Leek hold their nerve to net the points in Audley clash

LEEK seconds inched to a one-wicket victory over Audley 2nd XI in NSSCL Division Three.

- Chris Travers

The Moorlanders were set 157 to win - and the run chase proved to be a tense affair as high-flying Audley looked to continue their fine form.

However, Leek found a batting hero in Joshua Woodcock, who compiled 71, which contained 10 fours and one six.

And with Damien Harvey adding 25 and Harry Rutterford making 23, Leek squeezed over the line.

Lucy Shenton and Richard Holloway helped themselves to 4-27 and 3-17 for Audley, but it wasn't quite enough.

Earlier in the day, Audley's 156 all out had been centred around Matthew Hammersley's 40, 34 from Holloway and 24 from Andrew Johnson.

Harvey (3-18) and Dave Ratcliffe (3-28) took three wickets apiece for Leek, while Brad Grindey struck twice.

Leaders Eccleshall seconds made it seven wins from nine outings with victory at home over Barlaston 2nd XI.

It was Eccleshall's bowlers who set up the triumph as they teamed up to dismiss Barlaston for 125.

Alistair Hunt and Jordan Beasley both finished with 3-17 and Jack Armstrong took 3-19 to leave the home side in control.