Lindow moved a step closer to a double promotion season this weekend. The 1st team travelled to Cholmondley anticipating a tough challenge. The home side won the toss and elected to bat on what looked to be a very good hard wicket, with a fast outfield. Cholmondley got off to a good start, scoring boundaries freely until Hassan Mahmood removed the danger man. A combination of Tyler, Bosshardt and Bull bowled tightly, keeping the opposition total down to a below par 181 for 5 off the 45 over's.
In reply a new opening partnership of Jamie Peel (40) and Pat Christys (89*) worked a dream, with the pair batting superbly and putting on 115 for the first wicket. Peel eventually was bowled, bringing Dan Braddock to the crease who moved the run rate on to chase down the 182 total. Braddock eventually fell, bringing Tyler to the crease to support Christys in hitting the winning runs with 8 wickets so spare and 7 overs. A maximum point win for Lindow who currently sit in second place behind Mere who are 20 points clear, but visit Upcast Lane next Saturday for what could be a title decider.
The unbeaten second team welcomed Over Peover to Upcast Lane and lost the toss with the visitors electing to bat. Hume and Ahmed opened the bowling keeping it tight, before Ahmed found his line and pace and delivered a spell of bowling not seen for some time at Lindow. The Peover batsmen were unable to deal with the variation and accuracy and the spell included a career first hatrick for the paceman. Supported well by Howarth and Stubbs, Ahmed took apart the visitors picking up 6 wickets and bowling them out for 77.
James and Rob Venables again opened the batting for Lindow and quickly moved the score towards the low target. James Venables was the pick of the batsmen, scoring a classy 30. Some tight bowling by the visitors and a slightly relaxing batting style from Lindow enabled the visitors to pick up 5 wickets in the run chase, however Lindow never really looked troubled and knocked the total off with plenty over to spare.
This 25 point victory as good as secures promotion for Lindow 2s and 13 points from the remaining 2 games will ensure they are crowned champions and will be playing for the first time in Cheshire League Division A next season.
Both Lindow 1sts and 2nds are 3 games away from a double promotion which will be the first time in the club history that both sides would be competing in the top level leagues next season.
Match report by David Kendrick.