Runs galore as Audley take the points in battle of the strugglers

THE bottom two in NSSCL Division Seven - Audley thirds and Onneley seconds - served up a remarkable match at the weekend.

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Both sides have a mountain to climb to avoid relegation, but they cranked up the entertainment in Saturday's meeting.

Onneley seconds took first use and managed to amass 265-6 from their AO overs.

Muhammad Haleem top-scored with 72, with other notable efforts coming from Umar Yusuf (36no), Adeel Nusrat (31) and Mick Knowles (28no).

And their cause was also helped by their rivals conceding an eye-watering 84 extras.

Shanto Pynadath Shaju and Clint Thankachan shared four of the wickets to fall.

That total looked like being a tough challenge for home side Audley... but they completed a five-wicket win inside 30 overs.

Abin Varghese fronted the successful chase with 101 not out, backed up by 45 from Lanchumon Baby, 27 from Joseph Joshy, George Lawler’s 23 and 19 from Finlay Shepherd.

Haleem and Adrian Baddeley picked up a couple of wickets apiece for Onneley.

Betley seconds prevailed in their home encounter with Porthill Park fifths.

A Clarke (37), R Barker (27), J Carter (26) and A Whitehurst (24) joined forces to guide Betley to 173-7 in the first half. B Magiban and L Rogers took two wickets each.

V Deo and S McCambridge contributed 35 and 26 respectively in Porthill Park’s run chase.

But they fell short, being bowled out for 138, as L Cheetham (3-19), C Richards (3-28) and Barker (3-36) all grabbed three wickets.

Hem Heath fourths were knocked off top spot - and are now in third - after losing at Congleton seconds.

Congleton were set 176 for victory and managed to power across the line to complete an eight-wicket win.

S Prime hit 13 fours and one six in a fine 81 not out, with S Stubbs adding 56, hitting 10 boundaries in the process. G Eyre (20no) finished off matters.