Another perfect Saturday for Lindow as all three senior teams won their matches.
The 1st XI hosted Hale Barns at Upcast Lane, looking to build on their midweek heroics against Toft. Having won the toss and chosen to bat doubts could have crept in as the hosts found themselves 16-3. However, this team continues to find ways of getting out of tricky situations and the determination of Bobby Hassard (67) and the flair of Major Khan (96) saw 169 added for the fourth wicket. Further positive batting saw Lindow declare on 246-7 off 48 overs.
In response Hale Barns found it tough going against Tim Young (2-49) and Alex Matthews, struggling to 47-4. The visitors then dug in and as the runs increased and the overs passed by it looked as though Lindow's winning run may be halted. On 135 the fifth wicket finally arrived as Matthews (3-60) bowled Dodson for 57. From here, despite some initial resistance, it was the Sultan Raja show as he took 5-29 and even finished the match with a hat-trick. Hale Barns were bowled out for 203, giving Lindow a fifth win in a row and with it top spot in the league table.
Lindow 2nd XI travelled to Cheadle Hulme looking for a victory to maintain their chase for the promotion places. Lindow won the toss and batted which looked a good decision as 69 was added for the first wicket when Dan Braddock departed for 30. His opening partner, and captain for the day, Ian Park then took charge, scoring 106 and giving Lindow the foundations for a big score. 38 from David Kendrick and 26 not out from Max Espley helped see Lindow to 258-4 declared off just 44 overs.
The Cheadle Hulme response was a one man rearguard as nine wickets fell before Ali Altaf was finally removed for 124. At that point the rest of the team had only collectively added 62 and Cheadle Hulme were dismissed for 186. The pick of the Lindow bowlers was Khalid Ahmed (5-58), well supported by Rowan Day (3-28), David Mcbride (1-19), Liam Howarth (1-47) and young spinner Joe Day who earned his call up having impressed for the 3rd XI. The win takes Lindow up to third and extends their unbeaten run to five games.
Lindow 3rd XI welcomed top of the table neighbours, Styal 2nd XI to their Alderley Park ground. Having won the toss, Lindow captain for the day James Venables, elected to bowl. A good bowling performance saw Styal dismissed for 160 with Simon Bolton (3-23), Jacob Williams (2-29), Simon Rowland (2-47) and Rick Clegg (1-44) the wicket takers.
In response Venables led from the front. His 91 took the game away from Styal and with support from Andy Hume (42), the home side wrapped up a six wicket win in the 23rd over.
Photo: Lindow 1st XI.
Match report by Rowan Day.
