Lindow 1st XI hosted to local rivals Prestbury on a glorious summers day at Upcast lane. Uncharacteristically, skipper Walker lost the toss and Prestbury eagerly opted to bat on flat looking wicket and quick outfield.
Lindow's seam attack was firing on all cylinder and took advantage of the hard deck with the new ball. Howarth (16-2) made short work of Prestbury's opener, finding the edge of the bat and shortly after broke the bails to send their number 3 back to the pavilion.
The Prestbury captain then came to the crease and showed great courage and a dogged resistance to the Lindow onslaught to stabilise their innings and allow them to slowly creep into the points zone. Some teasing leg spin from Ramsden (40-1) finally broke the partnership with their skipper chipping it up to mid-off.
Prestbury's lower middle order fell to a similar fate off some intelligent bowling from Tyler (49-3) that left them out of time and with a below par score of 171-6 to defend.
Lindow's openers started on the offensive, taking advantage of an inexperienced Prestbury bowling attack. Booth (69) and Baker (71*) had the Prestbury fielders chasing the ball to all corners of the park before Booth finally picked out deep mid-off that saw Lindow on 135-1 off 25 overs. Christys (17*) joined Baker in the middle and sensibly supported the freely playing opener to see Lindow home to their second consecutive win of the season in just 32 overs.
The 2nd XI did not have such a successful day as a young and inexperienced team travelled to Cholmondeley and unfortunately were soundly beaten. Batting first Lindow accumulated 125, with just one partnership of note between Jamie Peel who batted doggedly for 50 and Liam Howarth (36).
Lindow had the home team viewing 126 as a significant target when taking a wicket with the very first ball of the innings, but that turned out to be the full extent of Lindow's joy in the field. The Cholomondeley No.3 came in and immediately launched into a series of aggressive strokes. He reached 91 not out in double quick time and the home team passed Lindow's total with ease.
The 3rd team were victorious on Sunday in a game started with youngster Tom jones opening the bowling and keeping it tight. He didn't get the rewards he deserved, just picking up the 1 wicket. A modest total of 125 was set. After losing Wilkinson with the score on 15 Gaylard and Jones combined to put on 70 before Jones fell for 47. McBride came in swinging and hit a quick fire 25 to seal the victory.
Match report by David Kendrick.
