Saturday proved to be a tricky day for Lindow's two promotion chasing teams in a double header with Heaton Mersey.
The Lindow 1st XI welcomed the Stockport club to Upcast Lane and were put into bat by the visitors after losing the toss. The first ten overs were frenetic with runs coming quickly but at the expense of valuable wickets. At 50-4 it was time for overseas star Brady Yates to exert his influence, and how well he did it, scoring his first Lindow century. Having been ably supported by Luke Unsworth (44), Yates finished on 110 and Lindow set what they hoped to be a competitive target of 220.
It was not to be for Lindow though, as Heaton Mersey batted extremely well and were never put under serious pressure by the home team's bowling attack. Ultimately the visitors deserved their six wicket win.
Lindow's 2nd team went into their top of the table clash with Heaton Mersey 15 points clear of their rivals, but that points gap was closed after a tense finish to Saturday's match.
On a warm and sultry afternoon, the home team batted first and ran up a total of 216 for the loss of only five wickets. The only highlight from Lindow's point of view was keeping the target down to a reasonable level via tight bowling at the end of the innings by captain Rowan Day (2-25 from seven overs).
In reply Lindow were soon in trouble at 1-1 but there followed a partnership between Peel (34) and Dan Braddock (57) that provided real hope that the challenging target could be reached. Some tight bowling from home spinner Shah, who extracted considerable turn from the pitch, prompted something of a collapse however, and soon Lindow were clinging on for a draw. Thanks to a stoical performance from No.10 Khalid Ahmed, Lindow were able to bat out the remaining overs to finish on 137 for 9, denying the home team outright victory and thereby remain top of the league table, albeit by a reduced points margin.
On Sunday the Lindow 3rd XI travelled to picturesque Pott Shrigley, hoping to maintain their strong form. Led by a very youthful bowling attack, Lindow soon had their hosts in trouble with 13 year old Max Green taking three wickets. Accurate bowling from leg spinner Ben Davies and old head Jack Holland kept the score down and at the end of the 35 overs, Pott Shrigley had been restricted to 140 all out.
In reply opening batsman Pete Venables scored an exciting 51 before retiring unbeaten and solid contributions from skipper Scott Gaylard (33) and all rounder Holland (17) saw Lindow reach their target with an over to spare.
Finally, Lindow are very proud of junior member and wicketkeeper Charlie Hodge, who has been selected by Cheshire to represent the county in forthcoming U11 matches.
Match report by Rowan Day.
