Rahul is hero of the hour as he guides Audlem to points

VIJAYAN Rahul delivered some late-innings batting heroics to guide Audlem to a thrilling one-wicket success against Burslem seconds in NSSCL Division Four.

- Chris Travers

Audlem were on the brink of defeat as they slipped to 177-9 in pursuit of their victory target of 198, despite Ben Salisbury’s 33, 26 from David Parkinson and 21 from Chris Shenton.

However, Rahul and last man Simon Swift refused to throw in the towel, which set up a nervy conclusion.

Audlem required eight runs to win off the final two balls - and Rahul held his nerve to hit a four and a six to see the home side to an entertainment triumph.

Rahul walked off unbeaten on 51, which came off 29 balls and featured seven fours and two sixes. Swift also played his part with two not out to deny Burslem.

The visitors saw Adam Ainsworth claim 3-21, while there were double strikes from Syed Haider Bukhari, Wasim Ahmed and Darren Hof.

Earlier in the day, Burslem made their way to 197-5 from their 40 overs on the back of half-centuries from experienced campaigners Michael Rowley and Chris Lowndes.

Rowley made 52 not out, featuring six fours, with Lowndes striking eight boundaries in his 51. The pair put on 108 for the fifth wicket.

Mohammed Uwais Mukhtar (30no) added late impetus to the innings, while Rahul struck twice before delivering with the bat in the run chase.

Silverdale seconds held their nerve to beat their Stafford counterparts by one run.