After a challenging first week, Lindow first team travelled to Oakmere in search of their first victory of the season.
Skipper Walker won the toss and elected to bat on a firm wicket, knowing rain was forecast later in the day.
The home side's openers bowled an exceptionally tight line and took the wicket of Ramsden after 4 overs with even less runs on the board. Increasing the pressure Lindow found runs hard to come by and some wicket to wicket bowling kept the top 5's score to a minimum, until Ben Tyler (54) counter attacked and took the aggressive approach, leaving Lindow on a score of 158 all out.
Mahmood (0 for 11 off 9) and Walker opened the bowling and for the second week running kept things tight until skipper Walker picked up the first wicket removing one of the home sides openers. This brought the home side's skipper to the crease who began to build a solid partnership for the 2nd wicket, pushing the score into 3 figures before spinner Ramsden claimed his first wicket and managed to break it.
Henry Grover, returning from 2 years in Australia, then joined the attack and picked up his first wicket of the season before rain stopped play. Although only 1 over was lost to the weather, the wetter conditions seemed to suit the batting side as they pushed the score on to 120 for 4, closing in nicely on the target of 158. Walker returned to the attack with a spell that changed the game, picking up 4 wickets, with 3 in one over.
This had a big impact on the home side who then decided to shut up shop and played for the draw as opposed to risking defeat. Lindow were unable to take the final 2 wickets leaving the home side on 136 for 8 and the game ending in a draw.
A good team effort, with Lindow showing signs of settling into League 1 and hopefully not long until the first victory is achieved.
Lindow 2nd XI welcomed Oakmere 2nd XI to Upcast Lane hoping to achieve their second victory in as many weeks. Although the wicket had taken on some water after the downpour the night before, the game was able to begin on time with Lindow winning the toss and deciding to bowl first.
The decision appeared the correct one with both opening bowlers, K. Ahmed (15-0-16-4) and B. Rose (7.1-0-14-4) bowling with great pace and accuracy to reduce Oakmere to 26 for 5. The change bowlers were equally as effective with youngster T. Jones (4-0-11-1) maintaining the pressure and picking up his first senior wicket.
With the fielding superbly backing up the bowlers, in particular J. Venables, R. Venables and T. Jones taking some good catches, Oakere were eventually all out for 76 off 29.1 overs.
With dark clouds threatening around the ground, quick work was needed in the run chase and Lindow did not disappoint. After the early loss of opener J. Peel (5), J. Venables (22*) and J. Booth (38*) serenely took Lindow past the Oakmere total in 16 overs – a great team performance. Next week Lindow travel to Chester County Officers looking to maintain their 100% record.
Match report by David Kendrick.
