Cricket: Lindow 1sts cruise to victory over Woodford

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The first home game for Lindow saw the arrival of a Woodford side fresh from a 25 point win the previous weekend.

In stark contrast to last week the game begun amidst showers of hailstones. The Woodford skipper called the toss correctly and chose to have a bat on what looked like a flat pitch. Despite an early setback the visitors got off to a great start scoring at 5 runs an over for the first 15.

At 110 -2 at the drinks break it looked like 200 would be minimum but telling spells from both Barratt (4-42) and Tyler (3-48), helped by some good catching and wicket keeping, turned the tide in favour of the home side. Sam Walker's spell (3-30) towards the end of the innings ensured there was no late order resistance and the visitors finished on 148 all out.

Lindow's openers responded in a steady but sedate fashion and built a good base from which the target could be attacked. The fall of Hoyle (18) brought Mitchell to the crease with the score at 38-1. Mitchell deposited the Woodford bowlers to all parts of the ground and they really had no answers to the onslaught. Despite the fall of both Ramsden (19) and Tyler in quick succession, Mitchell was joined by Bull and the two calmly went about building a solid partnership. It took a moment of brilliance in the field to remove Mitchell for a top class 78. A few quick wickets for the Woodford spinner tested the nerves of the home side but Bull (20*) took the responsibility on to see the home side over the line.

Lindow 2nd XI made the short trip to Prestbury for their 2nd game of the season. Once again, skipper Inglis lost the toss and was asked to make first use of the wicket.

A short sharp shower within the first 4 overs of play really spiced the wicket up and Prestbury took full advantage by removing both Lindow openers, J. Peel (9) and R. Day (5). The Prestbury bowlers were bowling good tight lines and the pitch was giving them plenty of assistance. However, Bracewell and Inglis weathered the onslaught and once the wicket began to dry out they began to get on top of the Prestbury bowling unit and combined for a partnership of 147 before Inglis was caught in the deep for 87.

Some quick fire middle order runs from D. Kendrick (6) and A. Taylor (10*) couple with a superlative 68* for Bracewell allowed Lindow to declare at 203 for 4 off 43 overs.

The declaration gave Lindow 47 overs to bowl at Prestbury and another win looked on the cards when H. Mahmood struck early. However, Prestbury's other opener, Nasri and number 3 batsman Phillips put on a quick fire 50 partnership to put Prestbury in a good position to go for the win. However, just when things looked to be getting away from Lindow, Howarth removed Phillips for 21 and Peel captured the third wicket to fall.

Once again Lindow scented victory but Prestbury seemed intent on going for the draw and began to block out. Unfortunately, Lindow could not break the fourth wicket partnership until the 40th over and by this point the game as a contest was over but the bowling attack kept working hard and managed the take another 3 wickets before the close of Prestbury's innings on 175 for 7.

16 points on the day and an unbeaten start to the season. Next week, Lindow entertain Wirral at Upcast Lane.

Match report by David Kendrick.

Tags:
Cricket, Lindow Cricket Club
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