Browse Sections

• Local football
• Local cricket
• Golf

Lindow suffer at the hands of Stockport

9/ 7/2008

LINDOW'S poor form continued when they endured a disappointing six-wicket defeat in only 55 overs of play at the hands of league leaders Stockport.

Batting first, the home side got a decent platform from Fernyhough (18) and Farmer (20) as they saw out the first 10 overs and put 38 on the board.

However, mayhem ensued after the first wicket fell as Lindow's batsmen alternated exciting attacking play with regular donations of wickets to the visitors’ bemused bowlers.

Skipper Bracewell was unlucky to be brilliantly caught and bowled for just three, but few others sold their wickets dearly enough as the Upcast Lane side were bowled out for just 135 in the 33rd over.

Ben Squires did show welcome signs of returning form as he played some fine shots on his way to 36, and Andy Hume survived the tail-end carnage for an unbeaten 21.

Porritt's four for 14 was the best return for the visitors.

Lindow never had enough runs to trouble the league leaders and, despite an early wicket for Andy Hume, who took one for 50, opener Barber proved an immovable object.

Masud (two for 48) briefly raised hopes with two wickets to have the visitors 59-3, but Jones came in and atacked from the off, riding his luck as he quickly took the game away from Lindow.

When Ben Squires (one for 13) finally trapped Jones LBW, he had made 49 in a stand of 74 with Barber and Stockport were on the brink.

Porritt came in to hit the winning boundary and Barber marched from the field with an excellent unbeaten 58 and 25 crucial points for the visitor's promotion push.

Lindow's second XI had another win to maintain their own promotion push. Visiting distant Malpas, Lindow posted an impressive 203-3 declared from just 38 overs, skipper Dave Kendrick calling an early halt with one eye on the weather. Wild (58) and Peel (65) led the way for the visitors.

The home side were never in the hunt and Kendrick, Ahmed and Peel each took three wickets as Malpas were eventually bowled out for just 113, giving Lindow a win that took them into second place in the league.