading towards Audlem.

However, Kia and Daniels had other ideas and refused to give in for the home team. They started to build another partnership and by now every run was being cheered by the home team players on the boundary. Slowly but surely, Styal edged towards the winning total.

Both batsman struck some lusty blows mixed with some singles and a fair amount of luck.

The topsy turvy game was clearly balanced towards Styal. Around 20 runs required with 3 wickets and 6 overs to go. The Audlem fielders started to fear the worst and the watching Styal players scented victory.

Suddenly, Elkes struck a crucial blow and bowled Daniels for 14. He quickly followed this by removing Kia for 15 and Styles brave fight was floundering. Jones applied the coup-de-grace by bowling Tucker for 2 and Audlem had won by 13 runs!

A magnificent game of cricket where neither team gave an inch. Audlem were the deserving victors on the day.

Elkes bowled magnificently for his 4-13 and was ably supported by Woodcock (2-57 off 15 overs), Jones (2-27 off 12 overs) and Harding (2-13 off 4 overs). Luke was given the player of the day for 6 crucial runs, 2 wickets and his juggling catch.

Next week, Audlem 2nds entertain Rostherne 1sts.
Scores:
Audlem: 126 (P Thorburm 32, Ahmad 3-15)
Styal: 113 (Elkes 4-13, Woodcock 2-57, Jones 2-27, Harding 2-13)

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