Cricket: Win puts Lindow within shot of promotion places

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A fantastic team performance saw Lindow's first team march towards the top of the table in Saturday's league match.

After winning the toss and electing to bat against the struggling Hale Barns, openers Rocker Robinson (38) and Joe Booth (18) got the hosts off to a typically quick start. While the run rate remained high, wickets tumbled steadily but a captain's innings from Ben Tyler (55*) ensured Lindow managed to finish on a credible 252.

In reply, Hale Barns never really looked like reaching that total and three quick wickets from the opening partnership of Howarth and Walker put Lindow firmly on top. With five overs to go Lindow needed to take three wickets to prevent the draw and they duly delivered with Joe Booth producing a moment of magic with a breathtaking direct hit run out in the second to last over. That result gives Lindow another 25 points and to within shot of the promotion places.

After being put into bat on a lively wicket, Lindow 1st XI openers Christys and Robinson made a steady start to Sunday's Cheshire Cup knockout battle. In what was a slow-paced innings, Lindow managed to reach 185 from their 45 overs - Christys top scoring with 50. In response, Irby got off to a quick start but tight bowling from Luke Unsworth and Moggy Barratt made life difficult for the home side. In what proved to be a closer game than Cheshire County Cricket League Division 2 side Irby were expecting, they managed to secure victory seven wickets down with just four overs to go. Lindow now go into the Cheshire Shield where they hope to make good progress.

Saturday saw league leaders Lindow 2nd XI travel to nearby Hale Barns hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Lindow got off to an excellent start with openers Jamie Peel (24) and Dan Braddock (53) unleashing some sumptuous off and cover drives in putting on 61 for the first wicket. Their efforts were built upon by James Bracewell who scored a well constructed 40, and Andy Hume with 32 to set the home team a very challenging 203 for victory.

In truth, Hale Barns were never in a position to threaten outright victory as tight bowling from Hassan Mahmood (2 for 22) and leg spinner Matt Ramsden kept the scoring rate down. However, the Hale Barns batsmen dug in for what looked a likely draw until paceman Ben Rose was introduced into the attack (3-25) and skipper Rowan Day brought himself on to claim the last wickets (4-1) and seal another victory.

It was a gloomy Sunday and Lindow's 3rd team were looking to continue their winning start to the season, welcoming Rainhill to Upcast Lane. Liam Howarth and Pete Venables got Lindow off to a solid start but Venables couldn't keep out a yorker in the 7th over and was bowled. Lindow continued to build steadily but wickets also fell at regular intervals. Some aggressive ball striking from Scott Gaylard and Robbie Lees pushed Lindow up to 185-6.

In reply Tom Jones struck early to remove the Rainhill opener, but the visitors started to build a platform from which to launch a bid for victory before Howarth made an important breakthrough removing the remaining opening batsman. Wickets then fell steadily with Howarth finishing with 5 ensuring a successful weekend for the Upcast Lane club.

Match report by Rowan Day.

Tags:
Cricket, Lindow Cricket Club
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