Stand in skipper, Ben Tyler, won the toss for Lindow on a perfect batting deck and Upcast Lane and chose to bat first. Lindow started off carefully with Ramsden (27) and Mitchell (22) building a good base to build upon. The Aston bowling attack were controlled and made it hard to score which left the total at 71 for 3 when Skipper Tyler (47*) came to join Christys (80) at the crease. The two put on a partnership of 125 which would prove to be crucial, seeing the home side up to 223 at the half way point with some big hitting from Ian Park (19) at the end.
The home side came out knowing that 25 points was a must to continue their promotion chase. Chris Wickenden picked up 2 wickets in his first over (2-18) putting the home side in control, supported at the other end by pace man Howarth (2-40).
Patience was required as Aston rallied, putting more pressure on the home side, until skipper Tyler showed that persistence and bowling in good areas would make the difference. He picked up 5 wickets for 16, with Aston finishing on 114 all out. This win pushes Lindow 34 clear of Woodford in 3rd who slipped up again at the weekend.
The second team travelled to bottom side Wirral and skipper Parr won the toss and elected to bat. The innings couldn't have started any worse for the league leaders, finding themselves 11 for 3. The innings was stabalised through Konda (31) who dug in, supported by Parr who played his usual aggressive style, picking up a useful 32.
Stubbs (64) and McBride (59) then came to the crease and put on a match winning partnership, hitting big shots to all parts of the ground leaving the visitors all out for 218 off 31 over's. A lesson to be learnt as the overs were not fully utilised however this would not be an issue.
Ahmed (11 over's, 3 for 24) and McBride (7 over's, 3 for 11) opened the bowling with good spells and putting Wirral immediately on the back foot. Good fielding and taking the chances allowed Stubbs to come on to bowl and clear up the tail with solid on the spot bowling, with Wearne also chipping in at the death removing the number 11's off stump with a swinging delivery.
Another maximum point weekend with the 2nd team remaining unbeaten in all competitions. To ensure promotion they may need to use their allocated over's in future weeks.
Photo: Skipper and match winner Ben Tyler.
Match report by David Kendrick.
