Lindow 1st XI hosted Stockport at Upcast Lane knowing that the visitors' low position in the table didn't reflect the quality within their side. Having been put into bat Lindow were struggling at 17-2 before a 54 run partnership between Major Khan (41) and Tim Affleck (29) steadied things. Alex Matthews (34) and Adam Bull then added 26 and at 135-4 it looked like Lindow would post a big score, but the Stockport bowlers ripped through the lower order to leave Lindow 155 all out.
The Lindow bowlers knew they needed a good start and it couldn't have been any better. Stockport captain and opener Jatoi was caught first ball off Saleem Akram (4-22) and fellow opener Ghous was removed shortly after for nought by Matthews (3-24). By now Lindow sensed this could be their day and put in a high-class bowling and fielding display. With the opening bowlers off, Rana Rauf (2-16) and Sully Raja (1-16) carried things on and supported by smart catches from Affleck and Rob Herriott, Stockport were dismissed for just 81. Another good victory for Lindow who continue to set the pace at the top of the table.
Lindow 2nd XI travelled to Stockport looking to maintain their spot in the promotion places. Having won the toss Lindow elected to bowl and club junior Ben Hamilton-Ryan was handed the new ball. His 2-39 was supported by 2-35 from Will Beckley and 3-28 from Rowan Day. With further wickets for Ed Freeth and Paul Wilson, Stockport finished 175-9.
The Lindow response was led from the front by skipper Ian Park who batted through for a fantastic 72 not out. The target was reached after 34 overs with Matt Hoyle (26), Beckley (22) and Matt Myatt (23 not out) all chipping in. With 14 year olds opening the batting and bowling, senior players showing their class and excellent leadership from captain Park, this 2nd XI is an exciting team and certainly has the ability to continue challenging at the top of the table.
Lindow 3rd XI made it four wins in the last five games after a thrilling run chase at Appleton. The hosts posted 220-8 from their 40 overs with wickets for Jack Rae, Max Espley, Joe Day, Connor Roxburgh and Will Espley.
A big chase seemed even bigger after Lindow lost both openers quickly, but 170 run partnership between Max Espley (98 not out) and Ateeb Mehmood (94) changed the game. Lindow eventually got home with two balls to spare for a memorable away win.
On Sunday Lindow 4th XI hosted North East Cheshire CC in a top of the table clash. The visitors elected to bat and at 99-8 it looked like being Lindow's day, but some excellent lower order batting saw the score finish 153-9. Henry James (3-47), Rob Venables (2-12) and Charlie Hodge (2-23) the pick of Lindow's bowlers.
The second half was a nail biter. With 28 from both Pete Hodge and Henry James the game was in the balance as Lindow reached 140-8 with just three overs to go. The visitors' bowlers held their nerve and removed the last two Lindow wickets to give them a ten run victory. A win would have capped off the perfect weekend for Lindow, but sometimes you just have to enjoy a close fought game and applaud your opponents. On to next weekend!
Photo: Max Espley (98 not out for Lindow 3rd XI).
Match report by Rowan Day.
