Cricket: Both Lindow teams sitting top of the table

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With both teams remaining unbeaten this season, Lindow 1sts travelled to Aston CC with high hopes.

Skipper Barratt won the toss and elected to bat on what proved to be a challenging track. Openers Ramsden (41) and Hoyle (18) put on a good start, however the Aston bowlers kept things tight and picked off a number of the Lindow top order. Ramsden was the pick of the batsmen, staying at the crease for over 30 overs. After a tough battle the visitors finished on a total of 143 all out.

The second innings started badly with the home side picking off runs easily and sitting comfortably on 49 for 1 off 20 overs. The game then changed with a superb spell of bowling from Ben Hayes. After an initial couple of overs Hayes found his line and bowled a double wicket and treble wicket maiden in succession ripping through the Aston batsmen. Lindow were now firmly on the front foot, eventually bowing out the home side for 74, with Hayes finishing with 7 wickets. A string finish allowed Lindow to walk away will maximum points and sitting top of the Mellor Braggins Division 2 table.

The Lindow 2nds entertained Wirral at a sunny but breezy Upcast Lane. Wirral chose to bat first on what looked like a flat track after stand-in skipper Bracewell lost the toss. The Lindow bowling attack was in the ascendancy from the start with runs at a premium and both opening batsmen back in the shed with the score under 40.

After tight opening spells from Ahmed and Rose the real damage was done by an aggressive burst from Alex Taylor who bowled with genuine pace and no little venom. Two quick wickets had Wirral reeling and despite some dogged defence they never recovered eventually being all out for 102. Of the other bowlers Day was the pick taking four wickets to mop up the tail cheaply.

In contrast to the slow start to the Wirral innings, Lindow set about the run chase with gusto. Venables smashed a quick-fire 27 off 20 balls whilst Peel (38no) punished anything too full or wide at the other end. Although a couple of wickets went down in quick succession it was left to Bracewell (10no) to hit the winning runs in the 15th over.

Lindow are now sitting pretty at the top of the table but can expect tougher challenges ahead.

Match report by David Kendrick.

Tags:
Cricket, Lindow Cricket Club
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