Cricket: Lindow given more to smile about

Adam Bull

Lindow 1sts travelled to Ashton on Mersey, still searching for their first victory of the season.

Once again Skipper Walker won the toss and decided to bowl on a pretty flat pitch that looked like it may do something early doors. Henry Grover broke the opening partnership early on, taking two wickets in quick succession and was supported well be Ben Rose who bowled a tight line and also picked up a wicket.

The home side however dug in and as the track flattened out the small boundary and lightning quick outfield allowed the score to quickly progress and they declared on 233 for 6.

The rain came in during tea and 7 overs were lost due to the downpour, however play resumed. The conditions had become difficult and the openers started tentatively seeing out the first 10 overs before the first wicket was lost. Blayde Baker (36) played positively and was supported by Dan Braddock (23) who began to force the wet ball to the boundary. After losing a couple more wickets Adam Bull (57) came in and played the Ashton spinners with class. However, the overs were running out and even with the support of aggressive Alex Taylor towards the end of the innings it was all too little too late with Lindow ending up on 157 for 6 and drawing the match.

This weekend saw a top of the table clash as first placed Ashton-on-Mersey 2nd XI were welcomed to Upcast Lane to face second in the table Lindow 2nd XI. After losing the toss, Lindow were asked to bowl first and Ashton made a solid start moving to 20 off 5 overs.

Khalid Ahmed made the initial breakthrough for Lindow with Ben Gedrodge taking a towering catch after a leading edge from the Ashton opener. Ashton's other opener was soon to follow with Rowan Day taking a sharp catch off David McBride. Ashton continued to lose wickets regularly until at 80 for 6 they put together a solid 7th wicket partnership of 50 before David McBride made the breakthrough and after a few lusty blows from the Ashton tail end, Lindow were able to take the final wicket with the total on 173 – Khalid Ahmed finishing with 5 for 47.

Rain came during the tea interval which resulted in the overs available to make the chase being reduced to 36. Ashton made a solid start taking 2 early wickets leaving Lindow in 3 for 2. Andy Hume and Rowan Day began the rebuilding job and moved the total to 40 before Rowan Day was bowled. This brought Mike Parr to the crease and the run rate immediately accelerated with both batsmen finding regular boundaries. It was not until Lindow had reached 130 before Mike Parr was run out for 42 but Andy Hume carried his for a superb knock of 84, with Lindow reaching the target off 32 overs.

The result continues Lindow's unbeaten streak and returns them to the top of the league. Next week, the team travel to Runcorn.

Member post by David Kendrick.

Tags:
Cricket, Lindow Cricket Club
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