20 June 2009, Lindow CC 1st XI vs. Wilmslow (h)
Derby Delight
Wilmslow 187 for 8 dec, Lindow 189 for 4
Lindow (20pts) beat Wilmslow (12) by 6 wickets
Lindow’s imperious batting form swept them to comfortable win against their cross-town rivals, after a shambolic fielding display had threatened to undermine the home side’s prospects.
After winning the toss, with one eye on the threatening skies, the visitors were asked to bat and struggled mightily against Lindow’s impressive opening pair, Bradshaw and Grover (2 for 37). The visitors tried to attack and had more than their share of good fortune as the ball squirted off edges and into gaps, while there was also the occasional good shot, particularly from Herriot (34) and Fulker (41). Lindow, though, reduced the visitors to 53 for 5 before Fulker was dropped on 0, the first of 5 catches to go down, and he made the home side pay by adding 73 with Patel (43) as the change bowling struggled to make much impression. By the time Grover and Bradshaw came back the visitors had momentum and it took them to an impressive 187 for 8 declared. With the ball, it was Matt Bradshaw’s day as he picked up a well deserved 6 for 69.
When it came time to chase down the total, Lindow swept comfortably to victory on the back of another imperious knock from Dave Foreman. His unbeaten 72 (11x4) was aided by attacking knocks from Clarke (31) and Law (32), with whom he added 51. When Slinn (0) was sent back quickly the visitors had a glimmer of hope with Lindow 99 for 4, but Alex Taylor came in to play his most impressive innings to date for the 1st XI, supporting Foreman admirably in an unbeaten stand of 90, of which he contributed 28 not out. In the end Lindow swept home with more than 7 overs to spare as the visiting bowlers plugged away helplessly.
So Lindow goes into its showdown with second placed Pott Shrigley next week unbeaten since opening day and with 5 consecutive wins behind them.
