Local rivals Chelford were welcomed to a sunny Upcast Lane for their 1st team clash with Lindow and the good conditions meant a high scoring game was guaranteed.
Chelford batted first and despite losing wickets at fairly regular intervals they were going well at 120 for 4 after 25 overs. With two set batsmen and some brutal hitting a big total looked on the cards.
The brakes were only applied by a game changing catch from Bracewell who plucked the ball one-handed at full stretch on the boundary to remove the danger man Khurran (50). Vora (57no) brought home the Chelford innings which finished on what looked like a par total of 227 for 8. Whilst Ramsden (4-41) grabbed the lion's share of wickets, Tyler (2-90) toiled away for much of the afternoon and was the only Lindow bowler who could apply any sustained control over the Chelford innings.
The Lindow innings suffered a terrible start as Fenn (2-29) took two wickets in the first three balls. At 0 for 2 a successful run chase looked a long way off but Mitchell and Peel went about rebuilding with strong defence combined with positive intent. When Peel fell for 44 the score stood at 110 for 3 with 21 overs remaining and the tension began to build as an exciting climax appeared likely.
Bracewell (38) batted aggressively but Mitchell stepped up to another level as he hit the ball to all parts of the ground. Fittingly Mitchell hit the winning runs with 3 overs to spare finishing on 139no, a performance of rare quality and a new club record to boot. The game was played in a fantastic spirit and the win leaves Lindow 10 points clear in second place with half of the season complete.
Lindow 2nds travelled to Cheadle Ladybridge, looking to continue their unbeaten start to 2013. The home side won the toss and put Lindow into bat. Lindow openers Hume (70) and Perry (46) put on a superb opening stand of 110, building a solid foundation for the remainder of the innings. Quickfire 30's from Huq, Kendrick and debutant Park. A superb team performance with scores finishing on 247 for 5 off the 45 over's.
Ahmed and Hume opened the bowling for the visitors but were unable to make an early breakthrough until the 12 over, with Hume knocking over the middle stump of his opposing batsman. Taking the pace off the ball appeared to be the order of the day with another debutant Alex Bosshardt bowling a superb spell of 15 overs, keeping things tight and picking up 4 wickets in the process. He was supported by Kendrick and Wearne from the other end, however Lindow were only able to pick up 7 wickets with the home side finishing on 143 for 7 off the 45 over's. This continues the 2nds unbeaten run of 11 games and they remain firmly at the top of Division B.
Both teams face Barnton next week as the half way point of the season is reached.
Photo: Matt Mitchell who broke the club's batting record at the weekend with 139 not out.
Match report by David Kendrick.
