Ideal weekend puts Audlem in command of title battle

NSSCL Division Four

- Chris Travers

AUDLEM sampled double delight in NSSCL Division Four to move to the top of the table.

The new leaders saw off Hem Heath thirds on Saturday before beating Stafford seconds on Sunday to open up a 16-point advantage.

They were contrasting victories as well with Audlem easing past Hem Heath, but then having to dig deep to defeat Stafford.

On Saturday, Vijayan Rahul's 3-21, coupled with two wickets apiece for Simon Swift and Bertie Hardy, ensured Hem Heath were limited to 123-9 from their 40 overs.

Muhammad Rizwan top-scored with 29, with Chris Simpson and George Mitchell chipping in with 22 apiece.

Audlem had few concerns in wrapping up a seven-wicket success as Jake Topping set the tone with a 24-ball 50, which contained seven fours and two sixes.

Irfan Shaik (32), Richard Wilson (23no) and Tom Measures (16no) also starred for the winners.

And Audlem made it a perfect weekend by clinching a two-run victory at Stafford the following day.

Wilson formed the backbone of Audlem’s 199-8 as they recovered from a precarious 28-4.

He finished unbeaten on 111, which featured 15 fours and one six, with Will Hannam (29) lending valuable support.