Cricket: Both Lindow teams secure victories against Alvanley

Lindow CC

Lindow's First and Second XIs faced a double header against Alvanley C.C. on Saturday.

At Upcast Lane Lindow 1s were invited to bat first after losing the toss on a wicket offering plenty of bounce. The home team were off to a solid start as Australian Jake Martin (69) and 16 year old prodigy Ryan O'Brien (28) played a series of fluid drives through the off side to take the attack to the opening bowlers. No.3 Chris Taylor lived a little dangerously at times but contributed a useful 39 which meant that Lindow looked set for a big score, but a middle order collapse meant they ended on 212 for 8 wickets down.

A fast and hostile spell from Scott Howarth put the visitors on the back foot right from the start of their reply. Mixing his length beautifully, Howarth was bowling at a pace that proved too hot for the Alvanley top and middle order to handle. Well supported by skipper Ben Tyler (3-33) and spinner Alex Bosshardt (2-6 from seven overs), Howarth ended with figures of 5-32 to dismiss Alvanley for 109 and secure a fine 103 run victory.

It proved to be a similarly pleasing day for the 2s as they won by five wickets after a somewhat bizarre declaration from the Alvanley captain that proved costly. Alvanley's opening batsman scored a fine century as the home team scored 202 for the loss of just four wickets, but then voluntarily drew their innings to a close with three overs batting still available to them.

Alvanley were made to pay for this decision as opening bat Jamie Peel scored an exceptionally solid 60. Backed up by Andy Hume (40) and David Kendrick (40 not out), the target for victory was reached in the first extra over available to Lindow as a result of their host's declaration! The match was notable for the composure shown under pressure by U15 starlet Max Espley, who started his innings in a tight and difficult situation, but who saw his team home with the more experienced Kendrick in tow.

Lindow 3rd XI made the short journey to local rivals Wilmslow. The home team won the toss and elected to bat, a decision they soon regretted as an early run out was quickly followed in the same over by a sharp catch behind the stumps from Max Espley. The opening bowling of Arpan Desai and Jack Holland kept things tight, with both bowlers taking 2 wickets a piece. Wickets fell at regular intervals with Wilmslow eventually limping to 98 all out in the 40th over. The Lindow openers, Pete Venables and Max Espley, came out all guns blazing and quickly made it to 30 before the first wicket fell. That brought Dan Braddock to the crease who played some aggressive strokes to rapidly give Lindow the win in the 15th over.

Match report by Rowan Day.

Tags:
Cricket, Lindow Cricket Club
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Comments

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David Nelson
Wednesday 3rd August 2016 at 3:10 pm
The inclusion of younger players at senior level should be an encouragement to all youngsters to strive to do their best. Max is not the only young man to succeed at the senior's, and I sincerely hope many others will follow. Well done Lindow for joining the dots between young and not so young.